Fred Hiskins

The eldest of the four Hiskins brothers to play VFL football, Fred was recruited from Rutherglen and quickly became a focal point of Essendon's attack during the club's early golden era. A dangerous half-forward who preferred the place-kick for set shots, he spearheaded the Bombers' offence in 1901, topping the league goalkicking table and celebrating a premiership triumph over Collingwood. His career trajectory was unusual for a star player; after representing Victoria in 1902, he left the state to work in the Western Australian goldfields, turning out for Mines Rovers for three seasons before returning to Essendon for a final stint in 1906. Hiskins eventually returned to country football, remembered as the pioneer of a significant footballing family that included his brothers Arthur, Stan, and Rupert, as well as his son Jack, who all reached the highest level.