Greg Wells

Recruited from the Bentleigh-McKinnon Youth Club within Melbourne's zone, Greg Wells burst onto the scene in 1969 with a stunning four-goal debut against Carlton—the club where he would ironically finish his career. For over a decade, the blonde-haired centreman was a shining light during a bleak era for the Demons, establishing himself as one of the VFL's most prolific ball-winners. A classy and durable midfielder with elite disposal skills, Wells was the heartbeat of the Melbourne engine room, winning two Best and Fairest awards (1971, 1976) and captaining the club for two seasons. His individual brilliance was highlighted in 1972 when he finished runner-up in the Brownlow Medal to Collingwood's Len Thompson, and he remains one of the few midfielders to have topped the club's goalkicking, which he achieved in 1975.

Despite his individual accolades, team success eluded Wells at Melbourne, leading to a high-profile and controversial mid-season transfer to Carlton in 1980. The move, worth a reported $140,000, allowed the veteran to chase a flag after 224 games in the red and blue. The decision was vindicated the following year when he played a key role in Carlton's 1981 premiership victory over Collingwood, finally earning the silverware his career deserved. He retired at the end of 1982 after missing selection for the Blues' back-to-back triumph, finishing with 267 games and a reputation as one of the finest rovers of his generation. Wells later returned to Melbourne in various off-field roles, including Chairman of Selectors, and was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame.