AFL Record – Week 6, 2020 (Bulldog Edition) by Crocmedia Lifestyle1

REWIND › MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN › JASON AKERMANIS

f o Tales Joe Slater WEEK SIX APRIL 24-26, 2020

AR06 p01 Cover ANZAC.indd 1

Hughie James

Official partner of the AFL Record 23/4/20 9:15 am

NAB.indd 1

24/3/20 8:39 am

CONTENTS

APRIL 24-26, 2020

FEATURES

DOG GONE

It has been a week to forget for Western Bulldogs premiership star Lachie Hunter. ANDREW SLEVISON reports.

ANZAC HEROES

SPECIAL SWAN

Ex-Tiger Hughie James and former Cat Joe Slater bravely served their country during WWI. BEN COLLINS report.

38 Owned and produced by Crocmedia AFL Record Editor Michael Lovett Production Editor Gary Hancock Senior Writer Ashley Browne Writers Howard Kotton, Nic Negrepontis, Graham Pilkington, Laurence Rosen, Andrew Slevison, Isaac Smith

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU: This time 25 years ago, Jason Akermanis hit the AFL stage for the first time.

Statisticians Col Hutchinson, Mark Genge Art Director Dennis Miller Senior Designer Ben Pola Production Manager Stephen Lording Photography Michael Willson, Dylan Burns aflphotos.com.au

Photo Editor Rohan Voigt CEO – BallPark, Rainmaker & Publishing Richard Simkiss Publications Commercial Manager, Crocmedia Dean McBeth Email all correspondence to Michael.Lovett@ crocmedia.com Copyright © 2020. ACN No. 004 155 211.

How could I regret anything in my career? SWANS GREAT MICHAEL O’LOUGHLIN – PAGE 33

Michael O’Loughlin made his debut 25 years ago. We wind back the clock to his 300th game. JIM MAIN reports.

REGULARS

One Week At A Time Isaac Smith’s Diary Footy Photo Flashback In This Round Answer Man Red Energy Quiz Club Hub Player Profiles

5 12 14 46 48 53 55 58

KICK GOALS WITH KÄRCHER Tackle dirt and grime around your home with a Kärcher pressure washer, the perfect option for cleaning cars, decks, paths and patios in a fraction of the time. Kärcher pressure washers are up to 50x more powerful and use 80% less water compared to a garden hose.*

* For further information please go to karcher.com.au

AFL.com.au AFL RECORD 3

WHEN HYGIENE MATTERS MOST

99.99%

KÃ&#x201E;RCHER STEAM CLEANERS KILL 99.99% OF BACTERIA WITHOUT CHEMICALS karcher.com.au

ONE WEEK at a TIME WEEK

News from in and around the AFL

Dogs come down on Hunter

I would love to be out there playing TAYLOR ADAMS ON NOT HAVING AN ANZAC DAY MATCH TO PREPARE FOR THIS YEAR

BRAIN FADE: Lachie Hunter has been fined and suspended by the Bulldogs for drink driving.

ANDREW SLEVISON

MICHAEL LOVETT

EDITOR’S LETTER

t’s not been the best week to be an AFL player in isolation. Late last week, Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter made the unwise decision to get in his car after a few drinks and it has since cost him dearly. After fleeing the scene, Hunter blew 0.123 after crashing into four parked cars, one of which belonged to the parents of teammate Bailey Smith’s girlfriend. Smith subsequently drove Hunter to the apartment of another Dogs teammate, Billy Gowers, prompting Victoria Police to impose fines to all three for breaching the travel and social distancing directions issued by the Chief Health Officer. Gowers also copped a suspended $5000 fine for his role in the aftermath of the incident. The fallout has been fairly significant for Hunter, 25, who has opted to step down from his role as Bulldogs vice-captain. Furthermore, Hunter has been suspended for four AFL matches upon the resumption of the currently postponed 2020 season u It’s shaping as one of the

and hit with a sanction of “$5000 for drink driving and suspended fines totalling a further $15,000 for multiple other breaches”. He has opted to take full responsibility for the damage caused to all vehicles by compensating the owners to the tune of around $150,000. The 2018 Charles Sutton medallist will also undertake mandatory alcohol education counselling and community service.

biggest days in recent AFL history when League CEO Gillon McLachlan eventually outlines what the remainder of the 2020 season looks like. Assuming the AFL has clearance from government and health authorities to restart, the look and feel of the footy calendar will be like nothing we have experienced.

