St Kilda mourns the passing of Allan Callow on October 23 who, at the age of 94, was one of our oldest surviving ex-players.

Allan twice lost his place on the Saints’ senior list, but each time fought back to reclaim his spot in the senior side.

He was recruited from local federal League team Camden, a strong source for St Kilda in the 1950s. He had been with Camden for six years before joining the Saints.

He made his St Kilda debut in the last round of the 1953 season in the forward pocket. He didn’t re-appear at senior level until five weeks into the 1954 season, but then played all of the remaining 13 matches as a winger and half-forward flanker. He won the trophy as Most Unselfish Player at the conclusion of the season. In 1955, he was a permanent fixture appearing in 15 games, most of which were as first rover.

When Alan Killigrew became coach in 1956 he had a wholesale clean out of players and only 16 men retained their places on the list. Callow had been one of the many discarded, but by Round 5 was recalled to the senior team. He only played three senior matches, ending as a reserve player in the final home and away game. In all, he played 32 games and kicked 13 goals.

He was cleared to VFA club Sandringham for the 1957 season, but did not play a senior game there.

Vale, Saint Allan.