Don Condon

A product of the VFA’s Brighton Football Club, Don Condon arrived at North Melbourne in 1944 after serving in the Australian Army during the Second World War. His path to Arden Street was not straightforward; he had initially trialled with Essendon but was overlooked by the Bombers, a decision that North Melbourne would ultimately capitalise on. Condon wasted little time establishing himself as a dangerous half-forward who knew where the goals were, quickly becoming a key component of a side that was steadily building towards its first golden era.

Condon’s individual excellence was recognised early in his stint when he won the Syd Barker Medal as the club’s best and fairest in 1946. He remained a consistent scoring threat throughout the late 1940s, topping the club’s goalkicking in 1948 with 38 majors. His career highlight came in 1950 when he lined up on a half-forward flank in North Melbourne's historic first VFL Grand Final appearance against Essendon. After 131 games and over 200 goals in the royal blue and white, Condon returned to his original club, Brighton, midway through the 1951 season.