A mid-to-late July resumption appears the most likely outcome which means that one day in September will be that one – and only – day in December. But there is no alternative as the AFL grapples with the need to get clubs and players back playing as well as satisfy the requirements of broadcasters and corporate partners.

I’ve let down a lot of people LACHIE HUNTER

SEN’s Garry Lyon felt the punishment, while harsh, was vindicated for the actions undertaken. “I thought they (the Bulldogs) did a very good job, albeit they took their time, but there was no great rush,” he said. “They’re treating it with the severity and seriousness which it demands.” Hunter was remorseful for his actions and is quickly looking to atone for his mistakes.

This week Laurence Rosen looks at the likely scenarios and key dates for a return to play scenario as well crucial industry events such as the trade and free agency period and the 2020 NAB AFL Draft. There are a couple of givens reading the tea leaves over the past week or so. Fans will continue to be locked out but in the overall scheme of things

most fair-minded supporters would cop that; the other ‘given’ seems to be McLachlan’s strong stance that the 2021 season will not be compromised in order to make up lost financial ground from 2020. Enjoy what would have been Anzac Round and let’s continue to remember the enormous sacrifices those before us made. AFL.com.au AFL RECORD 5

ONE WEEK at a TIME “I’d like to express my deepest apologies and regret for my actions,” he said in a statement. “I’m here to take full responsibility for what I did and the damages that I caused. I’ve let down a lot of people. “Hopefully over time, I can rebuild some of that trust.” Hunter is not the only misbehaving footballer though. Crows small forward Tyson Stengle was also cited for drink-driving when he was pulled over in an unregistered car in Adelaide. Stengle blew 0.125 and as a result has been banned for four matches and fined $2500. The incident took place more than a week before the Crows released a statement, a scenario that was criticised by SEN SA Breakfast’s Kane Cornes who expected more from the club’s new regime.

Anzac Day with a difference

nzac Round has become such an intrinsic part of the AFL calendar over the past 25 years. Indeed, Collingwood and Essendon would have been celebrating the 25th anniversary of the annual Anzac Day clash this Saturday. That very first match in 1995 produced an epic as the Magpies and Bombers played out a draw in front of 94,825 fans, with Sav Rocca booting nine goals for Collingwood. The 24 Anzac Day matches between the two powerhouse clubs have attracted just over two million fans in total at an average of almost 85,000 a game. Sadly, the MCG will be empty on Saturday as it will be on Friday night for what would have been the Anzac eve game between Melbourne and Richmond which has developed its own niche in recent years.

6 AFL RECORD

SEN.com.au

“It’s not good enough at all and they’ve failed the first test they’ve had when it comes to being more transparent with their fans,” he said. “They’ve made an error here. A big error really in terms of losing the trust with your supporters and the media.” However, it is believed Stengle did not inform the club until a couple of days later after being caught over the limit in an unregistered car. Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks told SEN SA that the club could have acted earlier. “In hindsight you look back, could we have come out with a short statement (when initially told)? We didn’t have a lot of information early and that is why we didn’t,” Nicks said. Nevertheless, both situations have been dealt with and the main positives are that no one was injured. The story will be pretty much the same right around the country as we deal with impact the coronavirus is having on everyday life. AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said it was important fans support the RSL in recognition of a different Anzac Day in 2020. “This year, the RSL’s message to the community is to find a way in your homes to light up the dawn, celebrate the Anzac spirit and support our veterans,” McLachlan said.

Anzac Day is not cancelled but it is different AFL CEO GILLON McLACHLAN

“The message to football fans and the wider community this year is that Anzac Day is not cancelled, but it is different. “The AFL, and its clubs, are encouraging all football fans to walk outside at 6am, stand in your yard, driveway, or on your balcony

BANNED: Adelaide’s Tyson Stengle will also miss four matches over a drink driving incident.

PIE ON FIRE: Sav Rocca booted nine goals in the first Anzac Day match in 1995.

and observe a minute of silence in respect of our veterans.” Fans can still support veterans by purchasing an Anzac Appeal badge online at anzacappeal.com.au.

ONE WEEK at a TIME

Curnow curse strikes again

BETTER TIMES: Rising Carlton star Charlie Curnow is hoping for a change of luck after a spate of leg and knee injuries.

