Paul Vander Haar

Recruited from Ringwood, Paul Vander Haar made an immediate impact upon his arrival at Essendon in 1977, quickly establishing himself as one of the VFL's most exciting prospects. Dubbed "The Flying Dutchman" due to his heritage and spectacular aerial ability, he was a powerful athlete capable of playing almost anywhere on the ground, though he settled best as a centre half-forward or ruck-rover. His natural talent was immense, yet his career was often characterised by a tension between his on-field brilliance and a relaxed attitude toward professional standards, leading to a famously complex relationship with coach Kevin Sheedy.

Despite persistent injuries and off-field scrutiny, Vander Haar was a cornerstone of the Essendon side that dominated the mid-1980s. He played a vital physical role in the back-to-back premierships of 1984 and 1985, offering a hard-edged point of difference in the Bombers' attack. His fearlessness often resulted in significant physical tolls, including a notorious collision with a goal post at Princes Park that highlighted his disregard for personal safety. Although his body slowed down significantly in his later years, he managed to reach the 200-game milestone in his final season, retiring in 1990 as a dual premiership player and a bona fide cult hero at Windy Hill.