Ross Glendinning

Arriving at North Melbourne from East Perth with a formidable reputation, Ross Glendinning quickly established himself as one of the VFL's premier key position players. He possessed a rare versatility that allowed him to control matches from either end of the ground, though he is perhaps best remembered as a graceful, high-marking centre half-back who read the play with exceptional clarity. His nine seasons at Arden Street were highlighted by the 1983 Brownlow Medal, a year in which his intercept marking and rebound from defence set the standard for the competition.

In 1987, Glendinning returned to Western Australia to become the inaugural captain of the West Coast Eagles, providing instant credibility and leadership to the new franchise. Despite being in the twilight of his career, he remained a dangerous opponent, often shifting forward to boot bags of goals when the fledgling side required an attacking spark. His ability to perform at an elite level for both a traditional VFL power and a pioneering interstate club cemented his status as a giant of the game, a legacy eventually recognised with his induction as a Legend in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.