The Sydney Swans are mourning the passing of former player Elkin Reilly, who passed away in Adelaide on Thursday, September 3.

He played 51 games for South Melbourne from 1962-1966 in an era that featured Bloods Legend Bob Skilton and Team of the Century defender John Heriot.

Reilly holds an esteemed place in the Club’s history, as the first Indigenous player to represent the Swans.

Former teammate John Heriot, who remained in regular contact with Reilly up until his passing, remembers him as a wonderful man who was much loved by his teammates.

He was a ruckman and renowned for his competitiveness. But in sign of how much the game has changed, he stood at just 191cm. In today’s game, that would stand him alongside the likes of Jordan Dawson and Josh Kennedy.

During a bleak on-field era for South Melbourne, one newspaper of the time described the Reilly (ruck)/Skilton (rover) combination as a shining light.

Ahead of Indigenous Round in 2015, Elkin shared his remarkable story with www.sydneyswans.com.au. He spoke of being a child of the stolen generation and his journey to landing at South Melbourne in the early 60s. Read the article here.

The Club extends his its condolences to Elkin’s wife Marlene, their children and all his family.