Harry Lambert

Recruited from local side Abbotsford, Harry Lambert was a talented dual sportsman whose VFL career was defined by a sensational start and a strong finish before he turned his focus to cricket. The dangerous forward exploded onto the scene in 1941, booting six goals in just his second match against Hawthorn and managing 19 majors in his first seven games. While his appearances were sporadic during the war years, Lambert cemented his spot in 1946, playing a crucial hand in the Magpies' finals campaign with three goals in the drawn semi-final against Essendon and another two in the preliminary final loss to Melbourne. Standing 188cm, he was a potent avenue to goal who ultimately hung up the boots early in the 1947 season to forge a successful Sheffield Shield career with Victoria as a fast bowler, leaving the Pies with an enviable strike rate of nearly two goals per game.