Bill Serong

Recruited from St Kevin's College, Bill Serong established himself as a versatile and highly skilled operator for Collingwood during the late 1950s. While often deployed as a flanker or rover, his clean ball handling and ability to read the play saw him become a pivotal figure in the Magpies' lineup. He famously featured on the half-forward flank during Collingwood's upset victory over Melbourne in the 1958 Grand Final, preventing the Demons from winning a fourth consecutive flag. His individual excellence was recognised the following season when he claimed the Copeland Trophy as the club's Best and Fairest in 1959, edging out high-profile teammates in a competitive era.

Despite his standing at Victoria Park, Serong transferred to North Melbourne for the 1962 season, though his stint at Arden Street was brief, lasting just 12 games before he departed the VFL to captain-coach Northcote in the VFA. While his playing days were distinguished by his intelligence and foot skills, Serong's broader legacy in the game was forged through his post-playing contributions as a specialist skills coach. He became a pioneer in the art of handballing, working extensively with clubs like Essendon and Collingwood in the 1970s and 80s to revolutionise how teams utilised the handball as an offensive weapon rather than just a defensive last resort.