The Sydney Swans congratulate Bob Skilton who has today been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal.
The triple Brownlow medallist and nine-time Swans Club Champion has been honoured by being made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for his services to Australian Rules Football.
A smiling Skilton has told Swans Media he is “shocked but humbled” to receive the recognition.
“It has come as quite a surprise, but it’s absolutely wonderful and I’m quite proud of the fact that people would see fit to recognise me like that,” Skilton said.
Skilton’s remarkable career spanned 237 games between 1956-71. He was South Melbourne’s leading goalkicker in 1959, ’62 and ’63, and represented Victoria in 25 state games. He coached the Swans for 35 games in 1965-66 and was named captain of the Sydney Swans Team of the Century, as well as in the AFL Team of the Century.
In 1995, the Sydney Swans renamed their Club Champion award the Bob Skilton Medal, in honour of the man whose courage and leadership continues to inspire each generation of players who pull on the red and white jumper.
The Sydney Swans announced last week that Bob Skilton will be immortalised in bronze next month with a sculpture in his honour to be unveiled at South Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium.
