AFL in mourning after death of St Kilda recruitment guru John Beveridge – ‘impact has been felt for generations’
The AFL industry – and especially St Kilda – are in mourning following the death of recruitment guru John Beveridge.
He died on Thursday after a long battle with illness aged 85.
Widely regarded as one of the best recruiters in VFL/AFL history, Beveridge’s hand-picked successes include Saints legends Nick Riewoldt, Brendon Goddard, Justin Koschitzke, Nick Dal Santo and Leigh Montagna.
While they didn’t land a flag, the quintet were key figures in the club’s revival, which included a grand final defeat – in a replay at the MCG – in 2010 against Collingwood.
St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena paid tribute to the club identity, whose son is Western Bulldogs premiership-winning coach Luke Beveridge.
‘John’s impact on our club has been felt for generations and there is no doubt he stands among the best recruiters Australian rules football has ever seen,’ Dilena said.
‘His ability to see the potential in a draftee as both a footballer and a person was second to none.
‘We send our love and condolences to all who had the pleasure of knowing John across the journey, and thank him for all he did for our club and community.’
Beveridge was welcomed into the fold at St Kilda in 1965 after previously working as a statistician for Footy Week magazine.
He quickly moved into recruiting where he became a key figure at the club over several decades.
Beveridge was previously honoured with St Kilda life membership, and the AFL also recognised his contribution to the game in 2021 with the Jack Titus Service Award.
The Western Bulldogs also paid tribute to Beveridge.
‘The club sends its condolences to Luke and the entire Beveridge family following the loss of his father John,’ a statement read.
‘He was a revered recruiter for St Kilda with his career in football spanning over five decades.
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