Paul Dimattina

Paul Dimattina carries a well-known footballing name as the son of former Richmond and North Melbourne player Frank Dimattina. Originally taken by the Tigers with pick 13 in the 1991 National Draft, he never broke into the senior side at Punt Road and was eventually delisted, only to find a lifeline with the Western Bulldogs in the 1995 Pre-Season Draft. Under the guidance of Terry Wallace, he cemented his spot in the senior lineup, evolving into one of the league's most persistent taggers during the Bulldogs' competitive peak in the late 1990s.

Renowned for his aggressive checking and elite endurance, Dimattina was frequently tasked with shutting down the opposition's most dangerous midfielders. He played a crucial disciplined role in the side that reached consecutive preliminary finals in 1997 and 1998, balancing defensive accountability with an ability to find the ball himself. His time at the Whitten Oval ended abruptly and controversially in 2003 when he was delisted, a decision that caused significant friction between player and club at the time. Despite the acrimonious exit, he is remembered as a fierce competitor who maximised his ability through relentless work rate.