AFL in mourning over death of two-time premiership winner who was a pioneer of the game as a player, coach then recruiter

The Geelong Cats are in mourning following the death of two-time premiership winner Cyril ‘Bill’ McMaster aged 94.

An imposing ruckman, McMaster won flags in 1951 and 1952 – and has been labelled a ‘pioneer of the game.’

Following his retirement from footy in 1954, McMaster returned to the AFL club as a coach in 1971 for two seasons before becoming football’s first ever fulltime recruiting officer in 1973, a role he held for over two decades.

McMaster was a crucial figure in the recruitment of Gary Ablett Snr – arguably the code’s greatest ever player – as well as the likes of Greg Williams, Garry Hocking and Paul Couch.

His unique contribution to the sport saw him awarded life membership at Geelong, plus the Jack Titus Service Award and R.J Hickey Awards. 

He was also awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

An imposing ruckman, McMaster (pictured second from left, second row from the top) won flags in 1951 and 1952 – and has been labelled a ‘pioneer of the game’ 

McMaster was then a key figure for Geelong in the recruitment of Gary Ablett snr – arguably the code’s greatest ever player (pictured)

In January last year, McMaster received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to Australian rules football in the Barwon South West Region.

McMaster recalled to News Corp his thrill at winning back to back premierships in 1951 and 1952 with Geelong after he first caught the eye as a towering youngster with Lake Bolac and then Ararat Football Club.

‘We had a very good side who played with spirit,’ he said in 2023. 

‘It was just one of those sides that comes around every now and again.

‘You don’t get that very often, you have to have particular players.

‘Hick [coach Reg Hickey] was also very strong…he wouldn’t stand for any nonsense.’

McMaster was also part of a famous Cats outfit which won 26 games in a row between 1952 and 1953.

Following a serious injury stemming from the 1953 Grand Final defeat against Collingwood, McMaster returned to Lake Bolac, leading them to consecutive flags in 1955 and 56.

Next was a move to Mortlake for a further seven seasons.