Bernie Quinlan

Recruited from Traralgon, Bernie Quinlan debuted for Footscray in 1969 as a precociously talented teenager. During his nine seasons at the Western Oval, he played largely as a flanker or midfielder, showcasing a distinctively fluid kicking action that would become his trademark. However, his time with the Bulldogs was often marked by inconsistency, with critics occasionally mistaking his relaxed on-field demeanour for a lack of effort. Despite playing 177 games for the club, financial pressures at Footscray and a contract dispute facilitated a clearance to Fitzroy in 1978, a move that revitalised his career and unlocked his full potential.

At Fitzroy, Quinlan evolved from a drifting utility player into one of the game's most imposing forwards. Known universally as "Superboot," he possessed the rare ability to consistently convert set shots from outside 60 metres, stretching opposition zones and forcing defenders to man up well beyond the forward 50. Under the guidance of coach Robert Walls, he shifted to full-forward later in his career to capitalise on his aerial strength and kicking power. This positional switch saw him kick over 100 goals in consecutive seasons (1983 and 1984) and secure the Brownlow Medal in 1981, a rare feat for a player primarily operating in the forward half during that era.