Jim Bicknell

Jim "Ginger" Bicknell was a tenacious rover recruited from South Kensington who became a reliable contributor for North Melbourne during the struggle of the 1930s. Standing at just 173cm, he debuted in 1933 and established himself in the senior lineup for two seasons before a one-year hiatus in 1935, eventually returning to the club to play three more consecutive years. While not a prolific goal-kicker—managing just seven majors across his 57 appearances—Bicknell was valued for his ground-level work rate and ability to feed the ball out of contests in an era when the Shinboners often found themselves under immense defensive pressure. His commitment to North Melbourne extended well beyond his playing retirement, as he maintained a lasting connection with the club by serving as coach for both the seconds and thirds teams, cementing his legacy as a dedicated clubman.