Clarrie Lethlean

Recruited from Oakleigh, Lethlean initially broke into the league with Melbourne but struggled to cement a regular spot, eventually crossing to the VFA to join Hawthorn midway through 1922. He became a foundational figure for the Mayblooms, playing a pivotal role as the club transitioned into the VFL for the 1925 season. While he struggled for consistency as a forward early on, he reinvented himself as a rugged defender and relief ruckman, using his significant bulk and tenacity to impose himself on contests. His leadership qualities were formally recognised when he was appointed captain in 1927, where he often shouldered the ruck load during a crippling injury crisis, before a move to Western Australia to work as a farmer brought a premature end to his VFL career.