Keith Forbes

Written off by South Melbourne as too small for league football, Keith Forbes forged a brilliant career as a dynamic rover after cutting his teeth with a VFA premiership at Coburg. He crossed to Essendon in 1928 without a clearance, quickly establishing himself as a prolific ball-winner and dangerous option forward of centre. Standing just 171cm, Forbes possessed exceptional pace and goal sense, forming a celebrated on-ball partnership with Dick Reynolds. He claimed the Crichton Medal twice and finished runner-up in the Brownlow Medal on two occasions, leading the club's goalkicking four times during a period where the Bombers struggled for team success.

Forbes' individual brilliance often outshone his team's fortunes, leading to the unfortunate distinction of holding the VFL/AFL record for the most career goals (475) without ever playing a final. After a decade at Windy Hill, he departed in 1938 to become captain-coach of North Melbourne, leading the Shinboners for two seasons before a brief four-game stint with Fitzroy closed out his VFL tenure. He is remembered as one of Essendon's greatest rovers, evidenced by his selection in the club's Team of the Century and induction into their Hall of Fame.