Kevin Coverdale

Hailing from Bairnsdale in Gippsland, Kevin Coverdale endured a difficult path to regular senior football, with his early progress stalled by work commitments and injuries sustained in two separate car accidents. After a false start in the reserves during the late 1950s, he finally established himself at Hawthorn in 1963 as a strong-marking centre half-forward who could also pinch-hit in the ruck. Coverdale made an immediate impact upon his return, holding down a key structural post in the Hawks' 1963 Grand Final side that eventually fell to Geelong. Despite proving himself as a capable key position player at VFL level, his tenure at Glenferrie Oval was brief, and he departed after just three seasons to return home and captain Bairnsdale.