Jim Malone

Recruited from Laanecoorie in country Victoria, Jim Malone arrived at North Melbourne in the immediate aftermath of World War II, establishing himself as a reliable small man during a transformative era for the club. While he initially cut his teeth as a wingman, he eventually found his niche as a rover, where his agility and ground-level work became vital assets for the Shinboners. His time at Arden Street was a family affair, with his brother Joe joining him at the club in 1946, adding a layer of personal significance to his tenure in the royal blue and white stripes.

Malone’s career highlight came in 1950, when he was named as the first rover in North Melbourne’s historic maiden VFL Grand Final side. His participation in the decider was mired in drama, as a shoulder injury sustained during the preliminary final placed him under a heavy injury cloud all week, though he ultimately proved his fitness to take the field. He celebrated his 100th game the following season with a tight win over Richmond, cementing his status as a centurion of the club before departing VFL ranks in 1952 to finish his playing days with Coburg in the VFA.