Australian Football

The son of Arthur Rayson, Noel Rayson was recruited by Geelong from Newtown-Chilwell at the age of sixteen. He made his debut in 1950 but did not become a regular senior player for three years which meant that he did not participate in the Cats’ 1951 and 1952 premiership teams. Early in his career he played mainly as a half forward but in 1955 he was shifted to the goal-front and, despite being somewhat small for the position, really came into his own, topping the league’s goal kicking list with 80 goals that same year. The keys to his success were his fast leading, strong marking and extremely accurate kicking for goal. He went on to top Geelong’s goal kicking list in 1956 with 41 goals.

Early in the 1958 season Rayson crossed to South Melbourne where he played 12 games and kicked 18 goals in two seasons to add to the 95 games and 210 goals accumulated with the Cats. While with Geelong he was twice selected to represent Victoria.

Author - John Devaney