Ian Drake
Ian Drake was long regarded of one of football’s most astute administrators.
He began his sporting management career in Tasmania and came to St Kilda as secretary in 1958. His skill as a recruiter and his connections in Tasmania resulted in him securing the band of talented Apple-Islanders who were so much a part of St Kilda’s playing success in the 1960s. With president Graham Higgins he was at the head of St Kilda’s most stable and productive administration after years of committee table bickering had waylaid the club. The pair engineered S Kilda’s move to Moorabbin and they were at the helm when the club won the 1966 flag. Drake stood down as manager at the end of 1977, but remained with the club as a consultant. When his health improved he took on the role of leading the newly formed Junior Development department which set the trend in developing youngsters into League players. In subsequent years he returned to the general administration of the club, standing in as Manager for year and continuing to have a major input until his eventual retirement in 1989.
Player profile © The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers by Russell Holmesby and Jim Main.
Having gone to school in the mid-70's with son Paul, I remember fondly sitting in the Saints area of the MCG at the drawn 1977 Grand Final between North Melbourne V Collingwood and coming back the following week for the replay. To be sitting with the likes of Trevor Barker, Barry Breen, Cowboy Neale and even Maddog Muir was just fabulous.
Besides being such a friendly and generous man, Ian made you feel unique and by the way he was a bloody good table tennis player at his then home in Frankston.
All the best to the Drake family they leave me with good memories.
Ian Drake
The Drake family
Saints Hall of Fame memorable moments
Our father gave 32 years of loyal and continuous service to the St. Kilda Football Club, a club of which he was extremely passionate and proud.
Ian Drake was appointed Club Secretary in 1958, and was instrumental in the move to Moorabbin in 1965, and he rejoiced in the subsequent premiership win in 1966.
He was also instrumental in the formation of the Social Club, which is such a vital part of the club today. Ian organised many end-of-season trips for the players to a variety of overseas destinations. Ian also took many of the young players into his home, champions such as Carl Ditterich becoming part of the Drake family.
Over his time at the club Ian recruited many fine players to the club, often jetting off at short notice to secure a new talent before the other clubs had a chance. Ian was the creator and manager of the Junior Development Unit which recruited young players, perhaps the most famous of those being Saints legend Tony Lockett.
Ian has been recognised in many ways for his service to the St. Kilda Football Club and the league including:
- Awarded Life Membership of the club in 1971
- The V.F.L. (A.F.L.) Jack Titus Award for Outstanding
Service in 1981.
- St. Kilda Distinguished Service Award in 1985
- V.F.L. (A.F.L.) Distinguished Service Award in 1986
- V.F.L. (A.F.L.) Life Membership in 1988
And perhaps one of Ian's proudest moments was to be awarded the Inaugural Australian Sports Medal in 2001.
We are all very proud of our father's achievements, and the passion and pride he had for the Saints. We hope that you will remember and recognise our father's achievements, loyalty and love of the Saints by honouring him with a deserved place in the St Kilda Hall Of Fame.
Yours Sincerely
The Drake family
