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[Murray MacDonald] [Brian MacGregor] [Jack Mack] [Aubrey MacKenzie] [Tom MacKenzie] [Gordon Mackie] [Mark Maclure] [Justin Madden] [Michael Madden] [Simon Madden] [Harold Maddigan] [Gary Maddison] [Gordon Maffina] [Stuart Magee] [Francis Magor] [Stan Magro] [Frank Maher] [William Mahoney] [Chris Mainwaring] [Robert Makeham] [Gary Malarkey] [Steve Malaxos] [Stanley Malin] [Harold 'Hassa' Mann] [Lance Mann] [Neil Mann] [Peter Manning] [Michael Mansfield] [Albert Mantello] [Jim Marchbank] [Gerald Marchesi] [George Margitch] [Don Marinko junior] [Don Marinko senior] [Ray Marinko] [Peter Marker] [Joe Marmo] [Ron Marney] [Peter Marquis] [Peter Marrett] [John Marriott] [Percy Marsh] [Steve Marsh] [David Marshall] [Deniston Marshall] [Ken Marshall] [Ray Marshall] [Harry Marsham] [Geoffrey Martin] [George Martin] [James Martin] [John 'Ray' Martin] [Owen Martin] [Wally Martin] [William Martin] [Percy Martini] [Colin Martyn] [Tony Martyn] [Les Marvell] [Bill Maslen] [Angus Mason] [Bob Mason] [Peter Matera] [Wally Matera] [Phil Matson] [Herbie Matthews] [Jimmy Matthews] [Leigh Matthews] [Bernard Mattiske] [Stuart Maxfield] [Wally May] [Bill Mayman] [Alan Maynard] [Max Mayo]

Murray MacDonald (South Fremantle)

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Although he had the misfortune to play during what was an almost wholly unmemorable decade for the club, the 1960s, Murray MacDonald nevertheless gave South Fremantle consistent and highly valued service. Much of his football was played at centre half forward, but he could also perform capably in defence when required. He played a total of 110 senior WANFL games for South, and also represented Western Australia twice, in 1962 against South Australia, and in 1967 against the VFL.

Brian MacGregor (East Perth)

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A versatile customer who knew how to kick a goal but was equally effective as a close-checking defender, Brian MacGregor gave East Perth precisely 150 games of useful service between 1960 and 1967. He played in many fine Royals teams, and could be considered extremely unfortunate - as indeed could many of his contemporaries at the club - not to experience premiership success. MacGregor was on a half forward flank when East Perth lost the 1960 grand final to West Perth, and a year later was one of the Royals' best in the shock defeat at the hands of Swan Districts. In the 1966 grand final he played at full back and produced another fine performance to restrict his Perth opponent, Graham Ramshaw, to just 1 goal. However, he was unable to prevent another grand final loss.

Jack Mack (Port Adelaide & Central Broken Hill)

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Port Adelaide's 1907 Magarey Medallist Jack Mack played an unknown number of games for the club in a nine season career which began in 1900 and, broken by a single year with Central Broken Hill in 1906, ended "because my leg was playing up" (see footnote 1) in 1909. He was a somewhat inconspicuous performer early, but by 1903 was beginning to eke out a reputation for himself as a hard working and occasionally brilliant follower. While with Central Broken Hill in 1906 he won that club's best all round player award, despite only intermittently capturing his best form.

Returning to the city in 1907 Mack combined with newcomer Shine Hosking and veteran 'Welshy' Davies to give Port Adelaide the best first ruck combination in the SAFL (see footnote 2). Mack was frequently named among Port's best players that season, and mid-way through the year made his interstate debut against the VFA. His Medal win, when it came, was both predictable, and unanimous (see footnote 3).

Jack Mack continued to perform to a high standard for the remainder of his career. He was a member of South Australia's inaugural carnival team at Melbourne in 1908, and was still playing consistently well when he elected to the following year.

Footnotes

1. Quoted in SA Greats: The History Of The Magarey Medal by John Wood, page 57. Return to Main Text

2. The South Australian Football Association (SAFA) became the South Australian Football League (SAFL) in 1907. Return to Main Text

3. The Medal was voted for, at season's end, by all the central umpires who had officiated during the season. Return to Main Text

Aubrey MacKenzie (Melbourne, Footscray, St Kilda)

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Aubrey MacKenzie (sometimes wrongly spelt 'McKenzie') commenced in league football in 1914 when he played a couple of VFL games for Melbourne. However, it was not until after the war that he rose to prominence, initially with Footscray in the VFA, and then with St Kilda. While with the Tricolours he was a key contributor, as a bullocking ruckman resting in the forward lines, to the premierships of 1919 and 1920, and also played in the losing grand final of 1921 against Williamstown. He crossed to St Kilda in 1922, and gave the Saints good service in 35 VFL games over three seasons. During the 1923 season he was acknowledged as one of the leading ruckmen in the competition, and his fine form was a major catalyst for the Saints' rise up the ladder after several poor seasons.

Tom MacKenzie (West Torrens & North Adelaide)

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Tom MacKenzie was the first triple Magarey Medallist, winning the award in 1902 with West Torrens, and 1905 and 1906 while playing at North Adelaide. Despite rarely training MacKenzie was 'all action' once on the field, playing with a tenacity and verve which made him, along with Tom Leahy, the most popular South Australian footballer of his day. Although primarily a rover, MacKenzie could also perform with distinction in the backlines as he possessed that classic defender's attribute of never knowing when he was beaten.

McKenzie made his league debut with West Torrens in 1901, and was selected to represent South Australia that same year. He went on to make a total of 20 state appearances.

In 1904 he switched to North, and was best afield in the red and whites' 1905 grand final defeat of Port Adelaide.

He returned to West Torrens in 1909, and was captain of the club between 1911 and 1913.

MacKenzie retired from football after the outbreak of the Great War during which he fought in Egypt and France, sustaining serious wounds from shell fire in 1916. Although he survived the war he never fully regained his health, and he died in 1927 at the comparatively young age of forty-five.

Gordon Mackie (Preston & Carlton)

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Gordon Mackie's senior career began at Preston in 1928, where he played with success for four seasons. He then expressed a desire to move to VFL club Carlton, which the Bullants' committee at first refused to countenance, but in the end he managed to get his way in time to join the Blues after the 1932 season had commenced. His VFL career was short, comprising just 60 games in less than five seasons, but auspicious. Indeed, in the view of some he was the best centre half back in the competition, boasting formidable pace, good aerial and ground ability, and magnificent kicking skills, qualities which earned him interstate selection. He was one of Carlton's best in its narrow grand final loss to Richmond in 1932, but three and a half years later, while he was still very much at his peak, his career was brought to a peremptory end by injury.

