David Dickson

Recruited from VFA powerhouse Preston, David Dickson was initially a reluctant recruit who overcame significant personal tragedy—losing both parents at a young age—to join Carlton under the guidance of Bert Deacon and John Nicholls. A pacy wingman and rover with excellent foot skills and a nose for goal, he enjoyed a dream debut season in 1972, cementing his place in the senior side and playing in the Blues' famous high-scoring Premiership victory over Richmond. He returned to the Grand Final stage in 1973 during a period where he was a first-choice regular, but chronic knee injuries eventually began to curtail his output. His playing career at the elite level concluded after he was traded to Collingwood in 1977 as part of the deal that brought Peter McKenna to Princes Park, though he could not break into the Magpies' senior lineup and eventually transitioned into a highly successful career as a development coach for Victoria's top junior talent.