Reg Evenden

Reg Evenden was a steadfast full-back who anchored the Footscray defence for a decade during a tumultuous era for the club. A true local product born and bred in the suburb, he was recruited from the district and made his senior debut in 1938. Standing 183cm, Evenden was a strong-bodied key defender known for his reliability and disciplined checking, often tasked with quelling the league's most dangerous full-forwards. He established himself as a permanent fixture in the backline, earning a reputation as an "unsung hero" among the Bulldog faithful for his consistent, no-nonsense approach to the game.

Like many of his generation, Evenden's career was significantly interrupted by the Second World War. After playing six consecutive seasons, he put his football on hold to serve with the RAAF, notably missing the entire 1944 season. He returned to the Western Oval following his service, seamlessly slotting back into the defensive goal square to resume his role as the team's defensive pillar. His standing in the game was validated in 1946 when he was selected to represent Victoria against South Australia, a prestigious honour for a defender often overshadowed by more flashy teammates. He retired in 1948 after 109 games, remembered as a loyal servant who gave everything for the tricolours.