Jim Atkinson

A local product from Fitzroy North, Jim "Snowy" Atkinson carved out a reputation as one of the most courageous defenders of his era. Instantly recognisable by his shock of blonde hair, Atkinson made his debut during the First World War and quickly established himself as a fixture in the Maroons' backline. Despite standing just 175cm, he frequently played above his height at centre half-back, using superior reading of the play and clean ball-handling to outpoint taller opponents. His career reached its zenith in the club's famous 1922 season, where he not only played a starring role in the premiership victory over Collingwood—widely considered best on ground in the Grand Final—but also claimed the Mitchell Medal as Fitzroy's best and fairest player.

Atkinson's fearlessness was legendary, with contemporaries often remarking that he had "broken every bone in his body" throughout his playing days. This physical toll didn't stop him from assuming the captaincy in 1924, a role he held for his final two seasons at Brunswick Street before departing Victoria. In 1926, he moved south to Tasmania to become captain-coach of Lefroy, where he continued to dominate as one of the island state's premier footballers. A gifted all-round sportsman who also played first-class cricket, Atkinson is remembered today as a key pillar of Fitzroy's golden era and a member of the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame.