Rod McGregor

Arriving at Princes Park from West Melbourne, Rod McGregor immediately established himself as the creative hub of Carlton's midfield during the club's first golden era under Jack Worrall. Known affectionately as "Wee" Rod due to his slight frame, he was a pure centreman who relied on balance, evasion, and exquisite ball use rather than brute strength. McGregor was famous for his ability to pivot away from opponents and deliver pinpoint passes to leading forwards, playing the game with a scrupulous fairness that saw him complete his lengthy career without a single report from the umpires.

Despite being a pivotal figure in the team that won three consecutive premierships, McGregor’s personal premiership tally was curtailed by significant misfortune. After starring in the 1906 flag win, injury forced him to miss the 1907 and 1908 Grand Final triumphs, though he eventually secured a second medallion in the 1915 victory over Collingwood. He retired in 1920 as the club's games record holder at the time, leaving a legacy as one of the most skilled ball-handlers of the pre-war era and eventually earning induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.