Harry Crapper

Henry Sylvester "Harry" Crapper was a country recruit who arrived at Melbourne in 1930 from Castlemaine in the Bendigo Football League. Born in Raywood, he was the eldest of three brothers to play VFL football, with siblings Fred (Richmond) and Frank (North Melbourne) also carving out careers in the competition. A capable forward, Crapper made his debut in Round 5, 1930, but his standout performance came just weeks later against Carlton; in a low-scoring slog on a heavy ground, he booted two goals, including the match-winner in the dying stages to secure a two-point victory for the Demons. While he struggled to hold a regular senior spot over his two seasons, managing 12 games, he was a key contributor to the club's depth, culminating in a premiership with the reserves in 1931. Crapper later served as a Flight Lieutenant in the RAAF during the Second World War.