#21 Des Thorson

Success and Des Thorson went hand-in-hand throughout his remarkable three-decade career with Stony Creek (1971-76), Leongatha (1977-82 & 1984-87) and Meeniyan-Dumbalk United (1988-94) football clubs. Three premierships with the Parrots (1977, '79 & '82), a drought-breaking flag at Stony (1983), then two more with MDU (1988 & '90), plus another at Leongatha as coach of the reserves (1997), cemented Thorson's legend as one of the finest local footballers of his era. His pivotal role in the 1982 Latrobe Valley Football League decider alone was as critical as any in Leongatha's rich history. Add in a best-and-fairest award (1986) at Leongatha—he was runner-up in 1982—and life membership, and one can see why 'Bilko' is one of the Parrots all-time greatest players.