Tom McNeil

Thomas "Tom" McNeil (born 9 June 1929) is a former Australian rules footballer and politician. He played with St Kilda in the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1951 and 1952. Disappointed with his treatment during his playing career, McNeil was instrumental in the formation of a players union in 1955, the first attempt at a representative body for VFL players. From 1977 to 1989 he was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Council.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland on 9 June 1929, McNeil was evacuated with his sister to Australia in 1940, to escape the World War II conflict. Until their parents came over in 1947, they stayed with host families in Melbourne.

McNeil, a wingman, played his early football with Hampton Scouts.

McNeil made his debut for St Kilda in the penultimate round of the 1951 VFL season, at the age of 22.

He did not play in the final round but was in the team again for St Kilda's opening fixture in the 1952 season.

In round seven against Fitzroy, his fourth appearance for the year, he received an eye injury after being struck behind play. His gash was stitched up by a doctor and he was sent to the Junction Oval cloakroom to recover from the anaesthetic. That night a dance was held at the ground and McNeil, who had not yet recovered, was told to leave. He was later in Punt Road, where he collapsed, still wearing his blood-stained jumper. When a St Kilda club official was informed of his condition he was instructed to catch a taxi home.

He recovered well enough to play in round eight, the solitary win of his career, a 15-point victory over Footscray in the only game ever hosted at Yallourn Oval.

Following a loss to Hawthorn the next weekend, he played the eighth and final game of his VFL career against North Melbourne at Arden Street Oval. During the game he was reported for an incident in the second quarter when he retaliated with North Melbourne forward John Brady. At the tribunal he received a two-week suspension for attempting to trip Brady, who was exonerated of his charge of having struck McNeil. This upset McNeil, as he had not been accompanied to the tribunal by anyone from St Kilda. He subsequently argued with club secretary Sam Ramsay and opted not to train that week. Although he resumed training the following week he was omitted from the reserves. Soon after he quit the club.