Horrie Dawson

Recruited from Old Scotch, Horrie Dawson arrived at Fitzroy with significant football pedigree as the nephew of premiership players Fred Fontaine and Ern Jenkins. He initially made his mark as a forward, providing a reliable avenue to goal during his early years at Brunswick Street. His proficiency in attack was highlighted in 1932 when he finished as the club's second-leading goalkicker, sitting only behind the prolific Jack Moriarty on the table.

Dawson ultimately played his best football after being shifted into defence, where he settled as a consistent and high-performing backman. He became a favourite of the umpires in this new role, polling nine Brownlow votes in both the 1934 and 1937 seasons. His excellent form as a defender was rewarded with state selection for Victoria in 1937, cementing his status as one of Fitzroy’s most important contributors throughout the decade.