Bob Merrick

Bob Merrick was a talented forward from Warragul whose VFL career was severely curtailed by military service during World War II. Initially blocked from joining Richmond by residential zoning rules, he proved his quality with Pascoe Vale in the sub-districts—winning a league best and fairest—before Fitzroy secretary Percy Mitchell recruited him following a standout representative performance. Merrick debuted for the Maroons in 1940 as a half-forward flanker, but played just two games before enlisting, subsequently serving in the Middle East and New Guinea where he was wounded three times. He returned to Fitzroy in 1944 after recovering from malaria, but the physical toll of the war, specifically shrapnel lodged in his lungs, forced him to retire after adding just four more games to his tally.