St Kilda recruiter John Beveridge sadly passed away overnight aged 85 after a long battle with illness.
Beveridge was seen as one of the Saint's keys to success during their prime years in the mid-2000s, heralded for recruiting the likes of Nick Riewoldt, Brendon Goddard, Justin Koschitzke and Nick Dal Santo, among others.
Although never having an AFL career of his own, Beveridge played under-19s with Collingwood as well as time in the VFA and at local level.
Beveridge went on to coach at the junior level post his playing career, passing on his knowledge and wisdom to the younger generations. This included his own child Luke Beveridge who enjoyed his own AFL career and more notably coaching career at the Western Bulldogs.
Vale John Beveridge. ๐
The Club sends its condolences to Luke and the entire Beveridge family following the loss of his father John.
John was a revered recruiter for St Kilda with his career in football spanning over five decades. pic.twitter.com/GdRNWG79Eb
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) October 25, 2024
Beveridge got his start in the AFL as a stats man. He worked as a statistician collecting match day statistics on VFL games for Footy Week magazine, before being picked up by St Kilda Coach Allan Jeans to perform a similar role at the club.
With his foot in the door at the Saints, Beveridge transitioned into the recruiting role he is most famous for today culminating in 2021 when he was awarded the Jack Titus Service Award for conspicuous service to our game.
St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena says that his recruiting ability and personality has had an enormous impact on the club.
"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," he 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."
