Australian Football

After progressing through the ranks at St Kilda Stephen Rae made his senior league debut in 1969. An elusive, clever half forward flanker who excelled at creative handball he gave the Saints consistent service in 55 VFL games over four and a half seasons in which he booted 36 goals. Midway through the 1973 season he crossed to Richmond, and it proved to be a timely move as the Tigers went top that year, with Rae lining up for them in his customary half forward flank position as they comfortably accounted for the grand final challenge of Carlton. A model of consistency during his time with Richmond, his VFL career was brought to a peremptory end by a serious knee injury sustained in 1974. Four years later he attempted a comeback with the Tigers but only managed a couple of reserve appearances. Crossing to VFA first division side Prahran he crowned his playing career in style by appearing, as centreman, in the 1978 grand final defeat of Preston.

Author - John Devaney