Wayne Closter

Recruited from Bacchus Marsh, Wayne Closter was a polished wingman and centreman who made an immediate impression at Kardinia Park. After featuring in the club's 1963 reserves premiership, he broke into the senior side in the opening round of 1964, quickly establishing himself as one of the most skilled ball-users of his era. Closter was renowned for his elite ambidextrous kicking, often favouring his left foot to escape trouble despite being a natural right-footer. His balance, strong marking overhead, and reliable distribution made him a vital link in the Geelong midfield throughout the decade.

Closter's career narrative is heavily defined by the two prime seasons he missed due to National Service. Conscripted during the Vietnam War, he served a tour of duty in 1969, a disruption that undoubtedly cost him a standard 200-game milestone on the field. He returned to the Cats in 1970 and played until 1975, finishing with 191 senior appearances. In a significant gesture decades later, the AFL formally inducted him into the '200 Club' in 2007, acknowledging the games lost to military service. After his playing days, Closter remained a fixture at the club as a reserves coach and later served as a long-time radio commentator for Geelong matches.