Gordon Rattray

Recruited from Wesley College, Gordon Rattray debuted for Fitzroy while still a schoolboy before his early development was interrupted by service in World War I. Upon his return, he established himself as a polished half-forward and half-back flanker who is widely credited with introducing the "torpedo" punt to the VFL, utilising the spiral kick to gain superior distance. Rattray became a vital figure during a successful era for the Maroons, winning two Best and Fairest awards and playing in the 1922 premiership side before ascending to the captaincy. His career path later took a bizarre turn in 1924 when he was appointed to coach Melbourne; prevented from playing for the Demons due to strict residential zoning rules, he became the league's first non-playing coach by necessity before making a cameo return to Fitzroy's on-field lineup for the finals series. After a successful stint captain-coaching Brighton in the VFA, Rattray returned to the Maroons in 1928 for one final season as playing coach.