Colin Robertson

Recruited from Wynyard on Tasmania’s north-west coast, Colin Robertson arrived at Glenferrie in 1980 after a heavy recruiting battle involving half a dozen VFL clubs. A dashing utility with blistering speed and a clean pair of hands, he quickly established himself in Allan Jeans' side, capable of playing off a wing, across half-back, or in a run-with role through the midfield. While he was a natural ball-winner who loved to tuck the footy under his arm and run, he is perhaps best remembered for his discipline and defensive accountability on the game's biggest stage.

Robertson etched his name into Hawthorn folklore during the 1983 Grand Final against Essendon, where he was assigned the task of curbing dangerous bomber Tim Watson. He performed the role to perfection, shutting down the star playmaker while gathering plenty of his own possession to be awarded the Norm Smith Medal as best on ground. Despite his heroics, the fierce competition for spots in the dominant Hawks lineup of the mid-80s saw him squeeze out of the senior side by the end of 1986. He returned to the Apple Isle the following season, eventually becoming a legend of the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame.