Neville Stibbard (footballer, born 1923) explained

Neville Stibbard
Fullname:Neville J. Stibbard
Birth Date:11 December 1923
Height:188 cm
Weight:89 kg
Statsend:1948
Years1:1946
Club1:South Melbourne
Games Goals1:6 (2)
Years2:1947–1948
Club2:North Melbourne
Games Goals2:6 (1)
Games Goalstotal:12 (3)

Neville Stibbard (11 December 1923 – 3 May 1994) was an Australian rules footballer who played with South Melbourne and North Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Biography

Career

Stibbard spent four years with the South Melbourne seconds before getting his chance at league football.[1] A follower known for his high marking ability, Stibbard made six appearances for South Melbourne, early in the 1946 VFL season.[2] [3]

He was granted a clearance to Victorian Football Association club Oakleigh in June.[4]

After playing out the year with Oakleigh, Stibbard returned to the VFL in 1947, as one of North Melbourne's new recruits.[5] His debut for North Melbourne, in what was his only appearance of the 1947 season, was as a defender in North Melbourne's round six win over Essendon, in which they overcame a 44-point three quarter time margin.[3] [6] This remained a league record for biggest three quarter time comeback until it was surpassed in 1995.[7] He played a further five games for North Melbourne, all in the 1948 season.[3]

In 1949 he was coaching a West Brunswick junior side.[8]

Later life

In 1955 he was fortunate to survive being buried alive in an accident at a quarry in Campbellfield, Victoria.[9] One of three men at the bottom of the quarry when clay fell down on them, Stibbard was buried to the waist for 20-minutes until being rescued, but didn't suffer serious injuries.[9] [10] His brother-in-law, George McInnes, was killed in the accident.[9]

He later served as a member of the South Melbourne committee.[11]

Two twin sons, Neville and Robert, both played for South Melbourne in the 1970s.[12]

Notes and References

  1. News: Tippett Before Roulent. . Record (Emerald Hill) . Vic. . 27 April 1946 . 16 September 2015 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
  2. News: Great Start by South. . Record (Emerald Hill) . Vic. . 27 April 1946 . 16 September 2015 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
  3. Web site: AFL Tables – Neville Stibbard – Games Played. AFL Tables. 16 September 2015.
  4. News: E. Henfry Awaits W A Decision. . . Melbourne . 27 June 1946 . 16 September 2015 . 13 . National Library of Australia.
  5. News: Footballers Hard at Work. . . Melbourne . 23 April 1947 . 16 September 2015 . 4 . National Library of Australia.
  6. News: Essendon Pointless. . . Melbourne . 24 May 1947 . 16 September 2015 . 3. Edition1. National Library of Australia.
  7. Book: Lovett, Michael. AFL 2004 – The Official Statistical History Of The AFL. AFL Publishing. 2004. 0-9580300-5-7.
  8. News: Two New Players in Richmond Team. . . Melbourne . 6 May 1949 . 16 September 2015 . 15 . National Library of Australia.
  9. News: "We didn't have a chance" Quarry men dig with hands, but mate dies in fall. . . Melbourne . 8 June 1955 . 16 September 2015 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
  10. News: Cave-in at Quarry; One Man Killed. 8 June 1955. The Age. 8. 17 September 2015.
  11. News: Upheaval at South. Carter. Ron. 20 February 1974. The Age. 36. 17 September 2015.
  12. Book: Holmesby. Russell. Main. Jim. The Encyclopedia Of AFL Footballers. BAS Publishing. 2007. 9781920910785.