Bill Lawry's famed Test and first-class career was over when he shook the hand of president Jack Edwards and agreed to be St Kilda's new captain-coach for three years from 1972-73.

At $3000 per year he was being paid substantially more than he received in a season with Victoria and Australia.

Then 35, Lawry had played the last of his 99 state games with Victoria and his 67 Tests with Australia and was seeking fresh challenges.

"I'd been reluctant to leave Northcote," he said. "I had two young kids and a responsibility to their future. I said to the people at Northcote I didn't know what my future was going to hold. They said: 'We can't offer you any money but we can offer you a VCA delegate's badge'. That helped convince me."

Closer-to-home Carlton was also ready to pounce, but was 24 hours too late. Lawry had already made his commitment.

"It was an honour to go to St Kilda," he said.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/572/ken-piesse/blog/1705/bill-lawry-joined-st-kilda-cricket-club-in-1972-73-on-3000-a-year