Bill Bennion

Arriving from Geelong West in the local district association, Bill Bennion established himself as a durable follower for the Pivotonians during the VFL’s foundational decade. Between 1901 and 1904, he was a regular fixture in the Geelong lineup, playing a rugged, contested style typical of the era's ruck divisions. While his 46 games at Corio Bay were respectable, Bennion’s name is etched in football history primarily for the notoriety that followed his departure to the VFA. After crossing to Port Melbourne, he became the central figure in the infamous 1910 Association bribery scandal, where he was accused of accepting payment to throw the Grand Final against North Melbourne. Though he vehemently denied the charges, the subsequent life ban—eventually lifted years later—cast a permanent shadow over his on-field achievements.