Jack Regan

Recruited from Northcote CYMS, Jack Regan arrived at Victoria Park in 1930 and eventually established himself as one of the greatest defenders in the game's history. Widely known as the "Prince of Full-backs," Regan transformed the position from a purely defensive role into an attacking launchpad through his spectacular high marking and long drop-kicks. Standing close to the goal square, he possessed an uncanny ability to read the flight of the ball, often soaring over opposing full-forwards to intercept possession rather than merely spoiling, a style that set him apart from the rugged, ground-level defenders of the era.

A key pillar in Collingwood's 1935 and 1936 premiership sides, Regan's dominance was recognised individually when he won the Copeland Trophy in 1936, a rare feat for a player in the last line of defence. He served as club captain for three seasons across the early 1940s and remained a formidable presence in the backline until his retirement in 1946. His standing in the game was cemented with selection in the Collingwood Team of the Century and induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, where he is remembered as the prototype for the modern, high-marking key defender.