Ronnie Wearmouth

Recruited from the Mayne Football Club in Queensland, Ronnie Wearmouth arrived at Victoria Park as a rarity in a VFL era almost exclusively dominated by Victorian talent. Instantly recognisable by his flowing blonde hair and high-energy approach, he established himself as a tenacious rover who became a massive cult figure among the Magpie Army. Wearmouth's game was characterised by his blistering speed and willingness to take the game on, often breaking lines through the centre square, though his disposal efficiency did not always match his prolific ball-winning ability.

His career coincided with the dramatic and often agonising Tom Hafey era, seeing Wearmouth feature in five Grand Finals (including replays) without securing a premiership. His defining moment occurred during the 1977 drawn Grand Final against North Melbourne, where he gathered the ball on the half-forward flank, evaded a tackle, and snapped a goal to put Collingwood ahead in the dying minutes. He retired in 1981 as a Life Member, remembered not just for his flamboyant appearance but for his relentless work rate and loyalty during one of the club's most competitive windows.