Ted Derrick

Recruited from local side Richmond Districts, Ted Derrick was a small forward who found his opportunity during the VFL’s most tumultuous era. Standing at just 170cm, he broke into the senior lineup during the unique 1916 season, where only four clubs competed due to the First World War. Derrick proved to be a handy avenue to goal in his brief tenure, kicking six majors across his nine appearances and holding his spot for the majority of the home-and-away campaign. However, his career is defined by a bitter stroke of misfortune; after playing in Round 10, he fell out of the side just weeks before the finals series. As a result, he watched from the sidelines as Richmond completed the most bizarre feat in league history—winning the premiership despite finishing the regular season with the wooden spoon—leaving Derrick as a contributor to the club’s history who agonizingly missed out on its ultimate glory.