NIC NEGREPONTIS

harlie Curnow went into his fourth season of footy in 2019 looking poised for a breakout year. He gave Carlton fans a glimpse of that in a pre-season hit-out against Essendon, kicking an early goal and finding eight quick disposals. He then went down clutching his leg. He got away with what the Blues described a corked calf at the time, but it set the tone for what was to be a derailed season for the budding star. He recovered in time for the opening round and lasted a game-and-a-half before suffering the first of many knee injuries against Port Adelaide. Back in the side for round four, Curnow was then withdrawn late for round five with knee soreness before also sitting out round six. The knee concerns faded into the background for a couple of months when Curnow returned to the side in round seven, playing right through to the bye without an issue. It took him a couple of weeks to find his feet, but between rounds 10 and 13, he booted 14 goals and took 25 marks – including a bag of seven against the Bulldogs. Unfortunately for Curnow and the Blues, their post-bye trip west to take on Fremantle was where it all came undone. The key forward collided with a Fremantle opponent early in the game and suffered a low grade medial. He missed the remainder of the 2019 season, with the Blues opting to take a conservative approach with the youngster. However, Curnow did not get a clean run at the 2020 pre-season as he dislocated his knee in October playing recreational basketball with teammates.

It is feared he will sit out the season Issues snowballed from there, with Curnow then fracturing his kneecap in late November. A few quiet months followed before it was revealed that he was suddenly going to miss the first half of the season as the Blues decided once again to take it slowly. Curnow had wires and screws put inside his knee as part of his treatment, but that ultimately led to a further setback in the middle of April. Now it is feared he will sit out the entirety of the 2020 season, despite the postponement meaning we could potentially be playing through to December. The 23-year-old has played 58 career games to this point. Fellow key forward Eric Hipwood, who was taken in the same draft, has played 76 for the Brisbane Lions.

That gap will obviously widen when the season resumes. The Blues based their entire rebuild strategy back in 2015 around drafting key position players first, picking up Harry McKay and Jacob Weitering as well as Curnow in the first draft under Stephen Silvagni. Weitering has come along nicely and is developing into a reliable full-back. McKay has only managed 35 games, with Carlton holding him back in the VFL for a while and groin issues are now bothering him. Despite that, McKay has shown enough to suggest he should be a more than capable key forward and alongside Curnow, could form a dynamic duo for a decade.

SUPPORT FOR VIRGIN u The AFL has

thrown its support around long-term partner Virgin Australia as it enters voluntary administration. The airline, which is still operating some international and domestic flights, has been hit hard following the downturn in the travel industry due to COVID-19. AFL general manager of commercial Kylie Rogers said the League offered its full support to Virgin Australia. “Virgin Australia are a long-term partner of the AFL and supporter of all things footy. We will continue to work and support them through this challenging and unprecedented time,” Rogers said. “The team at Virgin Australia have taken our clubs, players, officials and fans to all parts of the world, and we can’t thank them enough for their continued dedication to our game.” Virgin Australia has been the official airline of the AFL for the past 10 years and is a partner of three League clubs – Carlton, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney. “Our partnership has been one of enormous mutual benefit,” Carlton CEO Cain Liddle said.

AFL.com.au AFL RECORD 7

ONE WEEK at a TIME

North star named players’ MVP

NIC NEGREPONTIS

orth Melbourne midfielder Jasmine Garner has claimed the AFL Players Association MVP Award for the 2020 season. After making a name for herself as an All-Australian forward, Garner was moved into the midfield this season and elevated herself among the best players in the game. The 25-year-old averaged 20 disposals, 4.7 tackles, 4.6 marks and 4.1 inside 50s a game, while also booting eight goals and ranking second in the competition for score involvements. As part of a dynamic North Melbourne midfield quartet, Garner’s ability to impact the game with every disposal was arguably clearest in her ‘quietest’ game.

