Swans legend Bob Skilton forced to watch AFL Grand Final 2016 from hospital bed

THE greatest Swans player of all time will miss Saturday’s AFL Grand Final after being struck down with health problems, but he’s still got a bit to say about who’ll win the big one.

South Melbourne FC legend Bob Skilton in hospital Picture: Ian Currie

THE greatest Swans player of all time will miss Saturday’s AFL Grand Final after being struck down with health problems.

Triple Brownlow Medallist Bob Skilton will watch Sydney take on Western Bulldogs from his hospital bed as he learns how to walk again.

Skilton — Sydney’s team of the century captain — said he was heartbroken to miss his team play off for another premiership but was recovering from complications experienced during back surgery.

“I will miss it unfortunately because I’ve had a blood clot and that is never a good thing to get,’’ he said.

Skilton, who handed over the premiership cup when the Swans won in 2012, is undergoing rehabilitation but said he would cheer on the Swans from his ward.

Bob Skilton (right) in a sea of red and white confetti after the 2012 Grand Final victory over Hawthorn.

Skilton (left, with cut forehead) celebrates a 1965 victory over Carlton.

“People might as well know I won’t be at the MCG,’’ he said.

“I’m not prepared to take the risk.

“I would love to be there but I will be cheering them from hospital.’’

Skilton said a Swans victory would help ease his pain.

“I’ll feel a lot better if they win,’’ he said.

But he admitted he had a soft spot for the Bulldogs due to his good friend and Doggies legend Ted Whitten.

“If we have to lose to anyone I wouldn’t mind so much if it was them,’’ he said.

“EJ was a great mate and he would be watching from up there.’’

Skilton played 237 games for the Swans before they moved from South Melbourne to Sydney and was one of the finest players of his era, winning the Brownlow in 1959, 1963 and 1968 and captaining Victoria.

While his heart lies with the Swans, he said the Bulldogs had every chance of ending their premiership drought after defeating Sydney in their past two meetings.

“I think they’ve been fantastic and they are carrying everyone along with them,’’ he said.

“I think it’s just an even money bet.’’

@rolfep

Originally published as Swans legend Bob Skilton forced to watch AFL Grand Final 2016 from hospital bed