Charlie Chapman

Recruited from Scotch College, Charlie Chapman holds the rare distinction of making his VFL debut in a finals series. He was thrown directly into the fire of the 1924 Semi Final against Richmond, where he immediately looked at home, booting two goals in a strong first-up performance. Standing 180cm—a significant height for a mid-sized player of that era—he developed into a versatile key position utility who could hold his own in the ruck or operate as a damaging centre half-forward. Known for his strong overhead marking and relentless determination, he became a regular fixture in the Maroon guernsey and earned selection for Victoria on 10 occasions, including the 1930 Adelaide Carnival.

Chapman's leadership qualities saw him appointed club captain for the 1929 season, though he stepped aside the following year when Colin Niven arrived as playing coach. Freed from the captaincy, he produced a career-best season in 1930, booting 46 goals to become Fitzroy's leading goalkicker. This achievement was particularly notable as he was the only player to interrupt legendary full-forward Jack Moriarty’s decade-long dominance of the club's goalkicking table between 1924 and 1933. Chapman played his final game in 1931, but his family's connection to the club continued through his son, James, who played for the Lions in the 1950s.