Ken Hopper

Recruited from Pascoe Vale, Ken Hopper entered the VFL with Carlton as the league navigated the final years of the Second World War. He was a consistent performer during the Blues' successful 1945 campaign, playing 15 matches, but heartbreak followed when he was omitted from the side that eventually won the infamous "Bloodbath" Grand Final. Hopper transferred to Hawthorn in 1947, where he found a permanent home as a versatile utility capable of holding down key posts in defence, drifting forward to kick goals, or running through the midfield. Over five seasons at Glenferrie Oval, he became a dependable servant of the club, eventually playing 66 games in the brown and gold. His contribution to the game extended well beyond his playing days; he served three terms as President of Hawthorn's Past Players and Officials Association and provided a unique historical legacy by capturing rare photographs of Carlton’s 1946 post-premiership tour.