Australian Football

Stephen Icke was the son of former North Melbourne defender Laurie Icke. He too commenced his league career with North, for whom he played 120 VFL games between 1975 and 1981. Versatile, useful overhead, and abundantly skilled, he played in numerous positions during his time with the Kangas, but like his father he appeared to display his best form when stationed on the half back line. When North overcame Collingwood in the replayed 1977 Grand Final Icke lined up on a half forward flank, as he had in the original drawn Grand Final.

In 1982 Icke, who was still only 26 and at the height of his prowess as a player was somewhat surprisingly sold to Melbourne where he continued to display consistently good form in a final 78 VFL games over half a dozen seasons. He won the Demons' best and fairest player award in 1982. Another career highlight was his selection in several Victorian interstate teams.

Author - John Devaney