Alby Rodda

Recruited from the State Savings Bank amateurs, Alby Rodda was a diminutive but ferocious rover who made an immediate impact upon his arrival at Melbourne. Despite standing just 166cm, he compensated for his lack of height with fearless attack on the ball and exceptional reading of the play. His recruitment was not without drama; residing in South Melbourne's zone, he reportedly had to move to an unallotted district to ensure he could sign with the Demons. The effort paid off instantly, as Rodda played a key role in Melbourne’s 1939 premiership during his debut season, followed by a brilliant wet-weather performance to help secure back-to-back flags in 1940.

Rodda's career was interrupted by service with the RAAF during World War II, but he returned to play some of his finest football in the post-war era. His crowning achievement came in 1948, where he won the Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal as the club's Best and Fairest and secured his third premiership after a dramatic drawn Grand Final against Essendon. Elevating his standing to vice-captain in 1950, he remained a key senior figure until he departed the VFL to captain-coach Myrtleford. Rodda is remembered as one of the club's most decorated small men, a triple premiership player whose toughness defied his size.