Les Reeves

Recruited from West Brunswick after schooling at Wesley College, Les Reeves was a sturdy half-back flanker whose career began amidst the post-war reshuffling of VFL lists. His path to Arden Street was unusual; while serving in the Australian Army during World War II, he was initially named on Melbourne's list in 1946. However, strict residential zoning rules revealed he was tied to North Melbourne, forcing a move that would see him become a defensive staple for the club for the next eight seasons.

Reeves was a key figure in North Melbourne's first true golden era, playing a vital role in the club's surge up the ladder in the late 1940s. His career highlight came in 1950, where he played on a half-back flank in the club’s historic first VFL Grand Final appearance against Essendon. In a unique piece of club history, he lined up in that defensive unit alongside his younger brother, John Reeves, who played in the back pocket. While the result was a loss, Reeves remained a consistent defender until his retirement in 1953, establishing a footballing lineage that continues today—he is the great-uncle of modern players Josh Caddy and Ned Reeves.