Ron Hillis
1929-1937
137 games
16 goals
Best and Fairest 1930, 1935

Finding the time and space required to balance all his extracurricular pursuits must have exhausted Ron Hillis. When he arrived at the South Melbourne Football Club, he'd already won the 1927 All-Australian dance championship, partnering Miss Nell Oxley. The Herald reported, "A fine 'straight-leg' made Mr Hillis' work in the fox-trot very acceptable. He avoided the 'three-step' and, aided by the graceful movements of Miss Oxley, concentrated on the slower style."

In his early playing days at South, he also performed captain's duties at the St Kilda life-saving club. Throughout his 137-game league career, Hillis continued to dance. He once told columnist F. Keith Manzie, "I always go down to have a dance at the Palais after a game of football. Dancing's the best thing I know for relieving stiffness."

Born in Warrnambool, Hillis grew up in Bloods territory. After attending the South Melbourne Technical School, he played football with the Old Brighton Grammarians before joining the Middle Park Football Club in the sub-District League. Hillis became captain there for three seasons before trialling for a place on South's playing list. His first attempt was unsuccessful, and he returned a year later.

In 1929, ahead of his first season in red and white, the club's recruits featured in what would now be known as an intra-club practice match. Football writer 'Centre' reported in The Record, "Reputedly one of the finest junior footballers in Melbourne, the play on Ron Hillis was closely watched. He played in the centre half-forward position opposed to Reville and came to light with some spectacular leaps."

That high-leaping style would become Hillis' trademark, and his finger-tip marking delighted crowds across Victoria. His marvellous footwork and supreme balance enabled him to sway towards the ball while seemingly floating through the air. Author John Devaney described him as "A paragon of poise, panache and aerial prowess."

Initially deployed as a forward, South selectors experimented with a move to full-back early in the 1930 season, with outstanding success. According to The Record, "Supporters are to be heard debating whether the red and whites have had a more brilliant full-back for years."

The team finished disappointingly in seventh place, but Hillis claimed his first best and fairest award. By season's end, he was regarded as the state's premier full-back, highlighted by his selection in the Victorian team earlier in the season. He won acclaim for his superb judgment and clean, fair play. As a defender, the graceful Hillis now played with greater resourcefulness and determination.

With his skill, etherealness and meticulously slicked-back dark hair, Hillis unsurprisingly became a Lake Oval favourite. When reports emerged in the 1931 pre-season that he'd accepted a managerial role in a Brisbane dance Palais, a sense of panic gripped South's supporters. They received the news of his subsequent return on season's eve gleefully.

Hopes were high ahead of the '31 season, and although a young, pacy core of local talent emerged, they again finished the year mid-table. The recruitment of AFL Hall of Fame coach Johnny Leonard from Perth brought great excitement and increased expectations for the 1932 campaign. He brought three highly regarded Western Australians with him, and the club's famous 'Foreign Legion' period was born.

Although high-profile recruits arrived, Hillis' standing within the game only grew. He gave a detailed account of full-back play in a June edition of The Sporting Globe. "Quick thinking is demanded. At the psychological moment when it is a case of 'stay at home' or go out from goal, don't hesitate in reaching a decision."

"Should the forward be a better mark than you, invariably punch the ball out in the air unless you are in a position where you cannot miss a mark. There is nothing like a grand punch-out to worry a high-marking forward."

The interstate players who joined South Melbourne during the 'Foreign Legion' years were primarily enticed by promises of employment during the dark days of the Great Depression. Grocery store magnate Archie Crofts hired many of them, but when Hillis and teammate Austin Robertson found themselves unemployed, they drew upon their own ingenuity.

The pair opened a tea store on Clarendon Street, and The Record reported on the early status of the venture. "The tea business of Austin Robertson and Ron Hillis is steadily forging ahead. The partners have enlarged their activities, which now embraces cocoa, coffee and smoker's requisites."

"The partners are deserving of the full support of the local public—their goods are excellent, and they are what is colloquially termed 'a great pair of triers'."

On the field, South returned to the finals for the first time since 1924 after finishing fourth. The Bloods faced Collingwood, and Hillis lined up on legendary Magpies full-forward Gordon Coventry. Their battles had become must-watch occasions, but Coventry kicked five goals this time, and the 'Pies prevailed.

Jack Bisset replaced Leonard – who returned home to WA – for the 1933 season. After a slow start, the highly fancied South Melbourne team clicked into gear and the Lake Oval faithful were thoroughly entertained by Hillis and his teammates. Among them, Bob Pratt became the star attraction.

Hillis again performed superbly but, sadly, injured his hip in the semi-final win against Richmond, missing the Grand Final. In the lead-up, The Argus claimed, "His loss to South Melbourne would be great." In his absence, South claimed the 1933 premiership with a resounding seven-goal victory.

Afterwards, a rumour from a rival business owner reached the press, stating Hillis, devastated at missing the flag victory, was contemplating retirement. Hillis called The Record personally to refute the claim. He returned in 1934, but somewhat inexplicably, selectors left him out of the Grand Final side that lost to Richmond.

In 1935, Hillis had undoubtedly reached the top of his game. After South's semi-final victory over Collingwood, The Record claimed, "Ron Hillis must be classed as Number 1 back man in the League. Hillis demonstrated that his skill is not confined to aerial jaunts, for on the ground, he put in some very clever relieving work."

He finally got his chance to play in a Grand Final two weeks later, but South's chances took a significant hit when a fully loaded brick truck hit Pratt two days before. The luckless Bloods also lost injured captain-coach Bisset during the game and went down by 20 points. Hillis grasped the opportunity to play on the game's biggest stage, named one of South Melbourne's best.

Hillis’ outstanding season was rewarded with his second best and fairest trophy. The Record lauded South's popular defender, "None will deny that the mantle of club champion has fallen on worthy shoulders, for throughout the season, particularly in the second half of the home and away matches, his accomplished and, above all, scrupulously fair play won the admiration of friend and foe alike. His work could not have been improved on."

South returned to play their fourth successive Grand Final in 1936, facing Collingwood again. However, red and white hearts collectively broke as the premiership slipped from their grasp in the final minutes. Hillis shared the club's best player honours with fellow defender Jim Cleary, but all were left inconsolable at another opportunity lost.

At the completion of the 1937 season, Hillis retired from football, having performed admirably throughout his nine-year career. He joined the South Melbourne committee in 1939, but growing business interests meant the role ceased after a year. Hillis found a love of sailing later in life and passed away in 1976, aged 70 after a life most certainly well-lived.