Swans legend Bob Skilton had a memorable debut as the Club’s senior coach – in more ways than one.

Skilton was just 26 years of age when, as South Melbourne captain-coach, he led his team onto the ground and then onto victory in an opening round match against North Melbourne in 1965.

There were two highly unusual circumstances that day: the venue – Coburg City Oval – was new to the VFL and, secondly, the rain was both tropical and relentless.

North at that time was in dispute with the Melbourne City Council over the use of the Roos’ traditional Arden Street ground and, in a shock move, the club announced it would relocate to Coburg City Oval.

It was an extremely bold decision as the venue was barely suited to football at the highest level, with uneven terracing and just one small grandstand.

The experiment lasted just one season, therefore this match was the only one the Swans played at that venue.

Skilton succeeded former Melbourne premiership defender Noel McMahen as coach after the Swans had finished eleventh the previous season, above only Fitzroy.

North had finished eighth in 1964 and therefore was a clear favourite to defeat the Swans in this inaugural match at Coburg, especially as the Swans had no big-name recruits for the new campaign.

It was obvious from the start that the Easter Monday game would be a slog through mud and slush, with the ball almost impossible to handle cleanly.

North attacked relentlessly for most of the first quarter, but could manage only six behinds.

South, on the other hand, made the most of its limited chances and held a seven-point lead at the main break.

Although North pressed hard over the second half, the Swans’ defence held tight for a 10-point victory.

Contemporary newspaper reports suggested Skilton was the best player on the ground, with centreman Max Papley (grandfather of current player Tom Papley) not far behind.

It was the start of a dramatically improved season for the Swans, who won another eight games in 1965 to finish eighth.

Skilton was captain-coach again the following season, but then stepped aside for Allan Miller to take over non-playing coaching duties in 1967.

South Melbourne 6.10 (46) d North Melbourne 4.12 (36)
GOALS: Skilton 2, Papley, Nilsson, Matthews, Magee.
BEST: Skilton, Papley, Colvin, John, Long, Rantall.
CROWD: 13,774, at Coburg City Oval.