Trevor Graeme Barker (7 October 1956 – 26 April 1996) was an Australian rules footballer who played for the St Kilda Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
One of the VFL's pin-up boys with his teen-idol appearance, blonde hair and suntanned skin, "Barks" was one of the finest high-marking players of his era; and, although of slight build, his skill and athleticism were matched by raw courage and competitiveness. More than any other player before or since, he was the living embodiment of St Kilda's club motto Fortius quo fidelius (strength through loyalty), staying with his beloved club through the toughest period in its history despite receiving better offers from other clubs.
After his early death from cancer at the age of 39, St Kilda honoured Barker's memory by naming the club's best-and-fairest award in his name. He was posthumously inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
Early life
Barker was one of two children born to Jack and Norma Barker. His father was also a footballer, playing over 300 games for the Cheltenham Football Club, winning two club best-and-fairest awards, and once finishing runner-up in the league best and fairest.
In February 1966, Barker's five-year-old sister, Katrina Margaret, died from complications caused by a congenital heart condition. According to Barker's mother, the grief of losing his younger sister remained with him his whole life.
Barker followed in his father's footsteps, playing football for Cheltenham and winning three consecutive club best-and-fairest awards: in 1972 in the Under-16s/17s team, and then in 1973 and 1974 with the Under-18s. Barker grew up barracking for the St Kilda Football Club.
Career with St Kilda FC
1975: Recruitment and debut
Barker's boyhood dream was fulfilled when the Saints recruited him for the 1975 VFL season. After playing just one game in the reserves, Barker was selected on the half-forward flank for his senior debut in the Round 2 match against at Moorabbin Oval, wearing the number 25. After an even first quarter, in which St Kilda captain Barry Lawrence kicked four goals, Hawthorn took control and eventually won comfortably by 40 points. Barker had a respectable 15 touches and was named among St Kilda's best players in The Age on the Monday following the game. Barker would play a further 17 games for the season to cement his place in the senior team, averaging 14 disposals a game in his first year.
1976: First Best & Fairest
In the 1976 VFL season, which was Allan Jeans' last season as St Kilda coach, Barker was moved to defence. He was often matched on larger opponents, acquitting himself superbly in just his second season. Excited by the challenge, Barker's athleticism, courage and competitiveness throughout the season was obvious. Averaging 12 disposals a game, he relentlessly placed himself in position to challenge his opponents, his courage rewarded with 49 free kicks by the field umpires during the season, conceding just 13 for the year. Barker was recognised for his skill and courage at the end-of-season awards; he won the first of two club Best and Fairest awards and was St Kilda's best representative in the Brownlow Medal count, polling 21 votes to finish equal 13th with 's Rod Ashman and 's Kevin O'Keeffe.
1977: Iconic number 1
After his standout season in 1976, Barker changed to the number 1 jumper he would forever become synonymous with at St Kilda FC. Club Champion, Brownlow Medallist, and Premiership Player Ross Smith had served as assistant coach upon returning to St Kilda in 1975, was senior coach for the 1977 VFL season. Barker averaged 14 disposals per game, amassed 70 marks, and 71 free kicks for. He kicked four goals in the Round 17 match against Hawthorn.