AFLW PLAYERS MVP Jasmine Garner Maddy Prespakis Jaimee Lambert

Kiara Bowers Katie Loynes Isabel Huntington

Frem Carl WB

76 73 64

Melb Coll GWS

69 44 42

BEST CAPTAIN Daisy Pearce Steph Chiocci Alicia Eva

BEST FIRST-YEAR PLAYER Georgia Patrikios Grace Egan Catherine Svarc

StK Carl BL

173 89 26

She finished with 15 disposals in the semi-final against Collingwood, but was impactful in the second half and helped the Roos over the line – even taking the mark in the dying seconds at half back to stop the final Magpie assault. Garner was the clear winner with 413 votes. Teenage Carlton prodigy Maddy Prespakis finished

u The official AFLW 22 under-22 team has

been selected, with versatile Collingwood utility Chloe Molloy announced as captain and Carlton midfield star Maddy Prespakis vice-captain. The midfield depth of the team speaks for itself and features some of the game’s brightest young stars including Alyce Parker, Monqiue Conti, Ebony Marinoff, Georgia Patrikios and Nina Morrison. Key defenders Isabel Huntington, Libby Birch and Charlotte Wilson join No. 1 draft pick Gabby Newton in the backline, while forwards Georgia Gee, Sabreena Duffy and Kalinda Howarth exemplify how talented the next wave of players are. Molloy said it was an honour to be named the inaugural captain of a side that highlighted the amount of young talent in the competition. SEN.com.au

413 227 201

MOST COURAGEOUS

Magpie in charge

8 AFL RECORD

NM Carl Coll

TOP HONOUR: North Melbourne’s Jasmine Garner is the AFLPA MVP for 2020.

“It is an honour that I can carry with me throughout my sporting career now and for it to be a side makes it that bit sweeter,” Molloy (pictured) told SEN.com.au. “A lot of history has been made throughout the first seasons of the AFLW and now I have been fortunate enough to

second in the voting with 227 and Collingwood’s Jaimee Lambert came in third with 201. Melbourne skipper Daisy Pearce was voted best captain by her peers, while Fremantle’s Kiara Bowers claimed most courageous player. St Kilda top draft pick Georgia Patrikios was also voted best first-year player.

etch my name into the history of the 22 under-22 side, as have those selected into the inaugural side. “I do wish this team could come together for a match. Maybe during isolation I can get into the ear of someone.”

AFLW 22 UNDER-22 TEAM B: Chloe Molloy (Coll, capt), Libby Birch (Melb) HB: Isabel Huntington (WB), Gabby Newton (WB), Charlotte Wilson (Carl) C: Georgia Patrikios (StK), Alyce Parker (GWS), Monique Conti (Rich) HF: Georgia Gee (Carl), Sabreena Duffy (Frem), Kalinda Howarth (GCS) F: Rozanne Roux (Frem), Caitlin Greiser (StK) Foll: Lauren Bella (GCS), Maddy Prespakis (Carl, VC), Ebony Marinoff (Adel) Int: Sarah Allan (Adel), Nina Morrison (Geel), Jesse Wardlaw (BL), Jasmine Grierson (NM), Eden Zanker (Melb), Sophie Conway (BL)

NIC NEGREPONTIS

Never miss Never miss a single goal. a single goal.

McDelivery is available at select locations.

McDonalds.indd 1

McDelivery is available at select locations.

2/4/20 11:05 am

ONE WEEK at a TIME

The rise and fall of the roaming umpire GRAHAM PILKINGTON

odern day AFL umpires are extremely fit and run long distances during a game, but for much of the history of Australian Football, they had it much harder. In fact, back in the 1860s there were no umpires. If an incident occurred and the players claimed a breach of the rules (hopefully not), the team captains conferred and reached a decision. But then again, when football first started in 1859, there were only ten rules, one of which was that “hacking” was not allowed. Hacking was the act of kicking an opponent in the shins as he ran by. As the game evolved, disputes must have become frequent. By 1866, each side had to appoint an umpire. The one nearest the play would decide on appeals for a free kick which were made by one or other of the captains. Dressed in street clothes, including hat, these umpires would have to run around on the large irregular shaped fields of the day: sometimes there was a distinct slope and long grass, and the grounds were very muddy in winter. Long kicking was an attractive unique feature of the game, but perhaps not for the umpire. For example, in July 1873 the Australasian said of a match between Melbourne and Carlton that the ball “… rested at neither end long, and the central umpire, Mr McClure, who performed his job satisfactorily, had his legs nearly run off in the course of the afternoon … the ball would be almost in an instant rushed from one end of the ground to the next.” In 1880, the famous Carlton player George Coulthard umpired a game wearing white clothes for the first time. As he also played in

