Jack Knight

A tough ruckman recruited from South Bendigo, Jack "Cracker" Knight became a central figure in the Collingwood machine of the 1930s, though his finals campaigns were a rollercoaster of fortune. While he was a capable follower who used his 183cm frame to impose himself on contests, he was often deployed as a resting ruckman in the forward pocket, where he could drift forward to snag a goal. His premiership success came in 1936, where he kicked a goal in the Grand Final win over South Melbourne, but he endured significant heartbreak surrounding the club’s other deciders. He was omitted for the 1935 premiership side despite playing in the preliminary final, and famously missed the 1937 Grand Final after receiving a six-week suspension for striking Melbourne's Ron Baggott, costing him a second flag.

After playing in losing Grand Finals in 1938 and 1939, Knight departed Victoria Park to take up a lucrative offer as captain-coach of St Kilda in 1941. The move was not without friction, sparking a public feud with former teammate Alby Pannam, but Knight’s time at the helm was difficult as the Saints struggled near the bottom of the ladder. He relinquished the coaching duties after just one season, staying on as a player in 1942 to add some much-needed steel to the St Kilda lineup before retiring.