Mark Maclure (East Sydney & Carlton)

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Born in Perth, Mark Maclure moved to Brisbane when he was eleven after his father was stationed there in the Navy. He played under-age football with Coorparoo, and then, after moving to Sydney, played in the under nineteens with East Sydney. Shortly after making his senior debut he was watched by Carlton secretary Bert Deacon, who made the trip to Sydney on the recommendation of a local Blues supporter who had watched Maclure in action, and been impressed. Deacon, too, liked what he saw, and midway through the 1973 season, after just 8 senior games with East Sydney, Maclure was invited to Melbourne to try out with Carlton's under nineteens.

Strong overhead, and extremely aggressive, he made an immediate impact, and was invited to stay. Midway through the 1974 season he made his senior VFL debut against Geelong, and held his own. It was the start of an illustrious thirteen season league career during which he played 243 games and booted 327 goals. Fairly light in build when he joined the Blues, he played mainly in the backlines during his first three seasons, but after he filled out he was tried at centre half forward to good effect. If at times he struggled for consistency, his best was as good as if not better than that of any other player in the position. He represented Victoria, headed Carlton's goal kicking list twice, and was at centre half forward in the Blues' premiership teams of 1979, 1981 and 1982. A commanding, sometimes fearsome physical presence, he was ferociously protective of smaller team mates in the forward lines. He was appointed club captain in 1986, but endured a horror year with injuries. Towards the end of the year he recovered sufficiently to lead the team in its finals campaign, but this ended in disappointment as the Blues lost the grand final to Hawthorn. Mark Maclure retired shortly afterwards.

Justin Madden (Essendon & Carlton)

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He may have boasted neither elegance nor athleticism, but Justin Madden was one of the most supremely effective ruckmen of recent times. His massive 206cm 112kg frame was significantly bigger than that of most opponents, who found it virtually impossible to dislodge him from ruck contests. He could also do a serviceable, if somewhat stilted, job around the ground, and liked to kick a goal.

Madden commenced his senior career at Essendon, but his opportunities there were restricted owing to the presence of another champion ruckman in the shape of his older brother, Simon. Consequently, after 45 VFL games and 20 goals between 1980 and 1982 he moved to Carlton, where over the course of 287 games (for 170 goals) from 1983 to 1996 he established himself as one of the most instantly recognisable, and well-loved, players in the game. A club best and fairest winner in 1985 and 1991, Madden came within a vote of winning the 1985 Brownlow Medal, gained AFL All Australian selection in 1995, and was a key contributor to two Carlton premierships. He was the V/AFL's leader in hit-outs won in a record seven seasons.

Michael Madden (Essendon & Essendon Association)

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Known evocatively as 'Mad Mick', Michael Madden was a powerful, extremely mobile key position player who boasted a luxuriant crop of red hair and the traditional fiery temper to go with it. Essendon recruited him from Heathcote, and he gave the club good service in 65 games, which saw him kick 51 goals, between 1903 and 1906. In 1907 he crossed to Essendon Association where he rapidly became one of the biggest draw cards in the VFA. In 1911, however, he was banned for a full year and although his appeal against the ban was upheld in a court of law, the VFA refused to budge. Madden came back in style in 1912 by helping the Dreadnoughts to a second successive flag with a 9.8 (62) to 5.11 (41) grand final defeat of Footscray. Once his playing career was over, 'Mad Mick' calmed down sufficiently to take up the whistle as an Association umpire.

Simon Madden (Essendon)

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Widely acknowledged as the finest ruckman in the game for much of his career, Essendon's Simon Madden emphasised that status by winning virtually every honour football at the elite level has to offer, with the exception of the Brownlow Medal. After spending his early years operating out of a forward pocket Madden developed into a superb tap ruckman who was also extremely damaging around the ground. Between 1974 and 1992 he played a club record 378 V/AFL games for the Bombers, kicking 575 goals which included club list topping tallies of 45 in 1980, 49 in 1982 and 42 in 1991. He won Essendon's premier individual award on four occasions, and was club captain in 1980-81. A recipient of the Norm Smith Medal for best afield in the 1985 grand final, Madden achieved All Australian selection three times, and was runner-up for the Brownlow in 1988. Given these achievements there was no surprise when he was selected as first ruckman in Essendon's official 'Team of the Twentieth Century'.

Madden maintained his involvement in football after his retirement as a player and most recently this has involved taking the coaching reins at leading VAFA club St Bernard's Old Collegians.

Harold Maddigan (Acton & Turner)

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After shining as a schoolboy footballer, Harold Maddigan made his senior debut with Acton in 1940, aged just sixteen. After a couple of seasons he embarked on military service with the RAAF and did not resume until 1946. Invariably known as 'Sammy', Maddigan was tall and strong, and a booming kick. After playing mainly as a centre half forward in his first couple of seasons he was transformed into a full back on his return after the war, and was chosen in that position in Canberra's 1947 carnival team. In 1948, Maddigan was instrumental in forming a new CANFL club, Turner, in order to comply with the league's desire to have a team based in the north of Canberra. Both on and off the field, Maddigan could validly be described as the cornerstone of the new club, and in 1948 his consistently outstanding performances as a player - mainly as a ruckman - were rewarded with the Mulrooney Medal. Maddigan represented Canberra twice against Western Australia in Perth in 1949, and the following year, having been appointed captain of his club, he went to Brisbane as a member of the carnival team. During the carnival, representatives of each of the competing teams took part in a long kicking competition and Maddigan, with a kick of 76 yards, was the winner. He retired from football two years later after badly injuring his hip but having had the satisfaction, in 1951, of playing in Turner's first ever finals matches.

Gary Maddison (Norwood, Wilston Grange, Mayne)

by Murray Bird and Peter Blucher

Gary Maddison was a Norwood player (13 senior games) who moved north in 1979, aged twenty-two, and joined Wilston Grange. Soon afterwards he transferred to Mayne, and it was with the Tigers that he spent the bulk of his glittering QAFL. Superbly skilled and capable of playing in just about any position, he dominated the competition in the midfield through the 1980s. He was a key member of the Tigers' 1982 premiership side and was a regular star through 19 games for Queensland, captaining the Maroons in 1984 to the second leg of their interstate shield trifecta (1983-84-85). His quality performances against VFL opposition had locals suggesting he should have played at the highest level, but persistent knee injuries brought a sad and premature end to his top level career in 1984 aged just twenty-six.

