Geoff Southby

Career : 1971 - 1984
Debut : Round 1, 1971 vs North Melbourne, aged 20 years, 158 days
Carlton Player No. 825
Games : 268
Goals : 31
Last Game : Round 20, 1984 vs North Melbourne, aged 33 years, 296 days
Guernsey No. 20
Height : 188 cm (6 ft. 2 in.)
Weight : 86 kg (13 stone, 8 lbs.)
DOB : 27 October, 1950
Carlton Hall of Fame Legend
Team of the Century
Premiership Player 1972, 1979
Best and Fairest 1971, 1972
Victorian Representative Player 1971-75, 1978-81.

Throughout the last few decades of the 20th century, the Carlton Football Club was represented by two of the very best full-backs ever to have played the game in Geoff Southby and Stephen Silvagni. In an honour richly deserved, Silvagni was named as the AFL's Fullback of the Century in 2000 – but then and now, there are legions of Blues' supporters of a more mature vintage willing to argue that Southby could just as easily have been given the nod. That's how good this rangy, mop-haired, consummate defender was.

Earmarked as a potential star from an early age, Geoffrey Robert Southby grew up in Bendigo and played junior football with Sandhurst. During his mid-teens, he gave football away briefly to concentrate on his other favourite sport of baseball, only to be talked into lacing his boots on again while studying in Melbourne. He joined Power House in the VAFA and won their Best and Fairest in 1969, then returned to Bendigo to be Sandhurst’s club champion in 1970. Collingwood made approaches to him after that, but the VFL zoning rules in place at that time meant that he could only play with the Blues, who welcomed him to Princes Park with wide open arms.

Having won Premierships in two of the previous three seasons, the Blues were the powerhouse of the League in 1970 and hungry for more success. The club had a stable, focussed committee, outstanding leadership and a player roster packed with talent – although the retirement of incumbent full-back Wes Lofts at the end of that season caused some concerns. High hopes were held that 20 year-old Southby could develop into an adequate successor to Lofts, but few anticipated the spectacular impact he had on the team from day one. At 188 cm and 87 kg he was the perfect build for a key defender of that era, and from his first practice match he showed he was right at home on the last line of defence, and a worthy inheritor of Lofts’ number 20 guernsey.

Geoff’s pre-season form demanded his early inclusion in the senior team, and it came as no surprise when he bypassed the Reserves competition to play his first match in navy blue against North Melbourne at Arden St. in round 1, 1971. Lining up at full-back alongside Barry Gill and Vin Waite, Southby underwent a torrid baptism of fire when he picked up the Shinboners’ mercurial match-winner Sam Kekovich, who kicked four goals as North won by 26 points. Geoff learned fast however, and within a matter of weeks he was averaging 15 possessions and five marks per game. Carlton finished the home and away season in fifth place on the ladder and failed to qualify for the finals, but a star had been uncovered when Southby enjoyed the most impressive debut season by a Blue since Alex Jesaulenko in 1967. On the way to playing 21 of a possible 22 games, Geoff was selected to represent Victoria before the mid-point of the season – an honour that was to continue for five consecutive years, and eventually stretch to 16 interstate matches. In September, Southby finished his stellar debut season as Carlton’s Best First Year Player, as well as the Blues’ 1971 Best and Fairest. By any measure, that was an extraordinary achievement, especially given that he had established himself in the reigning premiership team after only a handful of games, and was not yet 21.

But if Geoff’s first season was spectacularly successful, his second was even better. In 1972, the Blues roared back to the top of the ladder, before grafting their way through a gruelling final series to upset Richmond in a record-breaking Grand Final. Adopting a game plan of all-out attack in the decider, Carlton overwhelmed the Tigers to kick 28 goals in four quarters of relentless football, with the Blues’ last line of John O’Connell, Southby and David McKay rock-solid all day. And making that triumph even sweeter, Geoff was voted Carlton’s Best and Fairest for the second year running.

