Remembering Ian Redpath

The recent passing of Australian cricketing great Ian Redpath reminded us of Paul Amy’s recent story for News Corp about Ian’s passion for the VAFA.

Redpath is best known as a great opening batsman who played 66 Tests for Australia.

But he was also an outstanding footballer, firstly for Geelong College and then for Geelong Amateurs from 1959 to 65, winning four consecutive club best & fairests from 1959-62 and captaining the team in 1962 & 63.

A State representative in 1960, 61, 62 & 63 and a national Carnival rep in 1962, the true measure of Ian’s stature as a footballer was his All-Australian selection.

He caught up with Paul Amy for a chat when it was revealed that his amateur footballing status had been revoked when he accepted a tour allowance during the Australian cricket team’s 1964 Tour of England.

In the past few years, VAFA past president George Voyage has been keen to restore it and did so in August, presenting Ian with a framed certificate for his service to the VAFA and for the reinstatement of his playing permit.

View Paul’s story here (behind paywall):

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/cricket-icon-ian-redpaths-amateur-footy-permit-restored-by-the-vafa-after-60year-exile/news-story/46b6c12cad04d0ac91d1d38bf9ab186b

Our deepest condolences to Ian’s family and friends from all of us in the VAFA community.