Billy Libbis

Billy "Pickles" Libbis was an unlikely football star who preferred swimming in his youth, but he matured into the engine room of the greatest dynasty in VFL history. Recruited from Fairfield after a family move from Bacchus Marsh, Libbis established himself as the first-choice rover for Collingwood during the famed "Machine" era, playing a critical role in the club's record four consecutive premierships from 1927 to 1930. His standing at Victoria Park was immense; he was so effective at the fall of the ball that he kept Brownlow Medallist Harry Collier out of the primary roving spot, forcing the club legend into a forward pocket while Libbis drove the midfield.

On the field, Libbis was renowned for his electric pace and his mastery of the stab kick, which he used to hit leading forwards like Gordon Coventry with lethal precision. He was also a dangerous option near goal, averaging roughly a goal a game throughout his career. His time at Collingwood ended abruptly early in 1933 due to a financial dispute; when the club attempted to reduce player match payments during the Great Depression, Libbis stood his ground against the pay cut and was subsequently cleared to Melbourne. He played three solid seasons for the Demons, earning state selection for Victoria, but remains best remembered as the silky, tenacious rover who fueled the Magpies' most dominant era.