Bob Skilton: Australian Football
Robert John “Bob” Skilton (born 8 November 1938) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for South Melbourne (now known as the Sydney Swans) in the Victorian Football League. He is widely considered to be one of the best players in the Australian Football League. Skilton played from 1956 until 1968 and 1970 to 1971 for the South Melbourne, scoring 412 goals in 237 games.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
He is one of the four players to win the Brownlow Medal three times – 1959, 1963 and 1968. Bob Skilton became the club’s leading goal-kicker on three occasions. Skilton also won South Melbourne Best and Fairest Medal nine times between 1958 and 1968. He became a three-time South Melbourne goal-kicker in 1959, 1962 and 1963. In the Australian Hall of Fame, Bob Skilton is named “Legend”.
Why Was He So Good?
Bob Skilton exerted so much effort for each game. Despite his height of 5’6, he never let his size get in the way of his success. He had an attacking mindset and proved that it was his major weapon. He has one of those players who had a long list of injuries in the history of the league but never stopped him from playing his all.
What You May Not Know
- Bob coached South Melbourne in 1965-1966 and Melbourne in 1974-1977.
- His appearance on the front page of The Sun in 1968 with two black eyes earned him the Douglas Willkie Medal.
- When he retired, he became a television and radio commentator for the AFL.
- Bob was nicknamed “Chimp”.
Was he a legend?
Do you agree with Bob Skilton being an AFL legend?
How would you rate their greatness? (from good to 'the best')
Related Pages
- More Australian Football legendary players
- Athlete Database home
- About the sport of Australian Football
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Upcoming Events