Bill Gunn

Recruited from Williamstown in the VFA, Bill Gunn arrived at the Lake Oval in 1952 and quickly established himself as a classy and effective half-forward flanker for South Melbourne. He was a dangerous attacking threat who possessed a knack for finding the goals, often drifting forward to finish off the work of the midfielders. His consistency and high level of performance were recognised across the league, most notably when he finished equal fifth in the 1958 Brownlow Medal, a significant achievement for a player in his position during that era.

Gunn’s standing at South Melbourne was such that he was appointed club captain for the 1955 season, taking on the leadership role at a relatively young age. He continued to lead by example on the field, topping the club’s goalkicking table the following year. A regular Victorian state representative, his contribution to the game extends beyond his own playing days; he is the grandfather of inaugural GWS Giants co-captain and modern-day midfield star Callan Ward.