Alan McLaughlin

A product of the local feeder system, Alan McLaughlin was a mature-age recruit who cut his teeth with Fitzroy Districts before finally breaking into the VFL senior side in 1946. Already 26 years old upon his debut, he wasted no time establishing himself as a fixture in the Lions' lineup, playing 17 games in his first season. Standing just 173cm, McLaughlin was a lightly built wingman who relied on endurance and consistency rather than size to holding his spot on the flank. He was remarkably durable during the immediate post-war era, missing very few matches over a five-year stint at Brunswick Street. While he rarely impacted the scoreboard—kicking just six career goals—McLaughlin was a relentless contributor who remained a first-choice player until his retirement in 1950.