DOB: 8 November 1938
First match as coach: Round 1, 1974 against Carlton at Princes Park
Last match as coach: Round 22, 1977 against Collingwood at Waverley
Coaching statistics
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | % |
| 88 | 28 | 0 | 60 | 31.82 |
A champion for South Melbourne, the three time Brownlow Medallist who finished his career with the Swans under Norm Smith was appointed Melbourne coach on November 26, 1973 for a period of two years with an option for three. It was believed that he recieved about $8000 per year.
A former playing coach of the Swans, Skilton beat out nine other candidates for the job after a year playing with Port Melbourne in the VFA in 1972, where he won a best-and-fairest, and finished third in the Liston Medal playing just 11 games, then assistant coaching at North Melbourne in 1973. South at times demanded the clearance of ruckmen Peter Keenan and John Clennett for Skilton's signature, and schoolboy David Warming but neither player ended up joining the Swans. Melbourne's backup plan if South failed to clear Skilton was for Roy Simmonds to coach.
Having played just one final during his career he was keen to atone for this as a coach but despite showing flashes of brilliance he never managed to take the Demons into September.
The closest they came was 1976. On the last day of the season a win over Collingwood and minor premiers Carlton beating Footscray would see them finish fifth. The Demons did their bit but inexplicably Footscray managed to draw with the Blues and tip Melbourne into sixth. Skilton was reappointed as coach for another year despite some interest in poaching Richmond's Tom Hafey but 1977, though was a step backwards and the club finished 11th after losing their first seven games.
Before Round 16, 1977 Skilton announced that he would step down as coach at the end of the year. He claimed that he had intended on giving the game away to spend more time with his family at the end of 1976 but that players had convinced him to go on. He cited a lack of dedication and effort from players for his decision to retire. Ex-player and committeeman Denis Jones replaced him as coach.
Despite suggestions he would coach Sydney in 1986 Skilton remained in his job as a TV commentator.
Media
Inside Football - 16/06/1973
Age - 28/11/1973
Age - 29/11/1973
Age - 06/04/1974
Age - 29/09/1976
Age - 13/07/1977
Age - 13/07/1977
Age - 16/09/1985