TWENTY years go, St Kilda historian Russell Holmesby documented his top 20 Saints of all time. Before the days of social media and comment streams at the foot of online articles, the list wasn't as widely publicised as it would have been in today's world.
Since then, the Saints have played in four Grand Finals and produced some of the greatest players of the modern era, leading Holmesby to extend his list by five.
This is Russell Holmesby's top 25, ranking number three.
Click HERE to view the ORIGINAL top 20.
Click HERE to view players ranked 25-21.
Click HERE to view players ranked 20-16.
Click HERE to view players ranked 15-11.
Click HERE to view players ranked 10-6.
No. 5: Nick Riewoldt
No. 4: Robert Harvey
WHO WILL BE RANKED NO.2? Find out Wednesday 14 January.
3. Darrel Baldock (3)
Born: September 29, 1938
Died: February 2, 2011
Debut: Round 1, 1962
Games: 119
Goals: 237
Height: 179cm
Weight: 84kg
"The Doc" always will be remembered as captain of St Kilda's 1966 premiership side and one of the greatest figures in the club's history.
The Saints recruited Baldock from Tasmanian club Latrobe. His first game, against Collingwood, created enormous interest as he already was rated a superstar.
Baldock earlier had signed with Melbourne and South Melbourne, the Saints swooping as soon as the Swans' hold on him expired. He did not let any of his judges down and he quickly established a reputation as a freakish champion with the seeming ability to have the ball on a string. His ground skills were phenomenal and his courage legendary.
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Baldock attacks the ball ahead of Victorian teammate Bob Skilton.
Although short (179cm) he played at centre half-forward and controlled the St Kilda forward line. Baldock returned to coach in Tasmania, where he became a Member of Parliament. Baldock, St Kilda's favorite son, returned to coach the Saints in 1987 and lifted them off the bottom of the ladder in his first season in charge.
Baldock suffered a minor stroke in 1987, but continued to coach the Saints until the end of 1989.
He won St Kilda's best and fairest in 1962-63 and 1965. He also topped the Saints goalkicking tally from 1962-65 and was club captain from 1963-68.
Baldock played cricket for Tasmania before moving to Victoria. He died on February 2, 2011 in Devonport, Tasmania after a series of strokes.
Baldock and Tony Lockett after a victory in 1989.