By 1973, Southby was firmly established among the elite of the competition. Beautifully balanced, and with cat-like reflexes, he was a great high mark and a gloriously long kick with his trademark torpedo punt – either on run or when returning the ball into play. His defensive instincts and coolness under pressure were first rate, and he always seemed to have that second longer to dispose of the ball - as all champions do. Most of the time he played in front, and loved to set up Carlton attacks by dashing forward and finding a team-mate with a soaring “torp.” Such was his influence, that at times some opposing teams actually sent a defender to full-forward in an attempt to nullify him!

Following their shock defeat in '72, Richmond were burning for revenge when they met Carlton again in the 1973 Grand Final, and the Tigers went head-hunting. In the first minutes of the match in front of a seething crowd of 116,000, Carlton captain John Nicholls was hit with a sledge-hammer shirt-front from Tiger Laurie Fowler, concussed, and all but put out of the game. Then early in the second term, Southby’s opponent Neil Balme took his eyes off the ball and hit Geoff with a vicious round arm to the face that concussed him so badly that he too, was a passenger for the rest of the day. In fact, it was later found that Southby’s jaw was broken, and it was well into the next season before he fully recovered. Richmond won the flag that day, but lost all respect.

By 1975, Geoff was back to his brilliant best, and played his 100th game on a miserably wet and cold Saturday afternoon against North Melbourne at Waverley in round 15. Carlton were on a 10-match winning streak beforehand, but fell in a hole against the Kangas and were well beaten. The Blues played on into September again in 1975 and ’76 - without progressing past the Preliminary Final – before Southby’s name was splashed across the newspapers when he fell into dispute with the club and requested a transfer to South Melbourne.

By then, Geoff was still just 27, and at his peak. Carlton flatly refused to clear him of course, and the impasse dragged on for many weeks. It later transpired that Southby had been feeling stale at full-back for some time. Early in 1976, he had asked to be played in attack and had kicked 23 goals in 10 games – but when the choice had to be made between Southby the handy forward and Southby the champion full-back, there was only one answer. Eventually, Geoff relented and returned to the fold for the second half of the 1977 season in time to be embroiled in the events that led to the appointment of Alex Jesaulenko as captain-coach of the Blues in 1978. When “Jezza’ led the resurgent Blues into the 1979 Grand Final against Collingwood, and Wayne Harmes' desperate dive and swipe at the ball in the dying minutes saw Ken Sheldon kick the sealer, Southby collected his second Premiership medal and thanked his lucky stars that he had had decided to stay with the Blues.

In 1980, ructions at committee level prior to the first game of the season led to the messy departures of Jesaulenko and President George Harris. Former Premiership ruckman Peter Jones was appointed coach, and for a while the Blues looked likely flag contenders. Southby registered his 200th game when Carlton lost to North Melbourne at Princes Park in round 17, before straight-set losses to Richmond in the Qualifying Final and Collingwood in a Semi Final ended Carlton’s hopes of back-to-back flags. Those defeats also triggered the sacking of Jones in favour of David Parkin.

Spurred by the failure of that wasted season, and aided by some astute recruiting, Carlton returned to the top rungs of the competition in 1981 and '82, sweeping to back-to-back flags – victories that were even more meritorious because Southby was missing from both Grand Finals because of injury. After a charmed run of trouble-free seasons, Geoff began to suffer hamstring-related back pain in 1981, and when the problem flared up during Carlton’s Semi Final win against Geelong, his season ended early. It was a similar story in ’82 – after a consistent home and away season, he broke down at training during the finals and couldn’t play in Carlton’s courageous Grand Final victory over Richmond.

At Waverley in round 16, 1983, Geoff celebrated his 250th game with an emphatic win over Fitzroy, before playing in the last final of his illustrious career at the same ground in September, when Essendon beat the Blues in a one-sided Elimination Final. In August of the following year, aged 33, he announced his retirement, and Carlton sent him off with a hard-fought win over North Melbourne at Princes Park. By then, only six other Blues had played more games for the club, and none were more admired or respected.

Although he had hung up his boots, Geoff wasn’t immediately lost to the Blues. He coached the clubs’ Under -19 team in 1985-86 before accepting an invitation from Fitzroy to join their match committee and provide specialist coaching.. He spent three seasons with the Lions, then moved on to be a forward scout for both Adelaide and Geelong.