Gordon 'Sonny' Maffina (Boulder City & Claremont)

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One of many fine players to emerge from West Australian Goldfields National Football League club Boulder City, Gordon 'Sonny' Maffina first came to the attention of coastal scribes after putting in a near best afield performance for a combined GFL team against East Fremantle in 1947. With inadvertent prescience, a football reporter for 'Kalgoorlie Miner' wrote that Maffina "exhibited marking ability, pace and the courage of a Bengal tiger, never shirking a hot corner, and pursuing the ball through the crushes with tenacity" (see footnote 1).

From the very next season, and for the ten after that, Maffina's tigerish approach to the game would find a perfect home with WANFL club Claremont - the Tigers - for whom, after a somewhat inconsistent start, he would develop into one of the all time greats.

Claremont during Maffina's time there was persistently unsuccessful, qualifying for the finals only once, and more often than not engaging in a season's long battle with Swan Districts and Subiaco for the wooden spoon. Amidst all the ineptitude and almost weekly thrashings, however, 'Sonny' Maffina, whom many described as 'the complete footballer', stood out. He won both the Sandover Medal and his club's fairest and best award in 1949, and the following year, as one of three Claremont representatives in Western Australia's Brisbane carnival team, was awarded the Simpson Medal as the state's best player of the series. Somewhat astonishingly, however, he failed to gain a single Tassie Medal vote.

Playing mainly in the centre, Maffina was quick, decisive and, belying his slight build, fairly strong. His ball handling and disposal by foot - most notably by means of the stab pass, of which he was one of the most adept exponents of his era - were a delight to behold.

In 1951, Maffina took over from Les McClements, who had joined Clarence in Tasmania, as Claremont captain, and the following season saw him assume the coaching mantle as well. He enjoyed immediate success, too, steering the Tigers to their first senior major round appearance since 1941, and their first finals win since 1940. However, after overcoming the challenge of East Perth in the 1st semi final, eventual premier South Fremantle proved much too strong a fortnight later.

After a disappointing 1953 season which saw the club slump to second from last on the ladder, Maffina was replaced as coach by 'Hobart Harry' Carbon, and as captain by John Munro. He continued to give the Tigers fine service as a player, however, for another five seasons, finally retiring in 1958 with 114 WANFL games to his credit, a tally which would have been much greater had he not been continually beset by niggling injuries during the closing phase of his career. He also made 8 interstate appearances for Western Australia, earning a reputation as one of the most talented centremen in the land.

In 1957, Maffina resumed as captain-coach of the Tigers, but they managed just 4 wins from 21 matches for the year to finish 7th. The following year saw him hand over the captaincy to Kevin Clune whilst carrying on as coach and, sporadically, as a player, but the side endured its worst season for many years to end up with the wooden spoon. Almost inevitably, this brought the curtain down on 'Sonny' Maffina's league career, as both player and coach (although he later served as assistant coach to Jim Conway when the Tigers broke through for a flag in 1964), but in the view of those who saw him play he deserves to be remembered and extolled more for the on field performances that made him arguably Claremont's greatest ever centreman, than for his comparative failure as a coach.

Footnotes

1. Quoted in Gravel Rash by Les Everett, pages 186-7. Return to Main Text

Stuart Magee (South Melbourne, Footscray, Swan Districts, East Fremantle)

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Ireland-born centreman and rover Stuart Magee had a chequered senior career which belied not only his considerable skill but also the renowned ‘luck of the Irish’. Two years after representing the VFL at the 1966 Hobart carnival he was unceremoniously dumped by South Melbourne as not being good enough to warrant a place in their perennially underachieving team. Picked up by Footscray he re-built his league career at the Western Oval adding 132 games to the 85 he had amassed at South. When Ted Whitten retired midway through the 1970 season he took over as the Bulldogs’ skipper only to be stripped of the role at the end of the season. Undaunted, he continued to provide Footscray with sterling service for another 5 seasons before moving to Swan Districts as captain-coach in 1976. However, with the Swans failing to impress his coaching contract was not renewed, and he completed his playing career at East Fremantle in 1977, adding 11 WANFL games to the 20 he had accrued at Bassendean.

At his best, Stuart Magee was a player of the highest calibre who perhaps serves to remind us that ability and dedication alone are not always sufficient to ensure success; you also need that indefinable quality of good fortune which no amount of determination can manufacture.

Francis Magor (Port Adelaide)

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An important member of Port Adelaide's illustrious pre-World War One combinations, Francis Magor played a total of 73 senior games for the club between 1909 and 1914. During that period the Magpies won the 'double' of state and national premiership no fewer than three times. A smooth running, highly team orientated player who could function equally well in a variety of positions - indeed he was regarded as one of the most adaptable players in the team - his last game for Port was the winning championship of Australia clash with Carlton in 1914. Magor was a member of the South Australian party at the 1914 Sydney carnival, and played in the decisive match against the VFL. In all probability, he played in at least 3 other matches during the carnival as well, but South Australia's records from the series are incomplete.

Stan Magro (South Fremantle, Collingwood, East Perth, Perth)

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Remembered today as probably one of the most ferocious tacklers in the game's history, Stan Magro commenced his league career with South Fremantle in 1970. In 1975, when South lost the grand final to West Perth by a record margin of 104 points, Magro was one of the few players in red and white to perform to expectation. He had made the first of his 7 appearances for Western Australia the same year, winning a Simpson Medal for his performance against the VFL, and was beginning to attract the attention of clubs in Victoria. In 1977 he was wooed to Collingwood, where in 96 VFL games over the next half a dozen seasons he enhanced his fearsome reputation still further. Sadly, his record in grand finals did not improve, as he played in losing teams for the 'Pies in 1977, 1979 and 1980. A centreman during his time at South Fremantle and his early years at Collingwood, he later developed into a resourceful, hard-hitting, highly dependable back pocket, in which position he represented the VFL against Tasmania in 1979.

As a coach, Stan Magro has spent time at East Perth (1992-3) and Perth (2001-5), but has yet to get a team higher than 3rd place on the ladder.

Frank Maher (Essendon, Oakleigh, Fitzroy, Carlton)

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Despite being a late starter, Frank Maher loses nothing in comparison with virtually any of the galaxy of champions to have worn the famous black and red of the Essendon Football Club. Maher, in fact, did not play football until he was serving abroad with the Australian Expeditionary Force during World War One. On his return to Australia, he joined Lilydale, where his performances were so admirable that he was soon being pursued by a number of VFL clubs, notably Carlton and Essendon. For a time, it seemed likely that he would join the Blues, but in the end he elected to throw in his lot with the Dons, for whom he made his league debut in 1921.

Just 168cm in height, and light of frame, Maher nevertheless had plenty of courage, knew how to get the ball, and used it superbly. In 1923-4 he was a key member of Essendon's famed 'mosquito fleet' which helped propel the club to successive flags. In the 1923 grand final victory over Fitzroy he was one of the best players afield, and his team mates later voted him the club's player of the season. Four years later, he won Essendon's official best and fairest award, having spent the previous three seasons as the senior side's captain-coach.

Maher was a regular VFL representative (9 games), captaining the team twice.

In 1929, after 137 VFL games, he accepted a sizeable financial inducement to join Oakleigh, which had just been admitted to the VFA, as captain-coach; it did not take him long to repay the club either as, after taking just a single season to consolidate, he oversaw consecutive flags in 1930-31.

Frank Maher later had unsuccessful stints as coach of Fitzroy (1932-3), back at Oakleigh (1934), and Carlton (1935-6). Between 1958 and 1968 he was president of the Essendon past players and officials association.

William Mahoney (Geelong, St Kilda, Richmond, Port Adelaide)

William Mahoney was an ultra diminutive rover who began his league career at Geelong in 1902, but, despite showing promise, was released after just 17 games for being 'too small'. He spent the 1904 and '05 seasons at St Kilda, but failed to win a regular place in the team. It was not until he joined Richmond in 1908 that he came into his own. Energetic to the point of being hyperactive, he thrived on being in the thick of the action, and was expert at guessing exactly where the ball would end up after a ruck contest. In three separate stints at Richmond, the last of which was in 1920, he played a total of 115 games and, particularly in the years leading up to the start of the First World War, he was widely acknowledged to be one of the game's finest players. Mahoney spent the 1912 season with Port Adelaide, and was chosen to represent South Australia against his home state. All told, he played a total of 159 games in 11 seasons of league football.

Chris Mainwaring (East Fremantle & West Coast)

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Originally from Geraldton Rovers, nineteen year old Chris Mainwaring made his WAFL debut with East Fremantle in 1985 and was an instant success, representing Western Australia and playing in a premiership team in his first season. An abundantly talented, free roaming wingman, he was a member of West Coast's inaugural VFL squad in 1987, and went on to become a key contributor to the side's success in the early 1990s. Mainwaring played 201 games for the Eagles from 1987 to 1999, kicking 84 goals. He was a member of premiership teams in 1992 and 1994, and an AFL All Australian in 1991 and 1996. Although he never won a club best and fairest award, he finished in the top three places on five occasions. Mainwaring resumed with East Fremantle in 1998 and played for two more seasons to take his final tally of WAFL games to 60. He then embarked on a career as newsreader and sports reporter. He died in October 2007 at the tragically young age of forty-one.

Robert Makeham (Collingwood)

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Solidly efficient and reliable, Robert Makeham was an important, if comparatively unheralded, member of the great Collingwood teams that secured a VFL record four successive flags between 1927 and 1930. He began with the Woods in 1923, and went on to play 157 games and kick 97 goals for the club over the ensuing ten seasons. Immensely valuable to his side because of his versatility, Makeham played as a follower in the losing challenge final of 1926 against Melbourne, at centre half forward in the decisive match of 1927 against Richmond, and thereafter on a half back flank (1928) and a half forward flank (1929, '30). More to the point, he was equally effective in all four positions. Makeham originally retired at the conclusion of the 1931 season, but he was encouraged to resume briefly the following year in order to qualify for ten year playing membership of the VFL.

Gary Malarkey (East Perth, Geelong, Geelong West)

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Despite his comparatively small (185cm, 89kg) stature Gary Malarkey was arguably the finest full back in Australia during the late 1970s and early '80s. Aggressive and determined, he used his muscular frame to good effect when engaged in the man-on-man duels which are such an integral feature of full back play.

A member of East Perth's 1972 premiership team Malarkey also won the Royals' fairest and best award the following year before heading to Geelong in 1977. He played a total of 173 games for the Cats during a predominantly mediocre ten season period for the club. Never the most eye-catchingly brilliant of players, he nevertheless excelled in those attributes which coaches value and seek to nurture: toughness, a refusal to accept defeat, and 'one percent' activities like shepherding, smothering, spoiling and chasing.

An integral member of many of Western Australia's early state of origin teams, Gary Malarkey was named an All Australian after the 1979 Perth carnival.

He finished his playing career with Geelong West, and in 1988 was that club's last ever VFA coach.

Steve Malaxos (Claremont, Hawthorn, West Coast, East Fremantle)

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As gutsy and tenacious as he was talented, Steve Malaxos achieved virtually everything the game had to offer, but the V/AFL portion of his career ended in extreme disappointment. Originally from Dalkeith/Nedlands he was recruited by Claremont and made his league debut in 1979, rapidly developing into one of the best centremen in Western Australia. He made his interstate debut in 1982 and was a regular West Australian representative for the next six years, often as captain. After winning Claremont's 1983 fairest and best award he enjoyed an even better 1984 season securing not only a second such award but a Sandover Medal (jointly with Peter Spencer of East Perth and team-mate Michael Mitchell) as well. In 1985 he joined Hawthorn, but failed to settle and, after just 9 VFL games, returned home to Claremont. Clearly now with something to prove, Malaxos put in a fine season in 1986, with the highlight being his selection as All Australian captain after Western Australia's interstate championship win. The following season saw him engage in a second attempt to make his mark in the VFL when he joined fledgling Western Australian side West Coast where, in 66 games over the better part of four years, he enjoyed considerable success. Voted his club's best and fairest player in his debut season, and selected in another All Australian team two years later, by 1990 his status as a key member of the squad had been emphasised by his selection as captain. However, things turned sour when he suddenly fell out of favour during that year's finals series, and he never played for the Eagles again.

In 1991 Steve Malaxos embarked on a new phase of his career when, after returning briefly to Claremont, where he took his final games tally to 151, he crossed to East Fremantle. Far from finished as a footballer, he played some of his best and most consistent ever football in adding 138 WAFL games over the next eight seasons, winning club fairest and best trophies in 1991, 1994 and 1995, and skippering the 1992 and 1994 premiership teams. At his best, Malaxos was one of the most damaging and creative players in the game, and it would be wholly inappropriate if his disappointing experiences at Hawthorn and West Coast were accorded undue significance when assessing his career.

