John Yeates

Recruited from West Gambier, John Yeates was a versatile key position player who split his time between the ruck and the forward line. Standing 196cm but with a slender frame, he relied on his agility and strong overhead marking rather than brute strength, proving to be a dangerous attacking threat who averaged nearly a goal a game. Yeates shouldered significant responsibility early in his career, serving as Geelong captain for the 1961 and 1962 seasons, though his crowning achievement came after he relinquished the leadership duties. He played a vital role in the Cats' famous 1963 premiership victory, booting two goals in the Grand Final triumph over Hawthorn, and later saw his son Mark continue the family legacy at Kardinia Park in the 1980s.