Hec Yeomans

A decorated war hero before he was a VFL footballer, Hec Yeomans brought a hardened edge to the field after serving with distinction in World War I, where he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery during the Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin. His top-level career began with a brief stint at St Kilda in 1920, but his legacy was forged after crossing to Hawthorn during their final years in the VFA. Yeomans became a pivotal figure in the club’s history as a member of the Mayblooms' inaugural VFL side in 1925, running out for their first-ever league match against Richmond. Playing predominantly as a forward, he provided a reliable avenue to goal during that difficult foundation season, finishing as the club’s second-highest goalkicker. After helping establish Hawthorn in the senior competition, he eventually departed to finish his playing days with Brunswick in the VFA.