Syd Slater
Australian rules footballer
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Arthur John "Syd" Slater QPM (16 December 1914 – 8 March 1994) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon and North Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
| Syd Slater | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Arthur John Slater | ||
| Born | 16 December 1914 | ||
| Died | 8 March 1994 (aged 79) | ||
| Original team | Gisborne (RDFL) | ||
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1935–1939 | Essendon | 33 (14) | |
| 1940–1945 | North Melbourne | 39 (27) | |
| Total | 72 (41) | ||
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1945. | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Slater came to the VFL from Gisborne, in the Riddell District Football League (RDFL).[1] He started as a forward and kicked four goals on his Essendon debut in the opening round of the 1935 season, against Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.[2][3] The feat was overshadowed by teammate Ted Freyer who kicked 12 goals, a then club record.[4] Despite the promising start up forward, Slater spent most of his time at Essendon in defence and as a follower.[5] He won the best and fairest award for the Essendon seconds in 1938.[6] From 1940 to 1945, Slater played for North Melbourne, then in 1946 crossed to Brunswick in the Victorian Football Association.[6]
Outside of football, Slater worked for Victoria Police, rising to the rank of Superintendent. He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in 1970.[6][7]