Ted Pool

Recruited from Kalgoorlie City in the West Australian Goldfields, Ted Pool arrived at Glenferrie Oval in 1926 to become one of Hawthorn's first true stars. Joining the club just a year after its admission to the VFL, the diminutive rover became a pillar of consistency during the "Mayblooms" era, a period defined by on-field struggle and financial instability. Despite the team's poor performances, Pool established himself as a premier midfielder of the competition, eventually becoming the first West Australian and the first Hawthorn player to reach the 200-game milestone.

Standing at just 165cm, Pool was a courageous and dashing rover known for his elite reading of the play. He possessed a sharp ability to rove opposition ruck taps and drive the ball forward with precise stab kicks, a skill set that earned him selection for Victoria on seven occasions—a rare honour for a player from a bottom-dwelling side. His individual brilliance was recognised with the 1927 Best and Fairest and the club leading goalkicker award in 1933. Pool holds the unfortunate distinction of playing 200 games without ever appearing in a final, a testament to his loyalty and durability in a side that often languished at the foot of the ladder.