Des Bell

Born in Creswick and serving as a Gunner in World War II, Des Bell initially arrived in the city with cricketing ambitions before his football talent was identified. Recruited on the recommendation of MCC Secretary Vernon Ransford, the crafty forward forced his way into the senior side in 1946 after booting consecutive bags of eight and nine goals in the reserves. He showed early promise while the Demons were temporarily displaced to Punt Road, but his momentum was stalled by a fractured wrist that ruined his 1947 campaign. Although Bell earned a recall for the opening round of the club's 1948 premiership season, he was unable to retain his spot in the formidable lineup and did not feature in the flag triumph. He later trained with St Kilda without adding to his game tally, eventually becoming revered as the Demons' oldest living past player.