Ron Alexander

Recruited from West Perth in the WAFL, Ron Alexander arrived at Fitzroy as a mature-age recruit with an established reputation for physical strength and on-field leadership. He made an immediate impression in the VFL, claiming the Percy Mitchell Medal as the Lions' best and fairest in 1977, just his second season at the level. A dominant tap ruckman who used his imposing frame to protect his smaller midfielders, Alexander became a central figure at the Junction Oval, eventually assuming the captaincy during a transitional period for the club in the late 1970s.

Despite playing just six seasons in Victoria, Alexander left a lasting mark as one of Fitzroy's most reliable contributors of the era. His leadership qualities were evident throughout his tenure, guiding the side for two seasons as skipper before returning to Western Australia in 1982. While his playing days at the top level concluded with 133 games, his football journey continued significantly off-field, most notably when he was appointed as the inaugural coach of the West Coast Eagles in 1987.