McKenzie Creek is a near-forgotten whistlestop outside Jeparit, but for footy fans, especially down Geelong way, it will always be notable for being the childhood home of iconic Cat's goalkicker Doug Wade, a true 1960s and 1970s goalkicking great.

The legend of spring-heeled goalkicking great John Coleman from sleepy country village Hastings is part of Mornington Peninsula sporting folk-lore.

Ken Piesse runs through his favourite players from the Bendigo region.

Ken Piesse runs through his favourite players from the Hampden area.

In the days before zoning, League clubs had their own spheres of influence. St Kilda's stronghold was the La Trobe Valley and so many players were recruited from Sale and beyond in the ‘50s that the players re-named the train from Gippsland, "The St Kilda Express".

How can you have 35 goals kicked against you, in one game and yet be a Hall of Famer at both the Redan and the North Melbourne Football Clubs?

Buffalo Creek has surely not had a more famous drifter. The tiny Myrtleford township was home for Gary Ablett snr. during his devastating six month assault on Ovens and Murray football, the launching pad for the most stunning Big Smoke comeback of all.

Rarely have there ever been any secrets in football and when the recruiters from the Big Smoke came to town, it was always big news.

City reputations mean nothing in the bush. Ask charismatic ex-Brownlow Medallist Neil Roberts.