Max George

Arriving at Fitzroy in 1976 as a flamboyant full-forward with a formidable reputation in the West, Max George teased Lions fans with a glimpse of elite goalkicking talent before injury struck. Already a Bernie Naylor Medallist and capable of huge hauls—including a legendary 14-goal game for Swan Districts—George crossed the Nullarbor alongside fellow sandgroper Ron Alexander to test himself in the VFL. He made an immediate impact, booting a club-record five goals on debut against Essendon at VFL Park and following up with four majors against Richmond the next week. However, severe thigh muscle tears derailed his Victorian campaign just as he was establishing himself as a potent focal point in attack. Restricted to just eight games in the maroon and blue, he eventually returned to Western Australia and later the SANFL, leaving Fitzroy supporters wondering what might have been had his body held up.