He was granted a clearance to join St Kilda in 1959 and the centreman is credited with having outperformed Footscray's Ted Whitten in his very first game.[1][2] After playing in the opening ten rounds of the season, Ross was demoted to the seconds, causing a dispute which would see him walk out on the club.[3]
He played the next five years with South Adelaide, after joining the club in 1963. Playing mostly as a half forward flanker, he was a good performer for South Adelaide and was a member of their 1964 premiership team.[1]
His final destination was Subiaco in Western Australia but he played only one senior game.[1] After his debut, Ross seriously injured his arm when he unwittingly smashed it through a window. The injury required 60 stitches and ended his career.[1]
Ross had sons who were also good footballers; Lester junior who played with Norwood and Jonathon who played at both Norwood and Adelaide.[4]