Les Thomas

A diminutive rover standing just 162cm, Les "Eggie" Thomas was a premiership player with West Adelaide who caught the eye of Collingwood recruiters during an exhibition match against the SANFL champions in late 1927. He crossed into the VFL the following season with high expectations but found the adjustment difficult, noting later that Victorian umpires were stricter and the physical contests more demanding than he was accustomed to back home. After managing just two senior appearances for the Magpies, Thomas returned to South Australia but switched allegiance to Sturt, where he played out his senior career and was recognised as the club's most unselfish player in 1929. Following his retirement, he remained deeply involved in the game as a coach and active member of the South Australian Past Players and Officials Association until his passing at age 91.