No. 23
Position: Centre half forward
Career: 1982-1992
Games: 189. Goals: 427
Premierships: 1983, 86, 88, 89, 91. Night premierships: 1985, 86, 88, 91, 92. Finals appearances: 26
Awards: Nine-time interstate representative; 1985 All Australian; 1985 Club Champion.

A modern legend of the game, ‘The Kid’ had a natural flamboyance that became his trademark. He was recruited from the Frankston Rovers and debuted in 1982, kicking five goals in his first match against North Melbourne in the first semi-final. His hard style of play left him with many injuries, yet his courage allowed him to keep playing at the highest level. This tenacity was exemplified in the 1989 Grand Final when Cat Mark Yeates ran through him in the opening moments. Despite the heavy knock, Brereton bounced back to kick a goal and secured himself a place in football folklore. A veteran of eight Grand Finals and five premierships, Brereton also is a club best and fairest winner and represented Victoria nine times.

In 1994 he left the Hawks in unfortunate circumstances and joined the Sydney Swans before finally ending his career at Collingwood. He then developed a high media profile, moving into both television and radio. He also coached the Australian team in the International Rules series against Ireland.