Lardie Tulloch

Laurence "Lardie" Tulloch was a foundational figure at Victoria Park, transitioning with Collingwood from the VFA to become a cornerstone of the club's inaugural VFL lineups in 1897. A physically imposing follower and defender, Tulloch was renowned for his immense strength and durability rather than flashy skill, playing a heavy, contested brand of football that defined the Magpies' early identity. He was comfortable shouldering the ruck load or dropping back into defence to quell opposition attacks, utilizing his heavy frame to physically intimidate opponents and win the hard ball.

Tulloch's standing in the game, however, was cemented through his exceptional leadership qualities. After assuming the captaincy, he instilled a rigid sense of discipline and belief that steered the club to back-to-back premierships in 1902 and 1903, earning a reputation as one of the finest on-field generals of the era. Widely respected by teammates and rivals for his tactical astuteness and commanding presence, he retired in 1904 having established the template for future Collingwood captains and helping transform the side into a sustained powerhouse of the competition.