Damian Bourke

A towering presence at Kardinia Park for a decade, Damian Bourke was a traditional tap ruckman who relied on his significant height advantage rather than mobility around the ground. He established himself as the Cats' premier big man in the late 1980s, a standing recognised when he was appointed club captain in 1990 to replace Andrew Bews. However, his two seasons as skipper were difficult, marred by persistent injuries and a loss of form that eventually saw him relinquish the leadership to Mark Bairstow and struggle to maintain his place in the senior side during Geelong's high-scoring 1992 campaign.

Seeking a fresh start after being delisted by the Cats, Bourke was thrown a lifeline by the Brisbane Bears in the 1993 Pre-Season Draft. He spent three seasons in Queensland, providing valuable experience and physical presence to a developing list that was beginning its transition from cellar dwellers to serious contenders. Although his career was frequently interrupted by physical setbacks, Bourke remains a notable figure in Geelong history as the man who led the club during the transition into the dominant Malcolm Blight era, even if he was not part of the side that contested the Grand Finals that followed.