Stanley Malin (Port Adelaide)

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Very little is known about the life of Stanley 'Sailor' Malin other than that he played two seasons of senior football with Port Adelaide, and was the winner, in 1899, of the second ever Magarey Medal. It seems he played mainly across the centre or half forward lines, and was a "good mark and very straight kick" (see footnote 1). In 1900 he quit football and travelled to Sydney to embark on a programme of medical studies at the city's university. Tragically, he was to die, aged just twenty-five, in December 1903, after a brief illness.

Footnotes

1. 'Prince Alfred Chronicle', quoted in SA Greats: The History Of The Magarey Medal by John Wood, page 39. Return to Main Text

Harold Mann (Melbourne, South Fremantle, Caulfield)

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While still a toddler, Harold Mann was dubbed 'Hassa' by his cousin, Len, and the name stuck. In later years, both boys played league football for Melbourne, Len as a hard working and resourceful ruckman, and 'Hassa' as one of the classiest centremen of his era.

After coming to Melbourne from Rutherglen in 1959, 'Hassa' Mann broke into the all powerful Demons line-up after just a handful of reserves matches, and never looked back. He was a member of premiership teams in his first two league seasons, and again in 1964 when he was among the best players afield as Melbourne overcame Collingwood by 4 points in a photo finish. He won the Demons best and fairest award in 1962-63 and 1967, and was club captain between 1965 and 1968, his last 4 VFL seasons. A regular member of Big V representative sides, a series of dazzling performances at the 1966 Hobart carnival earned him an All Australian blazer.

In 1969, after a brief clearance wrangle, he joined South Fremantle as captain-coach. Still very much at his peak as a player, he not only won the southerners' fairest and best award in his debut season, he topped their goal kicking list as well, but from a team perspective the meagre return of 5 wins from 21 matches and a wooden spoon was tantamount to a disaster.

With his job hanging by a thread, Mann masterminded an astonishing turnaround the following year as South stormed up the ladder to claim 2nd spot going into the finals. Two wins over Perth then clinched the premiership.

The team's success was short-lived, however, and when it could only manage 6th place in 1971, 'Hassa' Mann and South Fremantle parted company. He returned to coaching briefly in 1981 when he assumed control at VFA club Caulfield, but the Bears had a poor year, winning just 5 of their 18 matches to finish just one place off the bottom in 1st division.

Mann's success in steering South Fremantle from bottom to top in a year was undoubtedly both memorable and highly praiseworthy; however, it is for his exploits and prowess as a player that he is best remembered today. When Melbourne announced its official 'Team of the Century' in the year 2000, 'Hassa' Mann's enduring legacy was rubber-stamped with his inclusion in the team on a half forward flank.

Lance Mann (Essendon)

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Lance Mann was a solidly built and exceptionally pacy footballer who joined Essendon in 1951 after three seasons at Albury. He developed into a fine wingman who, in addition to his formidable leg speed, was hard at the ball, and a fine kick. After four seasons with the Dons he was forced to return home to Albury because of knee problems. He recovered sufficiently to front up with Albury in 1955, and the following season saw him win the Ovens and Murray League's best and fairest award, the Morris Medal. Essendon invited him back in 1958 and used him in a back pocket where his hard bumping style won him many admirers. He retired in 1959 after 80 VFL games and 22 goals. He spent the 1960 and 1961 seasons as coach of the Bombers' reserves.

Neil Mann (Collingwood)

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Despite being widely regarded as a quintessential Collingwood product, Neil Mann actually played Thirds football for St Kilda, but later revealed that he had never had any desire or intention of playing for them at senior level. Thus, when Collingwood expressed an interest, he was delighted, and promptly made the move. In those days, the Thirds competition was not directly affiliated with the VFL, and so the Saints, whilst understandably aggrieved, could do nothing.

Mann commenced his senior VFL career in 1945, and played most of his early football as a key position forward, topping the club's goal kicking list in 1947 with 48 goals. It was after being shifted to centre half back in 1948, however, that he really came into his own. Renowned as having the biggest hands in football he was, not surprisingly, a superb mark, but above all else he was almost fanatically hard working and determined. After Collingwood lost both of its major ruckmen, Phonse Kyne and Gordon Hocking in successive seasons in 1950 and '51 Mann's career received another boost when he stepped into their shoes as though born to them. A Copeland Trophy winner and Brownlow Medal runner-up in 1954 he was a regular VFL representative player during the 1950s, donning the famous navy jumper with a big white V on a total of 10 occasions. When the Magpies beat Geelong in the 1953 grand final, he was close to best afield as the team's first ruckman. When Lou Richards resigned as Magpie captain late in the 1955 season Neil Mann took over. He retained the role in 1956, and when he retired at the end of that season had played a total of 179 VFL games, and kicked 155 goals. He later spent a fourteen season stint as coach of Collingwood's reserves before occupying the senior 'hot seat' between 1972 and 1974 when he oversaw 4th, 3rd and 4th place finishes.

Peter Manning (Swan Districts)

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One of Swan Districts' finest ever players, Peter Manning had the misfortune to just miss participation in the club's first truly auspicious era as he commenced his league career in 1964. The only grand final in which he participated was that of 1965, in which Swans fell in a final quarter heap against East Fremantle.

Of medium build at 178cm and 76kg, Manning was quite versatile, and although mainly used as a centreman, gave equal value either at half forward or across centre. He was pacy, elusive, sound overhead and a reliable foot pass. He won Swan Districts' fairest and best award on three occasions over the course of a twelve season senior career comprising 201 league and 12 interstate games. He was chosen on a half forward flank in Swan Districts' official 'Team of the Century'.

Michael Mansfield (Geelong & Carlton)

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Strong, dashing and direct, Michael Mansfield was one of the finest half back flankers of the 1990s. Recruited by Geelong from St Joseph's, he could also do a highly effective job on the forward lines when required. A thumping left foot kick, he had the distinction of being the Cats' best player in their losing grand final teams of both 1994 (against West Coast) and 1995 (against Carlton). After 181 games and 100 goals for Geelong between 1990 and 1999 Mansfield crossed to Carlton where he added a further 54 games and 18 goals in his final three seasons in the AFL. He achieved AFL All Australian selection in 1994 and 1995.

Albert Mantello (North Melbourne)

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Although he had a reputation as one of the toughest men in football, North Melbourne's Albert Mantello was careful never to stray outside the laws of the game - unless he thought he could get away with it. On one occasion, prior to a night match, he was mischievously told by his coach that players could not be reported in games of this sort, whereupon he merrily set about the task of settling a succession of old scores, in the misguided belief that he could do so with impunity. Needless to say, he ended up being reported - for the one and only time in his nine season league career. In retrospect, one is torn between feeling dumb-founded at Mantello's naivety in believing his coach, and full of admiration over his restraint in other games.