In May 2000, Carlton published their Team of the Century, overcoming the difficulty of deciding between Silvagni and Southby as full-back by naming Geoff in a back pocket. Later, Southby missed out on also being included when Silvagni was announced as the AFL Full-back of the Century, but not in the hearts and minds of the Carlton faithful.

By March 2013, Southby had been a member of the Carlton Hall of Fame for 18 years when he was elevated to Legend status – only the twelfth player in Carlton's illustrious history to be given that honour.

Bendigo All Stars Team (1972-1997).
In 1997 the Bendigo FL compiled their best team for players originating from the BFL VCFL zones for the period from 1972 - 1997, Southby was named at full-back in that team.

Affectionally nicknamed 'Sefta' by those at the club, have a chat to any past player at a pub in Melbourne and they can tell you what it means.

Footnotes

In a remarkable series of coincidences, Geoff played his first, his last, his 100th and his 200th matches all against North Melbourne.

Milestones

100 Games : Round 15, 1975 vs North Melbourne
150 Games : Round 8, 1978 vs Fitzroy
200 Games : Round 17, 1980 vs North Melbourne
250 Games : Round 16, 1983 vs Fitzroy

Career Highlights

1971 - Robert Reynolds Memorial Trophy: Best & Fairest Award
1971 - State Representative
1971 - Best First Year Player Award
1972 - Robert Reynolds Memorial Trophy: Best & Fairest Award
1972 - Premiership Player
1972 - State Representative
1972 - Sun All-Star Team for 1972
1973 - 5th Best & Fairest
1973 - State Representative
1973- Sun All-Star Team for 1973
1974 - 6th Best & Fairest
1974 - State Representative
1975 - 9th Best & Fairest
1975 - State Representative
1977 - 6th Best & Fairest
1978 - 7th Best & Fairest
1978 - State Representative
1979 - Perc Bentley Trophy: 3rd Best & Fairest
1979 - Premiership Player
1979 - Sun All-Star Team for 1979
1979 - State Representative
1980 - 2nd Best & Fairest
1980 - State Representative
1981 - State Representative
1984 - 10th Best & Fairest

