Number 10
There are many Saints players who have worn the number 10 jumper during their career who are champions. Below, I have selected a Saints team purely of players who have worn the number 10 at any point of their career. I have also provided my personal assessment of the top 3 players who have carried the number 10 for the Red, White and Black.
“The Jumper Number 10” Saints Team over the Decades
Backs: Roy Ostberg / Wally Cameron / Bob McLean
Half Backs: Steven Baker / Neil Roberts / Peter Cleal
Centres: Rex De Garis / Jimmy Milne / Edward V Collins
Half Forwards: Sam Loxton / Roy Cazaly / Billy Wells
Forwards: Peter Everitt / Bill Mohr / Norman (Nick) Bloom
Rucks: Carl Ditterich / Michael Roberts / Rover Keith Rosewarne
Interchange: Jack Connelly / Darren Flanigan / Bert Officer / Warren (Wow) Jones
Other players who have worn the number 10 include: Roy Leaper, Bill Hore, Jock Menzies, Alby Oatway, Eric Ward, Jack Shelly.
The Team of the Decades Number 10
This is a team with a great Centre Half back in Neil Roberts, a legendary Full Forward in Bill Mohr and one of the finest modern era Ruckmen in Carl Ditterich. It has the nucleus of a great team. Steven Baker beside Roberts would add a lot to the back line but the rest of the defense lacks depth. The Centreline lacks experience and while the legendary Roy Cazaly at Centre Half forward is a stand out Peter Everitt is the best of the rest up forward. In a forward pocket, beside Bill Mohr, Everitt would be an imposing figure. Keith Rosewarne playing on the ball was a brilliant player. He was a great favourite on the terraces in the late 40s and early 50s when he never gave in. He had a heart bigger than himself and was very much the supporter’s favourite.
This number 10 team is a very good team. An inexperienced and perhaps a little top heavy team surrounds some legends of the game. There are a number of players in this team who would never lower their colours. For this reason I rate it as one of the better teams in the number series.
The best three Saints players to have worn the Number 10 jumper.
1) Neil Roberts 169 games 1952-62
Neil was playing with Melbourne High School Old Boys when he was recruited to the Saints in 1952. After more than two years playing as a forward a switch to the back line created the impetus that saw him become a Saints Captain, Brownlow medalist, All Australian, Victorian representative on 11 occasions and Saints Best and Fairest winner.
2) Wilbur T (Bill) Mohr 195 games 1929-1941
Bill Mohr was always regarded as the Saints greatest full forward until newly
installed Saints legend Tony Lockett arrived on the scene. Recruited from Wagga
Bill started on the back line but quickly became one of the dominant forwards of
the era. He was the first Saint to kick 100 goals in a season when he booted 101
in 1936. Bill skippered the Saints in 1937 and won the Best and fairest in 1932
and 1936. Bill represented Victoria on 18 occasions.
3) Carl Ditterich 203 games 1963-1972 and 1976-1978
Who would forget 17 yr old Ditterich’s first game at the junction oval in 1963.
He was best afield in an amazing debut. Often in trouble with the tribunal he was
suspended and missed the Grand Final when the Saints won their only
Premiership in 1966. Prior to leaving to join the Demons in 1973 Carl won the
Saints Best and Fairest in 1968.
Carl returned to the Saints as Captain in 1976/77 and was having a great season in
1978 when constant reports and suspensions were a reason for him briefly
walking away from the club. In 1979 he again left the Saints and took up the
position as Captain-Coach of Melbourne.
Assessment
Neil Roberts is my selection as the best player to wear the number 10. I have spoken to a few Saints supporters who have Carl Ditterich or even Steven Baker as their number 1 but I cannot go past Neil Roberts. I will admit some bias as Roberts was my childhood hero but having said that his record stands for itself. He was not only a brilliant Centre Half back but he was also a great Captain and a mentor to countless players who came to the club in the late fifties and early sixties. Many of those players were part of the Saints first premiership win. He was and still is a figure of great influence at St Kilda. I have no hesitation in selecting him as the best player to wear number 10. My second choice was also an easy one. Bill Mohr was one of the finest full forwards in an era of star full forwards. The fact he represented Victoria 18 times in that era when he was selected in front of players who became legends at their own club is testimony to his brilliance. Bill Mohr is a stand out as my second choice. My third choice is Carl Ditterich who was a fine ruckman and superb athlete. Many who followed the Saints in the 60s and 70s simply loved Big Carl. I don’t believe his accomplishments can match Robert’s or Mohr’s but he has certainly done enough to warrant selection as my number 3. Steven Baker has some supporter’s vote for the top three. While I believe he is a great Saints player and a well deserved life member I cannot rate him in the best three number 10s.
References
"The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers" - Russell Holmesby and Jim Main, Crown Content
"Every Game Ever Played" - compiled by Stephen Rodgers, Viking O’Neill
Saints.com.au
"The Courage Book of VFL Finals" - compiled by Graham Atkinson, Wren
If you would like to contact Allan please send him an email to takeitforgranted@hotmail.com
