Jimmy Larkin

Recruited from North Melbourne in the VFA with a burgeoning reputation, James "Skeeter" Larkin was a lively forward and winger who thrived during a successful era for Essendon. Renowned for his clean ball-handling and ability to hit the scoreboard in low-scoring contests, he established himself as a dangerous option in attack. Larkin was widely viewed as a big-game player, notably starring on a half-forward flank in the 1901 Premiership triumph over Collingwood and lining up in the 1902 Grand Final side. Though his VFL career was relatively brief, his knack for kicking vital goals—including a standout five-goal haul against Geelong in 1900—ensured he played a pivotal role in the club's early premiership success.