Video

Links

Gallery

Geoff Southby
Geoff Southby
Geoff Southby
1972 - Geoff Southby.
1977 - Geoff Southby (Scanlens Footy Card).
1973 - Geoff Southby (Kelloggs Footy Sticker).
1979 - Geoff Southby (Scanlens Footy Card).
1975 - Geoff Southby (Scanlens Footy Card).
1981 - Geoff Southby (Ardmona Swap Card).
1976 - Geoff Southby (Scanlens Footy Card).
Geoff Southby mark 1972Geoff Southtby marks over Neil Balme. Semi Final 1972
1971 Rd 21 - Geoff Southby in the fog.Geoff Southby and Paul Shanahan from Fitzroy in the fog. 1971
Geoff Southby supported by Alan Mangels.
1980 Southby to forward line 08/05/80.
1980 Victorian Side Southby & Doull.
1980 Southby playing for Victoria.
1980 1st Semi Southby takes a big pack mark.
1978 Rd 5 - Geoff Southby fires off a handpass.
1978 Rd 7 - Jezza talks to Southby.
1978 Rd 10 - Southby spoils Templeton.
1978 Vic Training - Barassi attempts to spoil Southby.
1978 Rd 14 Geoff Southby.
1978 Geoff Southby to coach in the bush? (28/09/78).
1977 - Geoff Southby to go to South Melb? (17/03/77)
1977 - Southby to Collingwood? (07/04/77).
1977 Southby wont back down (14/04/77).
1977 Blues wont press charges on Sth Melb poaching (28/04/77).
1977 Southby still a chance of becoming a Swan? (12/05/77).
1977 Rd 9 - Southby returns to the club.
1977 Rd 9 - Southby quotes on his return.
1977 Rd 20 - Southby spoils Vs Essendon.
1983 Rd 20 - Geoff Southby streams out of defence.
1983 Rd 20 - Geoff Southby Article.
Geoff Southby at training.
Geoff Southby.
2009 - Geoff Southby FB in all-time Vic. Country Footy Team.
1979 Rd 13 - Geoff Southby marks in front of Michael Roach.
Geoff Southby.
1979 Rd 5 - Southby & Fitzpatrick spoil a Demon attack.
1979 Rd 10 - Southby & Fitzpatrick spoil Ex Blue Craig Davis.
1980 - Southby & Keogh join the 200 club (03/05/80).
1980 Rd 6 - Geoff Southby punches the ball clear.
1980 Big V Team (Doull & Southby).
1978 - Vic Vs WA Team List & Selections.
1978 - Victorian Team Profiles.
1978 - Victoria's Geoff Southby.
1978 Rd 18 - Geoff Southby flies over Peter Brown.
1978 Rd 20 - Geoff Southby.
1977 - Player movements in the off-season.
1984 - Geoff Southby Advert.
1984 Rd 4 - Geoff Southby back in form.
1984 Rd 4 - Geoff Southby marks strongly.
1984 Rd 4 - Geoff Southby; you cant keep a champion down.
1984 - Geoff Southby battling with injuries (09/08/84).
1975 Rd 10 - Geoff Southby plays 100th game.
1975 - Jesaulenko & Southby named in Big V Team .
1974 Prac. Match - Geoff Southby spoils Peter Hudson.
1985 - Carlton Champion Geoff Southby retires (14/03/85).
Geoff Southby dashing from defence.
1985 - Ansell Clarke article (08/08/85).
1981 Rd 1 - Geoff Southby marks in front of David Cloke.
1982 - Geoff Southby Article (17/04/82).
1982 - Geoff Southby Article (17/04/82).
1983 Rd 9 - Geoff Southby's 250th game.
1973 Rd 2 - Geoff Southby plays 50th game.
1973 - Jezza & Southby in State Squad (05/05/73).
1973 - Kelloggs Advert.; who's your favourite (Jezza & Southby) 09/06/73.
1973 - Geoff Southby in the Supporters All-Star Team (16/06/73).
1979 - Geoff Southby.
1979 GF - Geoff Southby.
1979 GF - Geoff Southby is tackled without the ball.
1979 GF - Percy Jones in ruck duel whilst Southby waits for the ball.
1973 2nd Semi - Geoff Southby dashes away from Len Thompson.
1978 - Geoff Southby Profile.
1978 - Geoff Southby.
1978 Elim. Final - Geoff Southby spoils Larry Donohue.
1980 Qual. Final - Geoff Southby.
1981 - Geoff Southby.
1976 - Geoff Southby.
1976 - Geoff Southby.
1973 GF - A groggy Geoff Southby.
1973 GF - Southby & Waite spoil the pack.
1971 Rd 21 - Geoff Southby and the fog Vs Fitzroy.
1983 Rd 9 - Southby & Hunter compete against Knights.
1983 Rd 9 - Glascott and Southby contest for the footy.
1983 Rd 9 - Geoff Southby spoils Peter Knights.
1971 Rd 11 - Geoff Southby.Pic: Football Life.
