Alec Albiston

Recruited from the local area, Alec Albiston developed into one of Hawthorn's few shining lights during a bleak competitive era for the club in the 1930s and 1940s. He was a quintessential goal-kicking rover, possessing high skills and an uncanny sense for the goals that allowed him to rest forward with lethal effect. While the Mayblooms frequently languished at the bottom of the ladder, Albiston's individual brilliance was a constant, seeing him top the club's goalkicking four times and claim the Best and Fairest award in both 1941 and 1946. His consistency and leadership were eventually rewarded with the captaincy, a role he held from 1947 until his departure in 1949.

After 170 games in brown and gold, Albiston crossed to North Melbourne for the 1950 season. By then in the twilight of his career, he managed just seven games for the Shinboners, adding six goals to his tally before hanging up the boots. Despite the brief final chapter at Arden Street, his legacy remains firmly anchored at Hawthorn, where his contributions were later recognised with induction into the club's Team of the Century. His career return of 389 goals remains an impressive strike rate for a rover, highlighting his ability to impact the scoreboard even in struggling sides.