Billy Schmidt

Billy Schmidt was a foundational figure for Richmond, transitioning with the club from the VFA to play in their inaugural VFL match in 1908. A local recruit, he quickly established himself as a pacy and skillful centreman, renowned for evasive capabilities he reportedly honed by dodging trees in Yarra Park—a drill he famously passed on to Roy Cazaly. Schmidt captained the Tigers in 1910, but after four seasons at Punt Road, he crossed to St Kilda in 1912, where his ball-winning ability and accurate kicking made him a key weapon.

His tenure at St Kilda ensured his place in football folklore, most notably during the 1913 season. Schmidt became the first VFL player on record to kick a match-winning goal after the siren, steering a kick through from 45 yards to sink Carlton’s finals hopes. He played in the Saints' Grand Final loss that year, though his brilliance was sometimes viewed as individualistic, occasionally causing friction within the playing group. After the league's World War I recess, he played three more seasons for the Saints and made a brief four-game return to Richmond in 1921 before departing to become a coaching legend in the Wimmera.