Long locks, long limbs, long run ups.. Ben Brown was one of the most recognisable figures in AFL football during a 175-game, 360-goal career that culminated in a premiership with Melbourne in 2021. His rise to the AFL as a ‘mature-ager' saw him follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Collingwood premiership player James Manson, but it was his late grandfather, Gentleman Jim Manson, he thought of most often during his football career. Manson died in traumatic circumstances and would never see his grandson play, but his influence had been profound.

If you peruse the honour boards of Ulverstone sporting clubs, there’s every chance you’ll find the surname Pearce – more than once. And if you look at the honour roll of the Fremantle Football Club, you’ll find the name there too, under the title of captain. Alex Pearce was somewhat of a late bloomer when it came to football but despite an inordinate number of serious injuries, Pearce has emerged as one of AFL’s finest and most respected defenders and leaders.

The only Tasmanian to win the coveted Norm Smith Medal, Colin Robertson, grew up on a dairy and potato farm in the small north west town of Yolla. The paddocks, with tree limbs for goals posts, were Robertson’s equivalent of the MCG and where he honed his skills before starring with Wynard in two premierships. Multiple VFL clubs came calling, but the dashing wingman opted for emerging Hawthorn and quickly became a key member of the side that rose to prominence in the 1980’s. Robertson is best remembered for his best-on-ground performance in the 1983 Grand Final, a match in which he knocked out Essendon star Tim Watson in an infamous incident that led to threats on his life.