Bill Woodcock

Recruited locally from St Kilda Wednesday, Bill Woodcock was a powerful physical presence who became a central figure in the Saints' lineup during the pre-war era. Weighing a formidable 96kg—a massive size for a footballer of that period—he was perfectly built for the rugged role of a "ruck shepherd." In this position, he was tasked with physically protecting his ruckman and using his frame to clear a path for the smaller followers. Despite his heavy build, Woodcock was surprisingly capable in the air, notably putting on a display of high marking during St Kilda's historic maiden Grand Final appearance against Fitzroy in 1913.

Woodcock's career at the Junction Oval was interrupted by a three-year stint in the WAFL, where he moved to play for East Perth from 1915 to 1917 alongside former Saints teammates Ernie Sellars and George Morrissey. He returned to St Kilda in 1918 and resumed his post as the team's enforcer, providing veteran experience and strength in the ruck division. A butcher by trade outside of football, he retired in 1921 as one of the club's most capped players of the era, leaving a legacy as a tough, durable competitor who helped steer the club to its first premiership decider.