Hugh Dunbar

Recruited from Carlsruhe after Melbourne secretary Andrew Manzie spotted him working on the family farm, Hugh Dunbar was the youngest and most successful of three brothers to play for the Demons. While his siblings Edgar and Harold were plagued by injury, Hugh developed into a formidable physical presence, initially making his mark in the ruck before transforming into a premier key defender. Standing 185cm—a giant for the era—he used his strength to anchor the backline at centre half-back, playing a pivotal role in Melbourne’s 1926 premiership triumph over Collingwood. His ability to control the air also saw him wear the Big V for Victoria multiple times during the mid-1920s.

Dunbar's later years at Melbourne were hampered by illness and leg injuries, leading him to depart the club at the end of 1928. He spent a season as captain-coach of VFA side Brighton before making a brief return to the VFL system with St Kilda in 1930. He managed just three appearances for the Saints, a short stint that nevertheless allowed him to raise his bat for exactly 100 career games. Following his retirement from the top level, he continued to serve the game as a coach for Ormond Amateurs and a member of the league's umpiring panel.