Mitch Robinson

Recruited from the Tassie Mariners with pick 40 in the 2008 National Draft, Mitch Robinson brought a raw and ferocious intensity to Carlton that quickly endeared him to fans, even if his discipline occasionally wavered. A hard-running utility capable of playing through the midfield or as a defensive forward, his time at the Blues was characterised by a reckless attack on the ball. However, his stint at Princes Park came to an abrupt end after the 2014 season, when he was delisted following off-field incidents that saw him fall out of favour with the club's administration.

Thrown a lifeline by the Brisbane Lions as a delisted free agent, Robinson transformed his career to become a vital spiritual leader during the club's resurgence. While he retained his trademark aggression—often described as a "human wrecking ball"—he matured significantly, channelling his energy into high-pressure acts and improved two-way running on the wing. His impact was immediate, resulting in a joint Merrett-Murray Medal win in his first season at the Gabba. Over eight years in Queensland, Robinson cemented his legacy as a heart-and-soul figure who helped drive standards as the Lions rose from cellar dwellers to perennial finalists.