Alan Morrow had the perfect ending to a League football career.

He took the last mark in the 1966 Grand Final as the siren sounded to signify St Kilda’s first premiership.

As the oldest and longest serving player in that team it was an appropriate way to sign off a marvellous career. That Morrow was still a major force in his final season is illustrated by the fact that when full-back Bob Murray surveyed the field after taking a mark he figured that Morrow could be relied upon to take a mark and if it should happen to be knocked away from him, Darrel Baldock was in close proximity to win it at ground level.

As he read through his copy of the newly published “Celebrating 50 Years – 1966-2016 The Archive Collection”, Morrow smiled at the memories which came flooding back.

“This is beautifully done, I’m sure it will be a great Christmas present for many Saints people”, said Morrow.

The book is a genuine collectors’ item with reproduction medals, a replica 1966 Grand Final Record and personal letters from the players.

While the 1966 Grand Final tale has often been retold, it is the strength of this book that it has so many layers of stories that have never previously been revealed.

In Morrow’s case he confesses that he decided to retire after the disappointment of 1965 when he broke his foot early in the Grand Final and was forced off the field. When chairman of selectors Des Nisbet heard of Morrow’s intention, he reminded the ruckman that if he played one more year he would rack up 10 years and become a life member. That was the clincher for Morrow, the ultimate clubman.

As he nears his 80th birthday later this month Morrow is a regular at his local gym and looks years younger. At the past players function he caught up with Nick Riewoldt and they chatted about knee problems and how to handle them.

Morrow’s dirty old knee bandage was his trademark, but he will always be remembered as the man who had the ball in his hands when the 1966 Grand Final siren sounded.

It is 50 years since our one and only premiership. Read the inside story by purchasing a copy of Celebrating 50 Years – 1966-2016 The Archive Collection from Icon Series Collectables. 

The 1966 Archive Collection is also on sale across the counter at Beaumaris Books (24 South Concourse, Beaumaris).