Mort Keily

Recruited from The Gordons, Mortimer "Dan" Keily was a resilient utility who overcame a childhood accident that cost him the sight in one eye to forge a VFL career. Joining Carlton at the height of their World War I dominance, he struggled to cement a regular place in the formidable lineup, heartbreakingly missing selection for both the 1914 and 1915 premiership sides. He eventually tasted Grand Final action in the Blues' 1916 defeat to Fitzroy, but his career is often remembered for a controversial incident in the 1917 semi-final where he received a life suspension for abusing a field steward. The draconian penalty was eventually rescinded after two years, allowing Keily to return for a final stint as a veteran wingman and flanker before retiring in 1921 with a singular career goal to his name.