GILL, John

John Gill was a top ruckman and an excellent mark. He went from Longerenong College to the Seniors and made his debut in Round 1, 1951, just two days after his 19th birthday. He played 16 games in his first season and was voted the Club's Best First Year Player award.

His development continued and he was voted the Most Improved Player in 1952 and then Club Best and Fairest in 1954. He also finished equal third in the Brownlow Medal that year. He was Best Clubman in 1956.

Gill was appointed vice-captain in 1955 and represented Victoria in 1954, 1955 and 1957.

He was the number one ruckman in the losing 1957 Grand Final team and was twice named in the Sporting Globe team of the year.

He seemed to be on the verge of becoming one of the League's great ruckman when he decided to retire in 1957 to concentrate on his career in business. It was a shock to the Club as he was only 25 years old.

His only football involvement after that was as inaugural coach of Bateman's Bay between 1976 and 1978.

John Gill died in Brisbane on 3rd March, 2003.