Career: 1973-1987
Games: 306
Goals: 354
Brownlow Medal: 68 career votes
Guernsey numbers: 20
Height: 179cm
Weight: 74kg
DOB: 19 January 1953 (Debut: 20y 78d, last game: 34y 132d)
One of North's favourite sons, Wayne was recruited from former VFA club, Brunswick, where he had won the Field Medal. He was capable of holding down several positions on the field but over his long career North got the most from him on the wing or on the half-forward flank. Though not spectacular, he was relentless, more correctly courageous, and these qualities were captued by a superb photo taken of him being greeted by his jubilant coach John Kennedy. He is absolutely exhausted, having given his all to lead his players to a stunning victory over the more fancied Carlton in the Elimination Final at VFL Park in 1985. Under his dedicated captaincy, the Kangaroos, who had been trailing at three quarter-time by 17 points, kicked eight goals in the final term to run out winners by 19 points, and keep their premiership hopes alive.
He was a prolific goal kicker, and a truly committed team player. Given his many and attributes and his having been acting vice-captain of the 1977 premiership team, it is not surprising that he was made captain in 1979, and that he held that post for a record term of 10 years during which the club played in six finals series'. In 1980 Wayne had the delight of holding aloft the Escort Cup after North's controversial victory in the night series final over Collingwood. Sadly, his playing career ended with a serious knee injury against the Swans at the SCG; that was only weeks after he had captained Victoria against South Australian in Adelaide, his 11th time in the State colours. He never played again.
'Schimma' was an integral part of North's two premiership victories, and he holds the club record for the most VFL finals appearances. He appeared in the September action on 29 occasions, and he always did the club proud. Despite his playing career being cut short, he still holds the record for the most games played for the Kangaroos. On no less than 306 occasions he pulled on his boots for North, and amassed a staggering goal aggregate of 355, between 1973 and 1987.
When his playing days were over, he was assistant to John Kennedy, and succeeded to his mantle in 1990. Under his coaching, North was runner-up in the night series of 1990 and 1991, and missed the day finals in the first of those seasons by two matches, in the last year of the final five. Then in the folloiwng year, after being in 'The Six' since round nine, the North side slipped out of it with defeats in the final two weeks, the second last being a one-point loss to Fitzroy. A thin year, 1992; it yielded only seven wins from 22 outings, and 12th place on a ladder of 15.
The committee stuck with 'Schima', naming him full-time coach for a further two seasons. Unfortunately, the opening match of the subsequent night series of 1993 was a demoralising defeat to the tune of 147 points against the Crows at Adelaide's Football Park. Weighing everything up, Wayne's characteristically shouldered the blame and made the difficult decision to step down from the position as coach.
Luke the end of his playing career, it was a sad conclusion to his coaching contribution, but he walked away with the esteem and love of the North supporters, who still recall his playing career with pride, and will always remember that both as a player and coach he gave his call, and so eminently deserved his life membership of the North Melbourne Football Club.
Profile from 'The North Story'
VFL/AFL: 8522nd player to appear
North Melbourne: 656th player to appear
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