Ray Steele

Recruited from the University Blacks where he had captained the Victorian amateur state team, Ray Steele was a polished defender who became a central figure in Richmond's wartime era. A qualified lawyer and natural leader, he established himself across half-back and was a member of the Tigers' Grand Final sides in 1940 and 1942 before securing his place in club history during the 1943 premiership triumph. Serving as vice-captain in that decider against Essendon, Steele produced a match-saving play in the dying moments, taking a desperate mark on the last line of defence to deny the Bombers and preserve a five-point victory. While his football career was ultimately curtailed by World War II service and injury, he remained a giant of Australian sport, later receiving an OBE for his work as a high-ranking cricket administrator, including a long tenure as President of the Victorian Cricket Association.