Peter Keenan

Peter "Crackers" Keenan began his VFL tenure with Melbourne in 1970, emerging as a competitive ruckman during a lean period for the Demons. Seeking team success, he made a high-profile switch to North Melbourne in 1976, joining a formidable lineup assembled under Ron Barassi. This move proved vindicated when he played a pivotal role as the first-choice ruckman in the Kangaroos' famous 1977 premiership victory. After three seasons at Arden Street, Keenan spent two years with Essendon before completing a rare full circle, returning to Melbourne in 1981 to captain the club and eventually finish his playing days where they began.

On the field, Keenan was defined by his volatile yet effective playing style. While often remembered for the on-field theatrics and temperamental outbursts that earned him his nickname, he was an astute tap ruckman and a fierce competitor who thrived on physical confrontation. His ability to impose himself on contests made him a valuable asset across three clubs, and despite the caricature that often accompanied his public image, he retired as a respected premiership player and club captain with more than 200 senior games to his credit.