James Magner

James Magner was the definition of a blue-collar footballer, a mature-age recruit who forced his way onto an AFL list through sheer weight of possession in the VFL. After dominating for Sandringham while working in construction, he was selected by Melbourne in the rookie draft and made an immediate impression, polling Brownlow votes on debut and averaging high disposal numbers as a ready-made clearance specialist. A quintessential "in-and-under" midfielder, Magner was known for his fierce attack on the contest and work rate, though a lack of elite speed ultimately limited his longevity as the Demons prioritised youth during a rebuild. After being delisted, he received a brief lifeline in 2015 when Essendon recruited him as a "top-up" player during the club's supplements saga suspensions, allowing him to represent the Bombers in the pre-season competition without adding to his official senior game tally.