Wayne Harmes

Arriving at Princes Park from Oak Park in 1977, Wayne Harmes carried a significant football pedigree as the great-nephew of legendary coach Norm Smith. He quickly established himself as a combative and versatile utility who could influence the game as a dashing defender, a hard-running midfielder, or a half-forward. While his aggression and competitiveness made him a fixture in the senior side, his career is inextricably linked to the 1979 Grand Final against Collingwood. In the dying stages of the match, Harmes chased his own kick to the boundary line and batted the ball back into play, setting up Ken Sheldon for the premiership-sealing goal. While the question of whether the ball was out of bounds remains a point of contention for Magpies fans, the effort secured Harmes the inaugural Norm Smith Medal, fittingly named in honour of his great-uncle.

Harmes proved he was far more than a one-moment player, becoming a cornerstone of Carlton's dominant era in the early 1980s. He played a vital role in the club's back-to-back premierships in 1981 and 1982, providing the Blues with a hard edge and adaptability that frustrated opponents. His individual excellence was formally recognised in 1983 when he won the Robert Reynolds Trophy as the club's best and fairest, demonstrating his consistency during a period where the list was stacked with stars. Harmes remained a key contributor until his retirement in 1988, remembered as a three-time premiership player who consistently lifted his output during high-stakes finals football.