Jim Carstairs

Recruited from local side Essendon Baptists-St John's, Jim Carstairs was a resilient follower who carved out a respectable career through sheer determination. After tasting success in the 1950 reserves premiership, his career appeared over when he was told he was surplus to requirements prior to the 1952 season. Refusing to accept the decision, Carstairs remained at Windy Hill and forced his way back into the senior lineup, eventually playing another 55 games over the subsequent seasons. Standing 187cm, he was a consistent ruckman and ball-winner who finished third in the club's 1955 Brownlow Medal count and was runner-up for the Gardiner Medal in the reserves. He remained a dedicated servant of Essendon long after his playing days, serving on the committee and later as chairman of selectors during the early 1970s.