Ricky Quade

Hailing from Ariah Park-Mirrool in the Riverina, Ricky Quade was a prized recruit who arrived at South Melbourne with a reputation as a prolific country goal-kicker. While his older brothers had played for North Melbourne, Ricky forged his own path at the Lakeside Oval, eventually reinventing himself from a forward into a courageous and tireless ruck-rover after persistent knee issues—often dubbed the "Quade curse"—limited his jumping ability. Known for his fierce competitive spirit and desperate attack on the football, Quade became the heartbeat of the side throughout the 1970s. His standing among peers was confirmed when he won the Best and Fairest in 1976 and captained the club from 1977 to 1979, leading by example during a lean period for the team.

Quade’s influence proved vital during the club’s historic transition from South Melbourne to Sydney. After hanging up the boots in 1980, he was appointed as the Sydney Swans' inaugural senior coach in 1982, tasked with uniting a fractured club in a hostile new market. He guided the team through those chaotic pioneer years before stepping down due to health reasons in 1984. Far from walking away, he remained a staunch custodian of the "Bloods" culture, serving as a board member and selector for decades. His lifelong dedication bridges the gap between the Lake Oval and the SCG, making him one of the most significant figures in the club's history.