21/10/2026
Allan Jeans once said that when Darrel Baldock played well, St Kilda never lost. It is a testament to Baldock's level of performance that his presence helped largely to create St Kilda's most successful era.
He was dubbed 'Mr Magic', and that is an appropriate title for someone blessed with incredible ball control and evasive skills. To be under six foot tall and play at centre half-forward is proof of his greatness, but while all modern-day references to him concentrate on his unique ball-handling skills, his toughness should never be forgotten.
He displayed enormous resilience in withstanding constant physical batterings from bigger and more burly opponents. Baldock was the most highly sought after footballer in Australia when St Kilda secured his services. He was appointed captain in just his second year with the Saints and with fellow Tasmanian Ian Stewart, formed a deadly combination. It is doubtful if any footballer has been able to use his body better in jostling for position, and Baldock could extricate himself from situations that would trap every other player.
Post courtesy of the St Kilda FC
