Keith Batchelor began the 1952 season in the Carlton reserves and finished it playing for Collingwood in the senior grand final. It was his debut. That's what you call a meteoric rise.

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Batchelor's father, Vin, played two games for Collingwood in 1924 and his uncle, Leo Westcott, was a member of the famous Machine team, playing 143 games, including the 1927 and 1929 premierships.

Batchelor, from Murrumbeena, played reserves intermittently with the Magpies as a teenager. Frustrated for opportunity, he transferred to Carlton midway through 1951, but after more reserves-only footy, moved back to Collingwood a year later.

A rash of injuries opened up a senior spot for him at full-back for the grand final against Geelong. His elevation was so hasty that the Magpies completed the necessary paperwork only on the preceding Thursday night. He was 21.