Bert Deacon

Recruited from VFA club Preston, Bert Deacon was a dashing centre half-back whose early career was heavily interrupted by service in World War II. After managing only sporadic appearances while on leave, he returned permanently in 1945 and immediately transformed the Blues' backline. He played a pivotal role in the infamous "Bloodbath" Grand Final against South Melbourne later that year, where his reputation as a "gentleman" footballer was cemented; amidst the historic on-field violence, Deacon was noted for checking on a concussed opponent rather than joining the brawls.

Deacon reached the summit of his career in 1947, creating history as the first Carlton player to win the Brownlow Medal. Renowned for his fairness, elite reading of the play, and ability to launch counter-attacks from defence, he was instrumental in the club's premiership victory that same year and also tied for the club Best and Fairest. Although chronic injuries eventually slowed him down and led to a return to Preston as captain-coach in 1952, his status as one of the era's premier defenders was later formalised with his selection in Carlton's Team of the Century.