Ryan Hargrave

Recruited from Perth with pick 66 in the 1999 National Draft, Ryan Hargrave proved to be a massive bargain in a "super draft" crop that also delivered club icons Robert Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa, and Lindsay Gilbee. Although he was the son of former Footscray player Steve Hargrave, Ryan was drafted on his own merits and had to work hard to transform his initially slight frame into that of a durable key position player. He developed into a versatile defender who could play tall or small, often taking the "third tall" forward which allowed him to peel off and utilise his efficient kicking skills to set up play from the back half.

Hargrave was a vital component of the Bulldogs' defence during the preliminary final era under Rodney Eade, forming a reliable unit alongside Brian Lake and Dale Morris. His playstyle was defined by his ability to read the flight of the ball and his courage in the air, often intercepting opposition attacks before launching a rebound. While chronic foot and ankle injuries severely hampered his output in his final two seasons, he showed significant resilience to force his way back into the senior side in 2012, ensuring he reached the 200-game milestone before hanging up the boots as a respected one-club player.