Harry Saunders

Recruited from the Collingwood Senior Cadets, Harry Saunders began his career with a moment of offensive glory that paradoxically cemented his future in the backline. In just his seventh senior game, the teenager took a spectacular mark and booted a match-winning goal after the siren to sink Fitzroy, yet the Magpies—desperate to fill a hole in defence—immediately swung him to full-back. The switch proved a masterstroke, with Saunders anchoring the backline in the 1917 and 1919 premiership sides. He quickly evolved into one of the league's premier defenders, renowned for his superior judgement, strong marking, and the ability to turn defence into attack with his magnificent kicking.

While a pillar of reliability, Saunders was involved in one of the era's most infamous incidents when he was suspended and later convicted in a civil court for striking Carlton’s Alex Duncan in 1922. Despite the controversy, he remained a revered leader at Victoria Park, serving as vice-captain for three seasons before a brief stint as captain-coach of Footscray. His legacy was cemented not just by his on-field deeds but by the esteem in which he was held; when he passed away tragically young at 32, his employer, Carlton & United Breweries, closed its operations for the day of his funeral as a mark of respect.