Bernie Bignell

Born in Birmingham, England, Bernie Bignell was a rare international-born recruit who arrived at Princes Park via Northcote High School and the Mantons business house team. Standing a compact 174cm, he was a solid utility player whose VFL career was defined almost entirely by the interruption of the Second World War. After breaking into the senior side for two games late in the 1940 season, his football ambitions were shelved when he enlisted in the Second AIF, serving for the duration of the conflict and missing four full seasons of football. Bignell returned to Carlton in 1945 to add defensive depth to the squad, managing four appearances in the latter half of the year as the club secured the minor premiership. While he ultimately missed selection for the infamous "Blood Bath" Grand Final victory, Bignell remains a notable example of the "war generation" whose domestic careers were sacrificed for military service.