The Kangaroos used Mantello mainly as a half back flanker, but he was quite versatile, and could play more than serviceably in the centre or at half forward. Solidly built, he was nevertheless both quick and agile, and his superb long drop kicks brought delight to the connoisseurs. He captained North in 1960, and was a Big V representative against Tasmania the previous year. He retired at the end of the 1962 season after 106 VFL games.

Jim Marchbank (Carlton)

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Marchbank gave Carlton fine service in two separate stints (1903-4 and 1906-13) which amounted to 117 VFL games and saw him contribute to two flag wins. Either as a ruckman or at centre half forward, he was tough, aggressive and powerful, and always gave good value. Despite being widely regarded as the epitome of fairness, he was once suspended from the game for almost a year.

Gerald Marchesi (North Melbourne)

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Powerfully built for a half forward flanker, North Melbourne's Gerald Marchesi, who played 89 VFL games between 1947 and 1954, earned a high reputation both for his all round playing prowess and his eye for goals. His career total of 111 goals included 49 in 1953 which was good enough to top the club's list. He was at half forward right in the shinboners' grand final loss to Essendon in 1950, and he captained the club in his last league season.

George Margitch (Melbourne)

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Full forward George Margitch only had a comparatively brief VFL career - 64 games between 1930 and 1934 - but his average of 4.3 goals per game over that period marks him out as a player of signal prowess. He topped Melbourne's goal kicking list in 1930-1-2 with tallies of 73, 66 and 60 goals, the first of which stood as a club record until overhauled by Norm Smith (with 80) eight years later. Margitch was neither especially strong or quick, but used a combination of excellent anticipation, smooth ball-handling skills and superior football intelligence to obtain his goals.

Don Marinko junior (West Perth & East Perth)

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Following in the footsteps of a famous parent is never easy, but Don Marinko junior, whose father was a near legendary figure with West Perth, probably managed the feat as well as anyone. Like his father, he commenced his league career with West Perth, and at the end of his debut season of 1952, playing on a half forward flank, was one of his team's best players in a 21 point grand final loss to South Fremantle. The following season saw Marinko make his interstate debut for Western Australia at the Adelaide carnival, the first of an eventual 11 such appearances.

For much of the 1950s Marinko was acknowledged as one of the finest centremen in the WANFL. Always in the thick of the action, he was a team player par excellence, and it is somewhat surprising that he never won the Cardinals' fairest and best award. In 1959 he captain-coached the side but it narrowly missed the finals. He continued as captain for part of the 1960 season before being replaced by Brian Foley, and his final game for the Cardinals was in the centre in that year's winning grand final against East Perth. Ironically, the 1961 season saw Marinko lining up with the Royals, for whom he added a final 32 league games over two seasons in what proved to be something of an Indian Summer to his career. In 1961 he helped the side reach a second consecutive grand final, which it lost to Swan Districts, and the following year saw him land the first, and only, club fairest and best award of his career. The 1963 season saw him appointed as the Royals' skipper, but unable to play because of injury.

Unlike his father, Don Marinko junior failed to make West Perth's official 'Team of the Twentieth Century', but he must have been very close to doing so.

Don Marinko senior (Boulder City & West Perth)

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Without doubt one of the most accomplished West Australian ruckmen of the inter-war years, Don Marinko began his senior football career on the goldfields with Boulder City before joining West Perth in 1926. Over the ensuing fourteen seasons he played a total of 234 games for the Cardinals, including the winning grand finals of 1932, 1934 and 1935. Marinko won a club fairest and best award in 1933, and captained the side to the 1934 and 1935 premierships. He represented Western Australia 13 times, and was selected in the forward pocket in West Perth's official 'Team of the Century'.

Ray Marinko (West Perth & East Perth)

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A fine all round footballer, equally at home across half forward or half back, Ray Marinko commenced his twelve season league career in 1954, at West Perth. Strong overhead, and an excellent kick, he had played a total of 160 WANFL games for the Cardinals by the time he retired in 1965. In 1957 and 1958 he played 24 games for East Perth, but was not selected in either of the Royals' grand final teams in those years. The highlight of his career came in the grand final of 1960 when, playing on a half back flank, he produced a display rated by many as the best of the match in West Perth's 17.13 (115) to 12.11 (83) defeat of East Perth. (Team mate Brian Foley, however, was awarded the Simpson Medal.) Marinko may justifiably have felt that he had responded to his comparative failure while with the Royals in the best possible fashion. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, he was never selected to represent Western Australia.

Peter Marker (Glenelg)

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One of the Glenelg Football Club's greatest ever servants, Peter Marker was the virtual personification of the Bay spirit in 239 league games between 1967 and 1978, during which time he amassed 168 goals. He arrived at Glenelg from Rostrevor College, and during his debut season was regarded by many as the SANFL recruit of the year. He went on to become an inspirational and authoritative leader, captaining the side from 1971 to 1977, and winning the club's best and fairest award in his first season as skipper. His proudest moment came in 1973 when he led the Tigers to a heart-stopping 7 point win over North Adelaide in the last ever grand final to be played at the Adelaide Oval (reviewed here).

Many of Peter Marker's finest performances came when the Bays were under the pump. For example, he was among the best players afield in the losing grand finals of 1969, 1970 and 1974. The same situation often maintained when he represented South Australia, which he did on 15 occasions, including 10 games as captain. A brilliant all round footballer, Marker was equally effective across half forward or in the centre. In both 1971 and 1975 he came within one vote of winning the Magarey Medal. Towards the end of his career he was frequently sidelined by injury, and his failure to front up in the SANFL's centenary grand final of 1977 against Port Adelaide may have meant the difference between winning and losing for the Bays, given that the Magpies edged home by just 8 points.

Joe Marmo (Geelong, West Perth, Hannans, Footscray)

Described by his illustrious contemporary Ted Rowell as "a great specimen of an athlete" (see footnote 1), Joe Marmo enjoyed a distinguished two decade football career with four clubs in two states (formerly known as colonies). Born at Port Arlington, he joined Geelong as a seventeen year old in 1888. During the 1890s, in common with a large number of other Victorian and South Australian footballers of the era, he ventured west, playing initially with West Perth, whom he helped to the 1897 premiership, and later with Ted Rowell's goldfields club Hannans.

In 1899, Marmo returned home to Victoria, where he embarked on by far the lengthiest and most significant stint of his playing career at VFA power side Footscray. In twelve seasons with the Tricolours, he established himself as a powerful and fearless centre half back, playing "a big man's game with the fleetness of a rover" (see footnote 2). He was a member of three Footscray premiership teams, captained the side in 1905, and was vice-captain for most of the remainder of his time at the club. Almost forty years of age when he retired from playing in 1910, he remained in the game as an umpire for another three seasons.

