Stephen Paxman

Recruited by Fitzroy with pick 19 in the 1989 National Draft, Stephen Paxman established himself as a defender capable of withstanding immense pressure in a side that was often under siege. During the Roys' final, tumultuous years, he developed a reputation as a dogged and uncompromising full-back who could lock down the competition's best forwards. Following the demise of Fitzroy in 1996, Paxman was one of the few Lions who did not head north to Brisbane, instead signing with the newly formed Port Adelaide to provide vital experience for their inaugural AFL campaign.

At Alberton, Paxman played the finest football of his career, becoming a cult figure for his socks-down appearance and reliability. While his kicking style was occasionally unorthodox, he was an elite stopper who read the play exceptionally well and rarely conceded an inch to his opponent. His consistency was formally recognised with All-Australian selection in 1998 and the John Cahill Medal as Port Adelaide's best and fairest in 2000. Paxman retired at the end of 2003, tragically missing the club's historic premiership by a single season, but he remains highly regarded as a foundational pillar of the Power's early success.