1972 - Geoff Southby Article (page 2 of 2).Football Life - April 1972.
1972 - Geoff Southby Article (page 1 of 2).Football Life - April 1972.
1972 - Geoff Southby.Football Life - April 1972.
1972 - Geoff Southby.Football Life - April 1972.
1972 - Vic. Rep. Side with Southby & Jezza.Pic: Football Life.
1973 - Geoff Southby; I hate full-forwards (pg 2 of 2).Football Life.
1973 - Geoff Southby; I hate full-forwards (pg 1 of 2).Football Life.
1973 - Geoff Southby Article (pg 3 of 3).Football Life.
1973 - Geoff Southby Article (pg 2 of 3).Football Life.
1973 - Geoff Southby Article (pg 1 of 3).Football Life.
1974 Rd 15 - Geoff Southby gets a clearing kick Vs Tigers.Pic: Football Life.
1974 - Geoff Southby.Pic: Football Life.
1975 Rd 6 - Geoff Southby spoils M.Moncrief.Pic: Football Life.
1975 - The Full-backs of the 70's (pg 2 of 2).
1975 - The Full-backs of the 70's (pg 1 of 2).
1975 - Geoff Southby at a footy clinic.Pic: Football Life.
1976 Rd 4 - Geoff Southby.Pic: Football Life.
1971 Big V Team - John Nicholls & Geoff Southby.Pic: Football Life.
1972 GF - A jubilant Geoff Southby after the game.Source: Melbourne Observer.
1972 GF - Southby & Robertson spoil Rex Hunt.
1971 Rd 6 - Geoff Southby spoils Neil Miller.Source: Footy Week.
1972 Rd 4 - Southby best full-back in the last decade.
1972 Rd 6 - Southby sizzles & Jackson too slippery.
1972 Rd 7 - Geoff Southby only needs 1 hand for contest.
1972 - Blues go to Bendigo for talent.
1972 Rd 11 - Geoff Southby outmarks Bernie Quinlan.The Australian.
1972 - McKenna's best full-back; Geoff Southby (17/06/72).Inside Football.
1972 - Knights spoils Southby in Vic Vs WA game.Inside Football.
1972 - Big V Rep's Game; Southby Vs WA.Inside Football.
1972 - Geoff Southby & All Aust. Mystery.Inside Football.
1972 Rd 20 - Southby & Hurst tackle Peterson.
1972 Rd 21 - Southby tackles Al Martello.Sporting Globe
1972 2nd Semi Replay - Geoff Southby gets a clearing kick.
1973 - Big V Rep's; Jezza & Southby.Pic: Inside Football.
1973 - Big V Rep's; Walls & Southby.Pic: Inside Football.
1973 2nd Semi - Geoff Southby; player of the week.Inside Football.
1973 2nd Semi - Geoff Southby dashes away from defence.Pic: Inside Football.
1986 - Geoff Southby and Blues U/19's (24/07/86).Inside Football.
1984 Rd 7 - Geoff Southby marks in front of Fidge.Pic: Inside Football.
1986 - Geoff Southby in best Amateur team (14/08/86).Inside Football.
Geoff Southby marks strongly.
Geoff Southby Always Cool In A Crisis.
Geoff Southby 2008
1993 - Southby & Parkin at Past Players function.
1984 Rd 1 - Geoff Southby on the charge from defence.Pic: Inside Football.
1995 - Geoff Southby to be forward scout for Cats (22/03/95).Inside Football.
1995 - Geelong Forward Scout: Geoff Southby.Pic: Inside Football.
1995 - Geelong Forward Scout: Geoff Southby (05/07/95).Pic: Inside Football.
1979 Rd 7 - Geoff Southby punches ball clear of Blight & Crosswell.
1973 Semi - Southby at the back about to spoil.
Geoff Southby Article (02/05/01).
1980 - Big V State Game: Sheldon & Southby.
1972 - Geoff Southby marks at training.
1972 - Geoff Southby.
1972 2nd Semi Replay Footy Record - Southby marks in front of Balme & Waite.
1972 Prelim - Southby & Jones in a marking contest.
1973 - Jezza & Southby in supporters team of the year.
1975 Qual. Final - Footy Record Cover.
1976 2nd Semi - Football Record Cover.
1980 - Doull & Southby in Sun All-Star Team of the Year.
1981 GF - Footy Record Cover.
Southby Tackles Kevin Bartlett In 1980 QF.
1983 Elim Final - Footy Record Cover.
Southby Spoils Ricky McLean 1972
Southby And Tiger Bryan Wood Fight For The Ball
2003 - Southby query on Martyn's motivation to play on (9/7/03).
2003 - Vale Vin Waite (09/07/03).
Two Champions Contest The Football Leigh Matthews & Geoff Southby
Geoff Southby Another Brilliant Spoil
Southby Juggles A Mark
