Ian Hampshire

Recruited from Portland in Victoria's south-west, Ian "Bluey" Hampshire established himself as a durable and honest ruckman during a significant tenure with Geelong. Making his debut in 1968, he became a fixture of the Cats' lineup for eight seasons before crossing to the Western Oval in 1976. At Footscray, he initially played a supporting role to Brownlow Medallist Gary Dempsey, often resting in the forward pocket or backline. However, following Dempsey's departure to North Melbourne, Hampshire shouldered the number one ruck mantle with distinction, finishing runner-up in the club's 1980 best and fairest count and earning state selection for Victoria the following year.

Hampshire carved out a unique place in league history as the first VFL player to notch 100 games at two separate clubs, a testament to his longevity and consistency. His influence at the Bulldogs extended well beyond his on-field ruck work; when Royce Hart resigned midway through the 1982 season, Hampshire retired as a player to immediately take up the senior coaching reins. He steered the club through the remainder of that year and the full 1983 season while maintaining his plumbing business, remembered as a respected figure who served both accolades with no-nonsense professionalism.