Laurie Hill

Recruited from Thornbury in the Preston district, Laurie Hill rose rapidly through the Collingwood ranks, helping secure a Thirds premiership and winning a best and fairest in the under-19s before making his senior debut in 1962. He quickly established himself as a fixture in the Magpies' defence, holding down a half-back flank during a highly competitive era for the club. Far from a negative stopper, Hill was the archetype of an attacking defender; a natural reader of the play with a reliable left-foot kick, he frequently intercepted opposition forays and launched counter-attacks with dash and precision. His consistency was such that he was widely regarded as one of the club's most dependable players, featuring prominently in the 1964 and 1966 Grand Final sides.

Hill’s quality was recognised with Victorian state selection and a top-ten finish in the 1964 Brownlow Medal, underlining his value beyond just a club role. However, his VFL career ended abruptly and controversially after the opening round of 1969 when he was dropped to the reserves. Unwilling to accept the demotion, he transferred to the VFA to captain Preston, where he cemented a legacy as a competition great by winning two J.J. Liston Trophies and a premiership. Although his time at Victoria Park was cut short, he is remembered as a classy, driving defender who was a key pillar of the Magpies' backline for the better part of a decade.