Dermott Brereton

Dermott Brereton burst onto the VFL scene in spectacular fashion, debuting for Hawthorn in the 1982 First Semi Final and booting five goals to immediately cement his place in a premiership side. He quickly became the swaggering figurehead of the Hawks' dominant 1980s dynasty, operating as a centre half-forward who combined elite aerial strength with a ruthless physical edge. Brereton served as both a key target and the team's enforcer, a reputation cemented during the 1989 Grand Final when he played out the match with broken ribs after a heavy collision at the opening bounce, inspiring his side to victory.

After five premierships and a Best and Fairest award, Brereton's tenure at Glenferrie Oval ended in 1993 amidst injury struggles and salary cap pressures. He moved to Sydney for the 1994 season, a stint remembered more for a lengthy suspension following a controversial incident involving Richmond's Rayden Tallis than for his on-field impact. He concluded his playing days with a final season at Collingwood in 1995, where chronic hip issues limited his output. Despite the journeyman finish to his career, Brereton remains one of the most significant figures in Hawthorn's history, revered for his ability to turn matches through sheer presence and contested marking power.