Robin Mulholland

In 1962, two decades before the Melbourne Football Club's renowned 'Irish experiment', a 16 year old Belfast boy named Robin Mulholland arrived in South Australia with his parents. After settling in Gawler, he soon developed an interest in Australian football, to which his grounding in Gaelic football enabled him to adapt with surprising ease. 

Robin first began at South as a novice in the B Grade, but this short stockily built lad with a barrel chest and a strong Irish accent - who did not look to be a naturally gifted player - rapidly became an accomplished A Grade onballer dominating the GDFL and APFL. His dedication and determination was second to none and he was the epitomy of self discipline. Quickly along the way he was awarded the A Grade Best and Fairest in 1965 and 1967, as well as finishing runner-up in 1963, 1964 and 1966.

By 1965 his reputation had grown, and the name Robin Mulholland appeared in either the best players, goalkickers or both, every week during the 1966 season with the exception of one game. He finished third in the Mail Medal that year while second to Ross Schroeter in the Club's A Grade Best and Fairest.

1967 was a very successful season on the field with the A Grade taking out another premiership. The great Peter Clark was again the leading goal kicker, usually supplied by this man Mulholland. Famously, Robin played in the Grand Final with a very nasty broken finger (his last game for the Club), taking out the A Grade best and fairest trophy and finishing runner-up in the Mail Medal.

Indeed, he had become so good at Aussie Rules, that Mulholland was invited to try out with local league club Central District. In 1968 he made his SANFL debut as a rover, impressing everyone with his energy, commitment and skill. He went on to become one of only two Bulldog players to appear in all twenty minor round games that year and capped that first season off by winning the club's best and fairest award.

Although it would perhaps be fair to observe that his kicking lacked penetration, in every other respect Mulholland - imaginatively first nicknamed 'Irish' by his mates at South - was an absolute champion. 

As Central District's on field fortunes improved, so did the visibility of Mulholland's contribution. He was best afield in the Bulldogs' first ever finals match in 1971, and the following year he played in all three of South Australia's matches in the Perth Carnival, winning the Bulldogs' best and fairest award for a second time, and topping the club's goalkicking with 46 goals. 

There is no doubt that, until the arrival of Jim Stynes and Sean Wight in the 1980s, Robin Mulholland was the most successful Irishman to play top level Australian football.

Mulholland's SANFL career came to a premature end after the 1974 season.  All told, he played 112 games for Centrals and kicked 146 goals.  Later, he maintained involvement with the club through its past players association.

In his twilight by 1975, Mulholland did return to local footy, albeit the then BLFA with Nuriootpa. He coached the Barossa Tigers to consecutive premierships in 1975 and 1976, finally won a Mail Medal in 1976 and was their leading goalkicker in 1977 with 62 goals. Robin then later coached Elizabeth in the South Australian Football Association with some distinction. But he will always be fondly remembered and revered at the Den. Without question, Robin was our most successful and best known player before the modern age of the AFL. His name as prominent as Stephen Officer or Sam Butler today.