Ricky Barham

Recruited from South Warrnambool, Ricky Barham was an electrifying yet enigmatic winger who initially prioritised a surfing trip around Australia over playing VFL football. He was eventually convinced to head to Victoria Park and announced himself with a stunning five-goal haul in his first full game against Hawthorn, instantly cementing his status as a cult hero. Possessing blistering pace and a knack for the spectacular, Barham was a "human highlights reel" capable of breaking lines and booting impossible goals, though his disposal by foot was famously erratic. He was the definition of an excitement machine, thrilling the Magpie Army with his run-and-carry while occasionally frustrating them with his turnover rate.

Barham’s tenure coincided with the club's heartbreaking "Colliwobbles" era, seeing him feature in five Grand Final matches (including the 1977 draw) without securing a premiership medallion. Despite his natural talent, persistent injuries and inconsistency led to his retirement at the relatively young age of 27. He remained a significant figure in the football landscape post-retirement, carving out a successful career as the Sydney Swans' recruiting manager—where he helped build their drought-breaking 2005 premiership list—and later watching his son, Jaxson, briefly follow in his footsteps at Collingwood.