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Had Doug Strang's kicking matched his aerial ability he might well be remembered now as one of the greatest key position forwards in the history of the game. As it was, he was merely in the 'very good' rather than 'bona fide champion' class.

Originally from East Albury, Strang made his VFL debut with Richmond, and went on to top his club's goal kicking list in each of his first three league seasons. In 1932 he booted four  goals from full forward as the Tigers overcame Carlton by nine points in the Grand Final, but the following year saw him suspended from the losing Grand Final team against South Melbourne's famous 'foreign legion' combination.

After missing the 1934 Grand Final as well, it was clear that Doug Strang's VFL career was on the wane. He left Richmond a year later after 64 VFL games and 180 goals in five seasons, and joined Kyneton as captain-coach, taking the club to a Bendigo Football League premiership in his only year at the helm. He then returned home to New South Wales, where he joined the Ovens and Murray League's Tigers, Albury. 

In 1937, under the coaching of his former Richmond team mate Stan Judkins, Strang helped his new team to 46-point Grand Final win over Yarrawonga. He later captain-coached the side to further flags in 1939 and 1940, while as a player he 'topped the ton' in 1938 and 1939, and on one occasion booted 20 goals in a match.

Strong died aged just 41 in 1954 as a result of injuries received in a car accident.

Author - John Devaney, with updates by Andrew Gigacz