Brent Guerra

Recruited from the Dandenong Stingrays with pick 28 in the 1999 National Draft, Brent Guerra began his career at Port Adelaide as a tough, physical forward who could push into the midfield. While he showed glimpses of his talent, including a Rising Star nomination and finals appearances in 2001 and 2002, he struggled to cement a permanent role in a dominant Power lineup. Seeking greater opportunities, he was traded to St Kilda ahead of the 2004 season. His stint at Moorabbin was brief; despite playing 31 games over two years, he fell out of favour and was delisted at the end of 2005, leaving his AFL career at a crossroads.

Hawthorn offered Guerra a lifeline in the 2006 Pre-Season Draft, a move that precipitated a career-defining transformation under coach Alastair Clarkson. Shifted to the backline, he evolved into a disciplined, hard-edged defender renowned for his elite left-foot distribution and ability to read the play. He became the designated kicker and general of the Hawks' defence, instrumental in rebounding from the defensive 50. Guerra played a pivotal role in Hawthorn's 2008 Premiership upset over Geelong but suffered heartbreak in 2012 when a hamstring injury ruled him out of the Grand Final. He found redemption the following year, retiring on the ultimate high as a dual Premiership player following the Hawks' 2013 flag victory.