Geoff Southby Soars Over Richmond's Neil Balme `1972
1974 - Geoff Southby (Scanlens football card).
Geoff Southby Portrait
Southby Flies One Handed Against MelbourneAmended image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
Southby Punches Clear Against GeelongAmended image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
Southby Unleashes A Torpedo Punt At TrainingAmended image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
Southby's Usual Position In Front Of His Man.Amended image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
Geoff Southby 1972
1972 Geoff Southby and David McKay training 1972 Geoff Southby and David McKay training Age October 04
1979 GF - A jubilant Geoff Southby.
1980 Big V - Geoff Southby.
1976 Rd 7 - Southby & Jackson vs Richmond.
1976 Rd 4 - Geoff Southby juggles a mark.
1979 Rd 11 - Geoff Southby.
1976 Rd 5 - Geoff Southby marks strongly.
1973 GF - Geoff Southby spoils a marking contest.
1972 Prelim. - Southby & Jones in a marking contest.
1974 - Geoff Southby Article.
1974 - Geoff Southby Profile.
1979 Rd 4 - Geoff Southby.
1979 Rd 4 - Geoff Southby.
1979 Rd 5 - Geoff Southby.
1984 Rd 1 - Geoff Southby marks in front of Dean Dugdale.
1980 Qual. Final - Geoff Southby.
1982 Rd 14 - Geoff Southby.
1984 - Geoff Southby article.
1984 Rd 20 - Geoff Southby.
1978 Rd 7 - Percy shattered over a free kick with Southby & Armstrong close by.
1972 GF - Geoff Southby after the final siren.
1974 Rd 5 - Geoff Southby.
1981 Rd 6 - Geoff Southby.
1980 1st Semi - Southby & Austin contest the footy against Young & Low.
1979 Rd 18 - Southby about to tackle Blight with Austin & Jones in support.
1984 Rd 4 - Geoff Southby marks over Brian Taylor.
1973 - Kellogg's Footy Transfers; Geoff Southby.
1976 Rd 4 - Geoff Southby & Ray Biffin.
1980 1st Semi - Geoff Southby & Wayne Harmes spoil Craig Davis.
1976 Practice Match - Geoff Southby about to collect the loose footy.
1970 - Sandhurst's Best & Fairest Geoff Southby.
1974 - Geoff Southby spoils Peter Hudson in a practice match.
1976 Rd 1 - Geoff Southby.
1978 Rd 18 - Geoff Southby flies over Peter Brown.
1979 Grand Final - David McKay and Geoff Southby spoil the pack.
1973 Grand Final - Geoff Southby spoils the pack.
1979 Grand Final - Ken Sheldon & Geoff Southby celebrate the win.
Geoff Southby.
1984 Rd 20 - Geoff Southby's final game for the Blues.
2019 - 1979 Grand Final Reunion Celebrations.
David McKay & Geoff Southby fly for a grab.
Geoff Southby & Bruce Monteith contest the footy in the goal square.
1965 - Marist Bros.College Future Blues G. Southby & B. Walsh
1983 Rd 21 - Geoff Southby & Mario Bortolotto spoil the pack.
1976 Rd 3 - Geoff Southby & Alan Mangels.
1972 Rd 17 - Geoff Southby spoils Doug Wade.
1979 Rd 5 - Geoff Southby.
1974 - Geoff Southby Souvenir Beer Can.
1973 - Footy Sticker Book; Nicholls & Southby.Aust. Football Champion Golden Stamp Book
1979 Rd 13 - Geoff Southby.
1973 - Big V's Geoff Southby battles Geoff Blethyn.
1980 Big V vs WA; Team Lineups.
1980 Big V vs WA; Team List.
1980 - Southby & Fitzpatrick battle for the footy.
1974 Practice Match Review vs Melbourne.
1973 - Geoff Southby (VIC) battles Phil Carmen (SA).
1973 Rd 7 - Carlton smash the Pies (Southby).
Geoff Southby.
1976 Prelim. Final - Geoff Southby comments.
1982 Rd 12 - Geoff Southby spoils Paul Van Der Haar.
1979 Grand Final - Percy Jones in ruck duel watched by Southby.
1980 Big V Rep.; Geoff Southby.
1973 Grand Final - Geoff Southby flies for a mark.
1981 Rd 19 - Geoff Southby spoils Barry Round.
Geoff Southby 1978
1973 - Geoff Southby graduates at University.
1973 RD 20 - Geoff Southby in pursuit of the footy.
1974 - Geoff Southby.
1980 - Geoff Southby marks.
1980 Big V Rep's; Ken Sheldon & Geoff Southby.
1975 Geoff Southby To Play Forward (4th Sept.).
1975 Geoff Southby & Mike Fitzpatrick
1995 Geoff Southby Article.