Stan Alves

Recruited from Edithvale-Aspendale, Stan Alves initially faced rejection from multiple VFL clubs, with legendary Melbourne coach Norm Smith famously dismissing him from his first training session for being too lightweight. Alves refused to accept the assessment, returning uninvited to train and eventually forcing his way onto the list to become one of the premier wingers of the 1970s. A elusive and skilled ball-carrier with plenty of "rat cunning," he became a centrepiece of the Demons' midfield, claiming two Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medals and captaining the club from 1973 to 1976. His individual brilliance was highlighted in 1975 when he finished runner-up in the Brownlow Medal, polling just one vote shy of Gary Dempsey.

Despite his standing as a Melbourne icon, Alves’ time at the club ended in acrimony following a fallout with coach Bob Skilton. After a tense standoff where he sat out the early rounds of 1977, he was eventually cleared to North Melbourne, where he was embraced by Ron Barassi. The move paid immediate dividends, as Alves played a vital role in the Kangaroos' historic 1977 premiership side and appeared in the 1978 Grand Final before retiring a year later. He remained a prominent figure in the game long after hanging up the boots, most notably guiding St Kilda to the 1997 Grand Final during a successful five-year tenure as senior coach.