Steven King

Recruited from the Murray Bushrangers with pick 24 in the 1995 National Draft, Steven King developed into one of the era's premier ruckmen, renowned for his athleticism, strong overhead marking, and ability to drift forward. His dominance in the early 2000s saw him earn All-Australian selection in 2000 and the Carji Greeves Medal in 2002, performances that led to his appointment as Geelong captain from 2003 to 2006. However, a series of soft tissue injuries and the arrival of Brad Ottens challenged his standing in the side, eventually leading to him relinquishing the captaincy. In one of the most debated selection calls of the decade, King was recalled for the 2007 Grand Final at the expense of Mark Blake, where he helped Geelong break a 44-year premiership drought.

Following the premiership success, salary cap pressures and Geelong's surplus of ruck depth saw King traded to St Kilda. At Moorabbin, he reinvented himself as a veteran mentor and structural key position player, helping guide the Saints through their dominant 2009 and 2010 campaigns. While his mobility had diminished compared to his prime, his experience was vital in St Kilda's Grand Final appearances against his former side and Collingwood. King retired at the end of 2010 having played in four Grand Finals across his career, immediately transitioning into assistant coaching roles within the AFL system.