10 AFL RECORD

SEN.com.au

one cricket test match for Australia and was an umpire in two other tests, perhaps it was an early example of grabbing the wrong sports bag when leaving home in a rush. White as the colour did not take over immediately. In July 1882, the Federal Australian reported: “The smart appearance of the central umpire, Mr O’Neill, created quite a sensation; and his costume, although an innovation on the usual style of dress adopted by umpires, is certainly an improvement, and adds, no doubt to the comfort and convenience of the wearer … The dress consisted of white knickerbockers, a pale coloured shirt, black stockings, and red and white cap.” (Mark Pennings, Origins of Australian Football, Vol.2). The game was increasing in popularity and a completely neutral official with sole decision-making power was deemed necessary. In 1883, a single umpire took charge and he was not to be appointed by either club. The game was speeding up with fast wingmen and play-on football on cricket grounds. Yet this sole umpire now had to roam the large field by himself as there were no

PIONEER: Ivo Crapp, seen here in 1904, was a top official. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE BLUESEUM.

Back in the 1860s there were no umpires

boundary men. If the ball was kicked out of bounds, he had to chase after it and throw it in, often by holding the lace and slinging it towards the players. All this while wearing knickerbockers! In 1884, they were paid £1 ($2) a game, with 10 shillings for the goal umpire. Up to this point, despite large noisy crowds, the umpire had to convey his decisions by use of booming voice only. In 1886, leading official Jack Trait trialled an English made ebony whistle with instructions to blow it only when the ball went out of play. He became known as ‘The Prince of Umpires’, a title perhaps unlikely to be bestowed on one of today’s officials. Up until 1887, the umpire even had to carry a heavy pocket watch to check the playing times, and soon after, he was required to bounce the ball after every goal as well as at the start of quarters, adding to the physical strain. There was also the emotional strain of having to avoid the attentions of irate spectators when attempting to exit the field – often, it has to be said, from women using furled umbrellas as the weapon of choice. It is obvious that modern officials have it easy in comparison.

In an interview with Trait in 1893 in the Argus, it was put to him that there was an old saying that the umpire was the hardest-worked man of the “forty” (20 per team then), and he replied: “While the game is on I never think fatigue, but often collapse when the final bell rings.” How many umpires bother to collapse at the end of a game these days? Some help was at hand. In 1904, boundary umpires were at last employed (even though they had to punch the ball back in), but it was not until 1921 that the central umpire was relieved of the task of returning the ball to the centre after a goal. For many decades thereafter, this heroic sole umpire roamed all over the ground, running up many yards and miles with little assistance,

Often (I) collapse when the final bell rings UMPIRE JACK TRAIT IN 1893

First kick is the goal for some GRAHAM PILKINGTON u Kicking a goal in an AFL game is hard enough, but how about doing it with your first ever kick? Somewhat surprisingly, it is not uncommon. The first player to do it was Jack Kirby for eventual premier Essendon in round 11, 1911, some 15 years after the formation of the VFL. Before start of this season, of the current 49 players who have achieved the feat, seven did it for Geelong, six for Adelaide (notably Taylor Walker), five in Richmond colours (including Trent Cotchin) and four with Essendon and Gold Coast.

often wading through cut up newspapers and streamers, as well as the mud baths and puddles of the old club grounds. He also had to sprint from fist fight to shoving match, physically separating the rowdy packs of players of the day. Wearing knickerbockers had long ended, and the look had become that of an over keen tennis player who had misplaced his racquet – but with the all-white outfit still reflecting the purity of the position. This was the peak of fame for the roaming umpire. The whole ground was his domain. In 1976, a significant change took place. Overnight, the workload was halved when a second umpire was introduced. By 1994 a third umpire was deemed necessary, and the ground was divided up into areas of responsibility. The glory

Not everyone on the all-time list are, or became, star AFL players but all would have great memories of the day. For example, Rino Pretto debuted for Fitzroy in 1978 when he came on in the last quarter and kicked a goal. It happened to be his only ever kick as he was back in the reserves the following week and was never selected again. Just to show what Fitzroy was missing, Pretto went on to score more than 1000 goals in the rival VFA competition. Chris Burgess was plucked from the SANFL as part of the priority access to state players given to Gold Coast and he rewarded the Suns’ faith by scoring in the first round of 2019. Some are just show-offs. Players (who will remain nameless) have scored goals with their first two kicks, and even with their first three, four or six kicks. Stephen Hill achieved it not only with his first for Fremantle but with the first kick of the entire round one match against the Western Bulldogs in 2009. Who allowed Mason Cox at Collingwood and Conor McKenna at Essendon to waltz into this country from the United States and Ireland respectively, and immediately boot our beautiful Sherrin through the middle, when they were used to a pointy pigskin or a round Gaelic football? The Cats only have two of those seven players still with them – Lachie Fogarty and Esava Ratugolea. The others are Travis Varcoe (now at Collingwood), George Horlin-Smith (Gold Coast), Jamaine Jones (West Coast), Mitch Brown (Melbourne) and Ryan Abbott (St Kilda). Daniel Menzel

