Bill Buckley

Recruited from Fish Creek in South Gippsland, Bill Buckley was the most prominent member of a rough-and-tumble country footballing family that dominated the local leagues. Standing 183cm, he was considered a "big man" for the era and arrived at Victoria Park with significant hype after being spotted by the brother of Collingwood champion Ted Rowell. Buckley was a versatile follower and forward who surprised observers with his pace and elite stab kicking—a skill rarely seen in bush footballers of the time—though his long kicking left something to be desired. He made a solid debut against Essendon in Round 10, 1924, rotating between centre half-forward and defence, and held his spot for the following week's clash with St Kilda. However, his VFL career ended as abruptly as it began; he was dropped after just two matches and immediately returned to Fish Creek, where he remained a local star and club legend well into his late thirties.