Jim Guyatt

Recruited from Maffra in the Gippsland region, Jim Guyatt was a talented utility who became a cornerstone of St Kilda’s defence during the Alan Killigrew era. After being spotted by Killigrew as a teenager, he debuted in 1957 and eventually cemented a spot on the half-back flank, forming part of a formidable defensive unit alongside club legends Neil Roberts and Verdun Howell. While he occasionally rotated through the midfield as a ruck-rover, Guyatt was best known for his rugged, tenacious checking and his ability to launch counter-attacks from the back half.

Guyatt’s quality was recognised with state selection for Victoria in 1962 and a runner-up finish in the Saints' 1963 Best and Fairest award. However, his career is largely defined by its premature and unfortunate conclusion. Just as St Kilda was assembling the squad that would challenge for the flag, Guyatt suffered a severe knee injury during the 1964 season. The damage forced him into retirement at just 24 years of age, leaving him as a "what if" story who missed out on the club’s 1966 premiership triumph by a matter of seasons.