Michael McKenna

Recruited from Beaconsfield, Michael McKenna was a diminutive but determined rover and utility player who carved out a respectable VFL career in the late 1970s and 80s. Standing just 171cm, he compensated for his lack of height with pace, skill, and a tenacious approach to the contest. He became a recognisable figure at the Western Oval, not just for his work ethic but for the protective headgear he often donned during matches. Frequently tasked with tagging roles, McKenna was a disciplined operator who could shut down dangerous opponents while still winning plenty of his own ball.

After six seasons and 80 games with the Bulldogs, McKenna crossed to Richmond for the 1985 season, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Frank Horne, who had played for the Tigers in the 1920s. He played every game in his first season at Punt Road, providing consistent service through the midfield. However, his football career was cut short when he chose to hang up the boots in his mid-20s to focus on his academic pursuits. In a fitting collision of his two worlds, McKenna later became a professor of exercise physiology, having once completed a research thesis on the physical demands of playing as a VFL rover.