Bob McKenzie

Recruited from Rosebud, Bob McKenzie wasted little time establishing himself in a formidable Melbourne lineup, debuting in 1948 and quickly becoming a fixture in the forward line. His freshman season culminated in the ultimate success, as the 19-year-old featured in both the famous drawn Grand Final against Essendon and the subsequent replay victory, booting two goals in the latter to help secure the premiership. A natural forward with a keen sense for the goals, McKenzie was renowned for his accuracy and ability to present as a strong marking target, maintaining a career average of better than two goals per game.

While he was capable of playing deep or further up the ground, McKenzie's most prolific individual season came in 1953 when he topped Melbourne's goalkicking table. He remained a key contributor through the mid-1950s, playing in the losing 1954 Grand Final side, but he missed out on the 1955 flag despite playing 14 games that season. His VFL career concluded at just 26 years of age when he departed the Demons to take up a captain-coaching position with Bridgewater in the Bendigo League, leaving behind an impressive strike rate and a premiership medallion.