Ray Byrne

Recruited from Golden Square in the Bendigo Football League, Ray Byrne established himself as a rebounding defender capable of generating significant drive from the half-back flank. He commenced his VFL career with Carlton, where he immediately found himself in the heat of finals action, playing in the Blues' 1973 Grand Final loss to Richmond. After more than 100 games at Princes Park, Byrne crossed to arch-rivals Collingwood during the 1978 season, becoming a key component of Tom Hafey's hard-running side.

Byrne's career is often remembered for a string of near-misses on the league's biggest stage. A reliable left-footer who offered consistent run and carry, he played in three consecutive Grand Final defeats with the Magpies in 1979, 1980, and 1981, leaving him with the unfortunate distinction of playing in four premiership deciders without a victory. He concluded his 219-game career with a single season at Geelong in 1984, retiring as a highly respected, durable journeyman who was a fixture in the finals series of the 1970s and early 1980s despite the lack of silverware.