Rochford Devenish-Meares

Recruited from Launceston Grammar, Rochford Devenish-Meares arrived at Glenferrie Oval in 1967 alongside fellow Tasmanian and future legend Peter Hudson, with whom he boarded during his early days in Melbourne. A key position prospect standing 187cm, his potential debut season was wiped out by a broken foot sustained in a practice match, forcing him to wait until 1968 to crack the senior side. His brief eight-game VFL career is best remembered for a bizarre incident against reigning premiers Richmond in Round 8; Devenish-Meares booted a booming 60-yard goal late in the final quarter to apparently level the scores, leading to both teams celebrating a draw when the siren sounded. However, a scoreboard error was discovered post-match, revealing Hawthorn had actually lost by a single point. Unable to cement a long-term spot at Hawthorn or later at Geelong, he moved west and carved out a successful career in the WAFL, featuring as a premiership player for Subiaco in 1973.