Roy Dowsing

The son of former South Melbourne player Alf Dowsing, Roy Dowsing took an unconventional path to the VFL. After leaving school, he stepped away from the game for five years before re-emerging with South Camberwell in the amateurs. A diminutive but prolific goal-kicker, he caught the attention of Melbourne recruiters after booting over 100 goals in consecutive seasons—including a nine-goal haul that earned him a contract. He made an immediate impact upon his debut in Round 14, 1939, kicking the opening goal of the match against St Kilda.

A rover and wingman noted for his pace and goal sense, Dowsing became a regular contributor during Melbourne's golden era but endured the misfortune of missing out on the club's premiership hat-trick. He played two games in 1939, was dropped for the 1940 Grand Final after playing the preliminary final, and featured regularly in 1941 without making the final 19. Despite missing the ultimate glory, he remained a vital servant to the club, finishing runner-up in the 1945 Best and Fairest. He retired midway through 1947 to serve as Melbourne's metropolitan recruiting organiser, later becoming assistant secretary and earning Life Membership in 1949.