Brent Crosswell

Recruited from Launceston, Brent Crosswell arrived at Carlton in the late 1960s and quickly established himself as one of the game's most enigmatic and talented figures. A versatile key position player capable of turning a match from centre half-forward or centre half-back, Crosswell was renowned as a supreme big-game performer who often reserved his finest football for September. While his intensity sometimes wavered during the home-and-away season, his influence on Grand Final day was profound, playing instrumental roles in the Blues' 1968 and 1970 premiership triumphs. His intellectual and non-conformist personality set him apart from the typical footballer of the era, contributing to a complex relationship with club administrators but endearing him to fans who appreciated his raw talent.

Crosswell's career became inextricably linked with legendary coach Ron Barassi, making him one of the few players to represent three clubs under the same mentor. After falling out of favour at Princes Park, he transferred to North Melbourne early in the 1975 season, where his arrival proved the final piece of the puzzle for the Kangaroos' maiden premiership. He secured two more flags at Arden Street, including the 1977 replay, solidifying his status as a four-time premiership player across two clubs. He eventually followed Barassi to Melbourne for a twilight stint plagued by injury, retiring in 1982 as a player whose best performance was arguably as good as any in the league's history.