days were over. To rub it in, large splashes of colour began appearing on the seemingly sacrosanct tight white shorts and shirts. Technology has shown how the modern-day field umpire fitted with a GPS device can run 14 to 15km during a game, so just imagine how far the old-time sole official would have covered in the much harder yards and miles of the day. After more than 100 years, the rise and fall of the roaming umpire was complete. This has only partially been alleviated for modern umpires by the satisfaction obtained in 2013 of becoming instant fashion icons when, with colours borrowed from the Cape Barren goose, they took the field dressed in lime green and grey. What would the “old timers” make of that?

and Shane Kersten also did it for Geelong and were playing at Sydney and Fremantle respectively last season. In addition, two of the Adelaide scorers are now at Geelong – Patrick Dangerfield and Josh Jenkins (who kicked his against the Cats). It is easier to achieve this feat than score with the last AFL kick. Notably, Dick Lee booted his 707th for Collingwood in its Grand Final loss to Fitzroy in 1922 and retired. Ben Rutten of Adelaide received an unselfish handball from Eddie Betts in his last game in 2014 and scored a goal with his final touch. Show-offs were to remain nameless, but it is only fair to record that Rutten also scored majors with his initial three kicks in the AFL. SOME RECORD: Ben Rutten kicked goals with his first three kicks and his last kick.

AFL.com.au AFL RECORD 11

Y T O O F T U O H T I W E LIF

, y r a i D s h t i m S Isaac is on hold, on as se L AF e th ile wh ek we Each C SMITH will chbaroll.nicle AA IS ar st p hi rs ie em pr rn ho wt Ha ot ng his time withfoouurtthfowe how he is spendico ek. Here is how he ped with the

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 (DAY 20)

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 (DAY 21)

aster is a different experience to what it once was. It was a time when we would enjoy plenty of chocolate eggs or in my case Allen’s lollies (as I don’t eat chocolate). Gathering with immediate and extended family, sharing many great times around wood fires. And we are always preparing to take on Geelong on Easter Monday.

u As I mentioned last week, my sister lives around the corner and on Easter morning we woke to a big pile of eggs and Allen’s lollies at the front doorstep. I don’t mind this isolation thing! Home delivered hot cross buns on Good Friday morning and now this today … life’s pretty good. We feel lucky to have family so close, as many would be feeling high levels of loneliness over this period. It was a little disappointing that her grandparents couldn’t see Isla on her first Easter, but we Facetimed both sets with Isla returning many smiles.

Today, instead of all catching up in person, we had Zoom with my extended family. With two new additions since Christmas everyone was very excited. Drinks were flowing, lots of memories and many jokes, usually directed at the older members of the families. For instance, “I didn’t realise husband and wife had to social distance inside their own home” (directed at my aunty and uncle).

Cooking is one thing my mum is extremely good at. On Easter Sunday we would always enjoy delicious roasts for lunch and dinner. So, we decided that Jamu would provide weekend roasts, which proved to be very popular over the Easter weekend. Plenty of sweets consumed either side of the main meals (usually a self-saucing chocolate pudding with ice cream). But this year being in isolation, I had SPC spaghetti on toast. To finish off the day, boredom had taken its toll and as the sun was going down and the fire pit was lit, I did an outdoor gym session just for the sake of it.

MONDAY, APRIL 13 (DAY 22)

The Isla bunny 12 AFL RECORD

AR06 p12-13 Isaac Smith.indd 12

u This morning I was up early and went for a run with James Frawley, which is always interesting as ‘Chip’ is certainly not a morning person. Usually we are preparing for a massive game at the MCG, but instead we were kicking the dew off the grass like we were back playing under-10s.