Footnotes

1. Quoted in Gravel Rash by Les Everett, page 188. Return to Main Text

2. From Marmo's obituary in 'The Footscray Mail', 19/12/53. Return to Main Text

Ron Marney (Glenorchy)

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Ron Marney was a tough, durable and feisty rover who also boasted considerable flair. He first played senior football with Lindisfarne in the Southern Division of the Tasmanian Amateur Football League, winning a couple of club best and fairest awards, and playing in the 1957 premiership team. Marney joined Glenorchy in 1959, and went on to enjoy a sparkling twelve season, 208 game league career, highlights of which included three club best and fairest awards, and captaincy of the victorious 1965 local and state premiership sides. A Tasmanian interstate representative on 14 occasions, Marney showed his courage by helping the Apple Islanders to a noteworthy victory over Western Australia in Perth in 1963 while suffering from a depressed fracture of the cheekbone. He played carnival football in both 1961 in Brisbane and 1966 in Hobart, and was state captain against the Vics in Hobart in 1967 when Tasmania got to within 17 points. Marney played 12 games of intrastate football for the TFL, winning the Weller Arnold Medal in 1967. In 1969-70 he captain-coached Kermandie, winning a competition best and fairest award, and steering the side to a flag. Ron Marney is a member of both Lindisfarne's and Glenorchy's official 'Teams of the Century'.

Peter Marquis (Devonport, Melbourne, North Hobart)

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A powerful and resolute defender, Peter Marquis was a hero among Melbourne supporters during his VFL career because of his penchant for smashing his way through packs with little apparent regard for his (or anyone else's) safety. He was a key figure on the last line of defence in three Melbourne premiership teams, and played the last of his 99 VFL games in the losing 1958 grand final against Collingwood.

Originally from Devonport, Marquis won that club's best and fairest award in 1951. Popularly known as 'Trunk', he played a total of 36 games for the Magpies, and was also chosen to represent the NWFU. After his six season stint with Melbourne he returned to Tasmania and joined North Hobart, where he rounded off his career with a further 92 league games, plus membership of the 1961-2 premiership teams. He was one of the most highly regarded TANFL players of his era, finishing as a runner-up in the Leitch Medal voting on no fewer than three occasions.

Peter Marquis played interstate football for both Tasmania and the VFL, and in August 2000 was selected in the official North Hobart 'Team of the Twentieth Century'.

Peter Marrett (Port Adelaide)

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Solid, dependable and consistent, ruckman Peter Marrett gave Port Adelaide useful service in 127 SANFL games between 1947 and 1953 and in 1955, kicking 96 goals. The highlight of his career probably came in the 1951 grand final against North Adelaide when his 3 opening term goals swung the match the Magpies' way. Marrett led the Port rucks that day, and was one of the best players afield in a 10.12 (72) to 8.13 (61) win. His last league game was the 1955 grand final in which the Magpies trounced traditional rival Norwood by 63 points.

John Marriott (Norwood)

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John Marriott was a superb knock ruckman - or, more accurately, tap ruckman - who played 176 league games for Norwood between 1947 and 1956, kicking 122 goals. He was also sufficiently mobile to produce some fine football at centre half back on occasion. According to Jeff Pash, the essence of his game was its paradoxical gentleness. Marriott was

the gentle strong man. He loves his football and would not ill-treat it for worlds. The term 'knock-out' applied to his dispatch of the ball from the rucks is crude and misleading, in fact and in the suggestion of violent pugilism it brings. It is the benignest and exactest of touches; the ball is gently guided down. (See footnote 1)

Moreover:

In his marking - the safest and most inevitable of its kind and probably his largest single contribution to the game in spite of the excellence of his rucking - we have seen the same essential gentleness. No deft, insolent plucking of the ball out of its course (Allan Crabb); no high, triumphant capture of an enemy (Ian McKay); no exploitation of the ball as a kind of ring about which to turn wild somersaults (Don Lindner). A simple, firm, affectionate grasp - which nothing can shift. And at the end an almost embarrassed shuffle, the mark is pulled down quickly, out of sight, and the game proceeds. (See footnote 2)

And finally:

In his kicking, the same refusal of violence. (See footnote 3)

Highly regarded wherever football was played throughout Australia, Marriott was a popular winner of the 1951 Magarey Medal. A South Australian interstate representative on no fewer than 23 occasions, he earned an All Australian blazer after the 1953 Adelaide carnival. He won Norwood's premier individual award in 1949, 1951 and 1955, and both the Advertiser and News-Ampol Trophies in 1951, and spent his final four seasons as club captain. In 1948, when the Redlegs overcame the challenge of West Torrens on grand final day, Marriott lined up at centre half back, while two years later in the defeat of Glenelg he was in his more accustomed position of first ruckman. Had he not elected to retire prematurely in order to concentrate on his career as a dentist he might feasibly have been expected to have carved out a name for himself among the game's bona fide immortals. As it is, the name John Marriott remains synonymous with highly adept and telling ruckwork of the highest order. Hardly surprisingly, John Marriott was chosen to lead the first ruck in Norwood's official 'Team of the Twentieth Century'.

Footnotes

1. The Pash Papers by Jeff Pash, page 161. Return to Main Text

2. Ibid., page 161. Return to Main Text

3. Ibid., page 161. Return to Main Text

Percy Marsh (Valleys & Brisbane)

by Murray Bird and Peter Blucher

Percy Marsh was a vigorous defender/utility who filled a variety roles through a distinguished career. Originally from Victoria, he played for Queensland over an eleven year period from 1926 to 1936 and skippered the Maroons in the 1933 carnival in Sydney. He was a premiership player at Brisbane who also played for Valleys and represented Queensland in rugby union and soccer. Marsh spent some time as a Japanese prisoner of war on the horrific Burma Railway during World War Two.

Steve Marsh (Kalgoorlie Railways, South Fremantle, East Fremantle)

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During the first decade after the Second World War South Fremantle boasted many exceptional players, but none better than Railways in Kalgoorlie recruit Steve Marsh, who many reputable judges at the time regarded as the finest rover the game had seen up to that point. Marsh possessed all of the qualities traditionally associated with good rovers in that he was quick, most notably over that vital first two or three metres, elusive, extremely determined, courageous and highly skilled, with his impeccable drop kicking to position being especially noteworthy. He was also an excellent motivator, capable of inspiring his team mates to give of their best.

