Alf Clay

One of the few VFL players born in South Africa, Cape Town native Alf Clay was a resilient journeyman who eventually found his footing after a slow start to his career. Originally recruited from Camperdown in the Western District, the utility struggled to cement a spot at Hawthorn or Footscray, managing just a handful of senior appearances as a fringe player in the late 1930s. His fortunes changed at Fitzroy, where he made an immediate impact by booting four goals on debut against St Kilda in 1940 and becoming a regular fixture in the side. Despite playing in the Maroons' 1943 semi-final campaign, Clay endured a cruel twist of fate the following season; he crossed to North Melbourne early in 1944, missing out on Fitzroy's premiership triumph later that year. He finished his career as a servicable contributor for the Shinboners, securing his place in history as a rare four-club player during the wartime era.