Cameron Clayton

Known affectionately as "Rattler," Cameron Clayton was a tenacious utility and checking player whose career spanned three Victorian clubs during a rugged era of VFL football. Making his debut for Richmond as a 17-year-old in 1974, he struggled to cement a permanent spot in the Tigers' star-studded lineup during their premiership years, eventually crossing to Melbourne mid-way through the 1979 season in search of greater opportunity. His time at the Demons allowed him to establish himself as an uncompromising back pocket and tagger, known more for his physical approach and defensive accountability than for accumulating possessions.

Clayton's career found a third wind when he was recruited to Essendon in 1983 by Kevin Sheedy, who was actively assembling a hardened squad capable of challenging for the flag. He played 22 games in his debut season at Windy Hill, culminating in an appearance in the Bombers' 1983 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn. While he provided valuable experience and grit during Essendon's ascent, he ultimately missed out on the club's back-to-back premiership success in the following years, managing only a handful of games in 1984 before retiring. He remains remembered as a fierce journeyman who extracted the maximum from his ability across more than a decade at the highest level.