Between 1947 and 1954 South Fremantle won no fewer than six grand finals, and Steve Marsh was one of only three men to play in all of them. He won the Walker Medal for South Fremantle's best and fairest player a then record four times (since equalled by Stephen Michael), was an All Australian in 1953, and won a Sandover Medal in 1952 and a Simpson Medal after the following year's grand final.

To call Marsh's decision to accept an offer to coach arch rivals East Fremantle in 1957 controversial would represent the grossest of understatements, but from Marsh's point of view it made eminent sense. He was nearing the end of his playing career, South Fremantle's fortunes were clearly on the wane, and the proffered salary of £300 - triple what was on offer anywhere else in the WANFL - must have seemed more than a tad enticing.

Not surprisingly, Marsh proved to be a successful coach. In his first season the blue and whites, with Marsh making telling contributions both on and off the field, broke through for their first flag for eleven years. As far as the East Fremantle committee was concerned, that £300 must have seemed like money well spent.

Steve Marsh's playing career ended in 1960 after a total of 265 games over sixteen seasons.

David Marshall (Glenelg & Adelaide)

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The embodiment of smooth-running elegance and panache, David Marshall was arguably one of the most eye-catching South Australian footballers of his generation. He joined Glenelg straight from Plympton High, and made his league debut in 1978. Combining perfect balance with exemplary ball-handling and disposal skills, he was a Bay stalwart for the ensuing thirteen seasons, which were highlighted by starring roles, on a half forward flank, in the grand final wins of 1985 and 1986 against North Adelaide. Marshall won a club best and fairest award in 1990, a season which also saw him finish as a joint runner-up in the Magarey Medal voting. When the Adelaide Football Club was formed at the end of the 1990 season, David Marshall was an inaugural squad member, and, between 1991 and 1993, he played a total of 26 AFL games and kicked 14 goals for the fledgling combination. He was particularly impressive during the Crows' debut season, but after that he spent a fair amount of time back with Glenelg, for whom he had played a total of 353 SANFL games and kicked 290 goals by the time he retired in 1993. He continued to play good football right until the end of his career, as was evidenced by his selection as South Australian state league captain for a clash with Western Australia in his final season. All told, Marshall represented his state on 3 occasions.

Deniston Marshall (Claremont & Geelong)

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Denis Marshall was one of those rare footballers who exhibit genuine mastery of all the skills of the game. Quick and tough, Marshall kicked impeccably with both feet, was a superb exponent of handball, and was an excellent, and prolific, mark taker.

After making his League debut with Claremont in 1958 as a seventeen year old Marshall quickly blossomed into a polished and versatile performer. In 1958 he won the first of five club best and fairest awards (four with Claremont, one with Geelong) and was selected to represent Western Australia for the first time. He would go on to play a total of 23 interstate matches, 15 for his home state, and 8 for the VFL. In 1961 he was a member of Western Australia's historic Brisbane carnival winning side.

Marshall was enticed to Geelong in 1964, ironically in the same year that his old club won its first flag for twenty-four years. After being forced to miss the opening six games of the 1964 season while allegations of financial irregularities connected with his recruitment were investigated Marshall took to VFL football like the proverbial duck to water. Playing initially on the half back line and later in the centre he proved himself a consummately skilled and resilient performer, regularly earning selection for the 'Big V' and, in 1966, being named in the All Australian team selected after that year's Hobart carnival. In 1967 he played well for Geelong in the Cats' losing grand final against Richmond, despite being discomfited by a knock received early in the game.

The 1968 season saw Marshall at his peak. Despite being moved all over the ground by coach Peter Pianto he ran 2nd in that year's Brownlow to South Melbourne's Bob Skilton; he also took more marks (224, at an average of 11.2 per game) than any other player in the VFL.

In 1969, after a prolonged clearance wrangle, Marshall returned home to Claremont, where he played out the remainder of his fifteen season, 259 game League career. His last ever appearance came in Claremont's losing 1972 grand final team, meaning that, sadly, he never had the satisfaction of playing in a premiership-winning combination.

Ken Marshall (Subiaco & Swan Districts)

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Having arrived at Subiaco from Geraldton, Ken Marshall made his senior league debut in 1978, and went on to play for the Maroons for five seasons. Powerful and athletic, he certainly had the potential to be a leading light in a team generally lacking in star quality, but he lacked consistency, and as a result spent almost as much time playing for the seconds as the seniors. In 1983 he transferred to Swan Districts but after making a blistering start he again became blighted by inconsistency, and missed that season's finals series, from which Swans emerged triumphant. He fared somewhat better in 1984, and his mercurial marking and keen goal sense were very much to the fore as Swans again went top, with Marshall contributing a couple of goals to the 20.18 (138) to 15.12 (102) grand final defeat of East Fremantle. A serious ankle injury sustained in the build up to the 1986 season finally put paid to Marshall's league career after 36 games and 73 goals for Swans, coming on top of 68 games and over 100 goals for the Lions. Most of his football was played as a permanent forward, although he was tried at centre half back, without noticeable success, during his final season at Subiaco.

Ray Marshall (Windsor & Coorparoo)

by Murray Bird and Peter Blucher

Windsor's spearhead of the end of the club’s domination of Queensland football, Ray Marshall was relatively small for a full forward, but he compensated with great pace and a strong mark. He developed a magnificent combination with Jim Trewick. He was leading goalkicker in 1950-1-2, with his 123 goals in 1951 the third highest in the post-World War Two era. Essendon and Glenelg tried to attract him south but lack of employment opportunities kept him with the Eagles. He ended his career with Coorparoo. Ray Marshall played for Queensland in 1949-50.

Harry Marsham (Geelong & Richmond)

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Strongly built and tireless, Geelong's Harry 'Nipper' Marsham was a key figure at the club for the better part of a decade. Recruited from Chilwell, he made the first of his 129 VFL appearances in 1909. Most of his football was played as a ruckman, but he was also a useful marking option up forward, as his career tally of 63 goals appears to confirm. In 1916, when Geelong was in recess, Marsham played 7 games and kicked 4 goals for Richmond. Returning to the Pivotonians as skipper in 1917 he found himself at the centre of controversy the following year when he was dropped from the side for trying to dictate policy to the selectors. Widely acknowledged as one of the most effective ruckmen of his generation, Marsham was a VFL interstate representative on 3 occasions.

Geoffrey Martin (Launceston, Sandy Bay, Ulverstone, Burnie, Devonport)

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Geoffrey 'Paddy' Martin enjoyed an illustrious and varied football career with five different Tasmanian clubs. He made his senior debut with Lau