BIO

After an inconspicuous, first game playing in a back pocket against Port and enduring an eight goal loss, Stan’s fortune changed just one week later. He was placed at half-forward and kicked two goals in a win against West Torrens. It was as a half-forward/wingman that Robinson established an outstanding reputation.
In summarizing the 1901 Season, The Register (7/10/1901) reported, “Robinson developed into a brilliant player with a rare turn of speed, fine marking abilities and a straight shooter.”

Stan also gained Premiership honours and had a fine game against Port in the Premiership Decider in September. He gained State selection the same year. Firstly, he played in the loss to Victoria in Melbourne in June but was in the victorious team that defeated them in the return game, in Adelaide, in August. The Evening Journal report of that game (5/8/1901) stated, “Robinson was brilliant on the Wing.”

Stan was part of another Premiership in 1904. In a remarkable game, Norwood trailed Port by 35 points at three-quarter time but came home in an amazing last quarter to win by 4 points. At the midway mark of the final term, Stan Robinson kicked two consecutive goals to reduce the margin to less than a goal. In an era of low scores, Robinson’s tally of 73 goals from 112 games was most significant.

Stan played in Norwood’s first ever game at Norwood Oval against Sturt on May 4th, 1901. The Oval was officially opened earlier on April 27th and to help celebrate the occasion a number of athletic events were staged, including a Long Kick Contest. This was won by Stan. His effort was measured at 63 yards, 2 feet, 6 inches.
Robinson was a fine athlete and entered a number of professional foot races. It was almost his undoing when he sustained a serious injury competing at Stawell. He was advised not to play football that season but he chose to ignore medical advice and play he did.

As well as playing, Robinson served for a number of years on the General Committee representing the players. This combined with his playing record culminated with the presentation of a Gold Medal and the awarding of Life Membership at the Annual General Meeting on the 26th March, 1907.

B Ridge Feb 2018