Ross Smith

Recruited from the Hampton Scouts, Ross Smith established himself as one of St Kilda's greatest rovers during the club's most successful era in the 1960s. Renowned for his exceptional fitness, discipline, and clean usage, he became a vital component of a formidable on-ball division that included fellow legends Ian Stewart and Darrel Baldock. Smith played a pivotal role in the Saints' historic 1966 premiership victory, characterised by his relentless work rate and ability to drift forward to kick crucial goals.

Smith's individual brilliance was formally recognised the year after the flag when he won the 1967 Brownlow Medal, confirming his standing as an elite midfielder of the competition. A dangerous resting forward who finished his career with almost a goal per game, he eventually took on the captaincy and led the club with distinction through the early 1970s. He retired in 1975 as a revered figure at Moorabbin, later earning induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame and selection in St Kilda's Team of the Century.