Des Nisbet

Recruited from Rochester in country Victoria via Caulfield City, Des Nisbet overcame an interrupted start due to World War II army service to become a defensive stalwart for the Saints. Standing 180cm, he established himself as a dashing and determined half-back flanker known for his sound judgment and consistency in an era where St Kilda often struggled for wins. After finally breaking into the senior side in 1946 following a string of games as the 19th man, he became one of the first magnets on the board, rarely missing a match over the next several years. His on-field excellence was recognised in 1947 when he finished runner-up in the club’s best and fairest award.

While his 110-game playing career was admirable, Nisbet’s off-field legacy at Moorabbin was arguably even more significant. After retiring in 1952, he remained a servant of the club, captain-coaching the reserves before moving into administration. He served as the Chairman of Selectors for a remarkable 25-year tenure from 1958 to 1983, a period that encompassed St Kilda’s solitary premiership in 1966. His massive contribution to the club’s history was formally recognised with his induction into the St Kilda Hall of Fame in 2008.