Scott Direen

Recruited from Tasmanian club New Norfolk with a late selection in the 1992 National Draft, Scott Direen established himself as a composed defender who relied on elite kicking skills to rebound from the back pocket. His time at Sydney peaked individually in 1995 when he became a fixture in the senior side, but his career is often defined by the misfortune of the 1996 season. Despite playing 13 games that year, a severe spinal concussion sustained against Richmond halted his momentum, eventually costing him a spot in the team during the club's historic run to the Grand Final. After being delisted following the 1997 season, Direen moved to South Australia and forged a brilliant second act with Norwood in the SANFL. He played over 100 games for the Redlegs, winning the 2000 Best and Fairest and earning state selection, cementing his status as a polished footballer who flourished after leaving the elite level.