Robert Elliott

Recruited from Scotch College and the country zone of Yea, Robbie Elliott’s entry into the VFL was defined by a complex zoning dispute. Originally tied to Geelong, he refused to play for the Cats, eventually landing at St Kilda after Melbourne—who had briefly acquired his rights—waived them to the Saints as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Carl Ditterich to the Demons. A tall, running winger or half-back, Elliott became a consistent performer at Moorabbin, famously etching his name into Saints folklore in 1978 when he booted a goal after the siren to snatch a victory over North Melbourne.

Following a contract dispute with St Kilda management, Elliott finally made his way to Melbourne in 1979, uniting with his brothers Glenn and Bruce to form a rare sibling trio in the same senior side. While his brothers' stints were shorter, Robbie flourished in the red and blue, playing his best football in 1980 when his athleticism and height on the wing earned him Victorian state selection. Despite this peak, his opportunities dwindled during the Demons' tumultuous 1981 campaign under Ron Barassi, marking the end of his 103-game career.