St Kilda has lost another link with our past with the death of former player Brian Gilmore, who passed away on July 2 at the age of 95.

Brian's football journey began at Koondrook and his first taste of VFL football was in 1949 with a few games in Essendon’s reserves. He made his senior debut in 1950. The Bombers were a powerful unit, winning the flag in that first season, and opportunities were limited. Brian had 11 games at the top level from 1950 to 1953.  He had a season at Richmond in 1954, but did not play a senior game.

Brian Gilmore came to the Saints as a 26-year-old in 1955, and performed ably in 10 games in succession before a suspension ended his season early and he missed the last three games. He was used as a half-forward flanker, centreman and also helped out in the ruck. At 6 foot 2 inches tall and weighing 13 stone 9 pounds, he was physically equipped for a variety of roles.

His natural legspeed enabled him to win the 400 yard event at the 1954 Stawell professional meeting in a time of 46 seconds.

He was listed as “to be considered when available” at the start of 1956, but a broken hand sidelined him. He was also mentioned as training with the Saints prior to the 1957 season.

His sons Michael (1980) and Shane (1977) played senior football with Fitzroy.

Vale, Saint Brian.