Tom Simmons

A blistering athlete recruited from Northcote Juniors via the Carlton zone, Tom Simmons was a high-octane talent whose career was cruelly cut short just as it began. Renowned for his sprinting background, Simmons possessed rare speed and a surprising leap for his size, allowing him to impact games as a damaging half-forward or dashing half-back. He made an instant impression at Princes Park, winning the club's Best First-Year Player award in 1948 and earning comparisons to "Mighty Mouse" for his lithe frame and competitive hunger. Tragic circumstances struck in the 1950 pre-season when a severe knee injury forced him into premature retirement at just 20 years of age. Although he remarkably recovered to become a successful professional runner on the country Gift circuit, Simmons is remembered by the Blues faithful as a massive "what could have been" talent who possessed all the attributes of a future star.