Scott Burns

Recruited from Norwood with pick 90 in the 1992 National Draft, Scott Burns opted to remain in the SANFL for two seasons before arriving at Victoria Park to forge a reputation as one of Collingwood's most courageous midfielders. He played with a physicality that belied his size, thriving as a contested ball-winner who fearlessly put his head over the footy and applied immense defensive pressure. While often playing a supporting role to Nathan Buckley, Burns was the heartbeat of the Magpies' engine room during the Mick Malthouse era, providing the grit required to propel the club to consecutive Grand Final appearances in 2002 and 2003.

A natural leader, Burns served as vice-captain for nearly a decade, consistently polling well in the Copeland Trophy counts without ever clinching the top honour. His loyalty and standing at the club were rewarded in his final season when he was appointed captain for the 2008 campaign following Buckley's retirement. Although soft-tissue injuries hampered his farewell year, he retired as a revered one-club player, remembered not for flashiness, but for his unwavering commitment to the contest and the black and white jumper.