Ray Cross

Recruited from Omeo and East Hampton, Ray Cross was a tenacious half-back flanker who became one of St Kilda's most notable hard-luck stories during their golden era. He established himself in the senior lineup as a rugged defender capable of performing disciplined tagging roles, a versatility he displayed in the 1965 Grand Final when he was moved forward to curb Essendon star Hugh Mitchell. Cross remained a key fixture in the side leading into the 1966 finals series, but a knee ligament strain sustained just two weeks before the major round forced him to miss the club's historic premiership victory over Collingwood. He watched the one-point triumph from the stands alongside fellow injured stars Carl Ditterich and Ross Oakley, and while he returned to play 15 games the following season, he finished his VFL career without a premiership medallion.