Daryl Griffiths

Recruited as a 17-year-old schoolboy from Terang in the Western District, Daryl Griffiths made one of the most memorable debuts in St Kilda history. Known as "The Terang Flyer" for his blistering pace, he booted a goal with his very first kick in league football before being flattened by Essendon's "Bluey" Shelton later in the match, resulting in a broken collarbone that ended his first season. He returned to become a model of versatility and courage, capable of playing as a dashing half-back flanker, a centreman, or a ruck-rover. His finely honed judgment allowed him to anticipate the play perfectly, often relying on his speed to take chest marks rather than flying for overhead grabs.

Griffiths cemented his place in Saints folklore as a key member of the 1966 premiership side, where he played as a ruck-rover in the club's only flag victory. He continued to improve in the years following the premiership, earning Victorian state selection multiple times and capping his time at Moorabbin by winning the Best and Fairest in 1970. Despite being at the peak of his powers, his VFL career ended prematurely due to a clearance dispute; after sitting out the entire 1971 season to force a move, he headed west to play for Claremont in the WAFL, leaving St Kilda as a premiership hero and a club champion.