John Townsend

Recruited from St Patrick’s College in Sale, Townsend wasted little time establishing himself as one of the Demons’ most dangerous weapons in the 1960s. A classic rover with a sharp eye for the goals, he became a pivotal figure during the club’s successful 1964 campaign, where he topped the goalkicking table with 35 majors and played a crucial hand in the premiership victory over Collingwood. His ability to rest forward and hit the scoreboard made him a dual threat, culminating in his first Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in 1965, a season where he once again led the club’s goalkicking.

Townsend’s career narrative is defined as much by his resilience as his early brilliance. A severe knee injury sustained in a social match following the 1965 season threatened to end his time at the top level, restricting him to just a handful of appearances over the next two years. Despite the setback, he fought his way back into the senior side and reclaimed his best form, winning a second Best and Fairest in 1969. He eventually departed the VFL to join Prahran, where he added another premiership and Team of the Century honours to his resume, while modern fans may recognise him as the great-uncle of Brisbane father-son recruits Will and Levi Ashcroft.