From 1947 to 2011 the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy was awarded to the best first year player. From 2012 it has been presented to the 'Best Young Player'.
The award is named in honour of Harold Ball who won the Best First Year player award in 1939 and died during the Battle of Singapore in World War II.
Best First Year Player
| Year | Winner |
| 1933 | Les Jones |
| 1934 | Allan La Fontaine |
| 1935 | Ray Wartman |
| 1936 | Unknown |
| 1937 | Unknown |
| 1938 | Dick Hingston |
| 1939 | Harold Ball |
| 1940 | Col McLean |
| 1941 | Ted Cordner |
| 1942 | Donald Cordner |
| 1943 | Unknown |
| 1944 | Esmond Downey |
| 1945 | Roy Stabb |
| 1946 | Len Dockett |
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy
Media
Argus - 26/02/1943