Robert Neal
Geelong and St Kilda · “Scratcher”
AFL career
220 games52 goals
- Debut
- R15 1974 v MEL13 July 1974
- Most recent
- R6 1988 v CAR7 May 1988
Stats
1988 | STK | 4 | 9.5 | 3.0 | 12.5 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 46 |
1987 | STK | 16 | 11.5 | 6.0 | 17.5 | 2.6 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 57 |
1986 | GEE | 13 | 11.7 | 6.3 | 18.0 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.2 | - | 0.0 | 0.3 | - |
1985 | GEE | 21 | 17.0 | 7.6 | 24.6 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 1.5 | - | 0.2 | 0.6 | - |
1984 | GEE | 8 | 9.1 | 6.5 | 15.6 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 1.9 | - | 0.5 | 0.5 | - |
1983 | GEE | 12 | 14.4 | 8.0 | 22.4 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.8 | - | 0.5 | 0.3 | - |
1982 | GEE | 21 | 14.7 | 7.0 | 21.6 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 3.0 | - | 0.4 | 0.7 | - |
1981 | GEE | 17 | 14.1 | 5.6 | 19.7 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 2.5 | - | 0.6 | 0.8 | - |
1980 | GEE | 5 | 7.4 | 3.6 | 11.0 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.4 | - | 0.2 | 0.0 | - |
1979 | GEE | 11 | 8.5 | 3.6 | 12.1 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 1.5 | - | 0.0 | 0.4 | - |
1978 | GEE | 23 | 13.8 | 5.2 | 19.0 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 2.2 | - | 0.3 | 0.6 | - |
1977 | GEE | 22 | 14.0 | 4.1 | 18.0 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 2.4 | - | 0.0 | 0.5 | - |
1976 | GEE | 24 | 12.6 | 4.9 | 17.5 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 1.7 | - | 0.2 | 0.3 | - |
1975 | GEE | 15 | 9.9 | 4.4 | 14.3 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 2.0 | - | 0.2 | 0.3 | - |
1974 | GEE | 8 | 11.5 | 5.9 | 17.4 | 3.6 | 2.4 | 1.1 | - | 0.1 | 0.3 | - |
Bio
Recruited from Wynyard in Tasmania, Robert "Scratcher" Neal became a cult figure at Geelong, instantly recognisable by his shock of red hair and dashing playstyle. Earning his nickname from his family’s background in potato farming, Neal established himself as a pacy and elusive wingman during the 1970s, representing Tasmania at State of Origin level and producing a standout season in 1976 where he polled well in the Brownlow Medal. As his career progressed into the 1980s and the likes of Gary Ablett Snr emerged, Neal successfully reinvented himself as a disciplined back pocket, utilizing his experience and defensive nous to remain a vital cog in the Cats' lineup under coach Tom Hafey.
Despite his 200-game service to Geelong, Neal became a high-profile casualty of salary cap pressure following the 1986 season, forcing a trade to St Kilda. He spent his final two years at Moorabbin, often returning to his familiar wing position and providing veteran leadership to a struggling Saints outfit, before retiring in 1988. Remembered as a consistent and amiable stalwart, Neal’s durability and skill saw him inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the premier wingmen of his era.
Profile
- Born
- 16 Dec 1956 (age 69y 309d)
- Height
- 178 cm
- Weight
- 82 kg
Teams
Honours
- Brownlow Medal
- Top 10
- 1976
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Wynyard in Tasmania, Robert "Scratcher" Neal became a cult figure at Geelong, instantly recognisable by his shock of red hair and dashing playstyle. Earning his nickname from his family’s background in potato farming, Neal established himself as a pacy and elusive wingman during the 1970s, representing Tasmania at State of Origin level and producing a standout season in 1976 where he polled well in the Brownlow Medal. As his career progressed into the 1980s and the likes of Gary Ablett Snr emerged, Neal successfully reinvented himself as a disciplined back pocket, utilizing his experience and defensive nous to remain a vital cog in the Cats' lineup under coach Tom Hafey.
Despite his 200-game service to Geelong, Neal became a high-profile casualty of salary cap pressure following the 1986 season, forcing a trade to St Kilda. He spent his final two years at Moorabbin, often returning to his familiar wing position and providing veteran leadership to a struggling Saints outfit, before retiring in 1988. Remembered as a consistent and amiable stalwart, Neal’s durability and skill saw him inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the premier wingmen of his era.