SEN.com.au

22/4/20 4:45 pm

There have been many articles about how to make yourself feel productive and mentally sound during isolation. I cleaned our spare bedrooms and made them a relaxing and productive space. It’s amazing by doing something so small you can feel a sense of achievement and mental relaxation. I jumped on Zoom again (gosh their share price must be doubling by the minute) and join in for a segment on Footy Classified. I was put on hold a tad longer than first thought, as Kane Cornes was struggling to connect to the feed. Maybe Adelaide is just a little behind.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14 (DAY 23) u Isolation has been busy enough with a baby, training and plenty to do with Jamu. Not having the internet hasn’t been a major issue but today is the day that NBN is being connected. After eight weeks of no internet, we can finally make unlimited Zoom calls and catch up on the F1 Drive to Survive and Amazon’s The Test . These documentaries are both brilliant, hopefully it’s something the AFL or clubs start to do. They not only follow the sport but more importantly they follow the person and the emotions around everything that happens.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 (DAY 24) u Today is speed and acceleration day, and I have always put a big emphasis on these sessions. Speed is a key factor in how I perform. It is also important for all AFL footballers in preventing hamstring and calf injuries. Running at speed will condition these muscle groups for when we are able to get out on the field once again. As I arrived at Kevin Bartlett Oval, a weary middle-aged man came over and asked if I could help him to get his car going. I thought I would be of little assistance as the only thing I know about cars is make sure you kick the tyres before you purchase one. We ask another early morning exercise enthusiast to help push the car back up a little incline then, pushing it forward, he jump-started it. He has just worked a night shift – all he wants to do, he says, is get home and see his wife and kids.

if I would like to join him for a ride. Mountain bike riding is something I enjoyed before footy got serious but I’ve let slip over time. It was awesome to be back out on the bike on a crisp Melbourne morning. It’s times like these where you evaluate what really makes you happy. Friday is also a weekly Zoom with a group of boys from the club. Candice, who is an emergency nurse, decided to take over and thought it would be a good idea to inform the boys on injuries that often present to the emergency department. Keeping the body loose and flexible is important for injury prevention so Candice thought it would be a great idea to do a virtual yoga session together. Fair to say there were plenty of laughs.

Happy place

Candice and I have mentioned at home that even though physically we aren’t in contact with our families, we feel like we are connected as ever. My sister started a Zoom tonight and for more than three hours family members popped in and out of their screens with someone always filling the airwaves with chatter. We ask how everyone’s week has been and what activities they were planning over the weekend. Sadly, no Zoom conversation can be held without mention of the coronavirus.

Kindness of strangers

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 (DAY 25) u We always go for a long walk each day, enjoying the autumn tree-lined streets of Hawthorn and today we ended up at Barton Café for a takeaway coffee. On our journey we pass a house with a beautiful garden that we often admire for its many colourful flowers. As we were admiring the garden, Candice strikes up a conversation with an Italian woman who owns the property. She kindly cuts us a bunch of flowers that we take home and place in the dining room.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 (DAY 26) u Training obviously doesn’t stop in times like this and I’m sure every AFL player is finding inventive ways to stay in shape. Cam Matthews, our player welfare manager, is an avid mountain biker and asks AFL.com.au AFL RECORD 13

AR06 p12-13 Isaac Smith.indd 13

22/4/20 4:45 pm

FOOTY FOTO FLASHBACK

HOW MANY IS TOO MANY? MCG, APRIL 25, 2017 u Collingwood’s Jeremy Howe has

taken so many spectacular marks in his 184-game career that it’s almost an anomaly if he doesn’t take at least one or two in a match. Another contender for Mark of the Year was this speccy in the last quarter of the 2017 Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon, which drew 87,685 fans. Howe used the unfortunate Josh Green as a stepladder to complete his grab and all Green could do was his put his arms up, almost in surrender. Although the Magpies lost by 18 points, Howe was one of his side’s best with 30 possessions. PHOTO: MICHAEL DODGE/AFL PHOTOS @AFL

AR06 p14-16 Pics of the Week.indd 14

22/4/20 4:47 pm

Telstra 5G is ready. Now rolling out in selected areas. Get ready for faster mobile download speeds, smooth video streaming on your phone, video calls with less lag and better connectivity in congested areas. Visit telstra.com/5G for coverage.

TL00466_L3_5G_AFL_Record_210x255mm_R1_FA.indd 1

8/4/20 4:12 pm

FOOTY FOTO FLASHBACK

AMERICAN PIE’S DREAM DEBUT MCG, APRIL 25, 2016

u Former American basketballer Mason Cox’s

AFL debut for Collingwood in front of more than 85,000 people at the MCG on Anzac Day four years ago read like a film script straight out of Hollywood. The then 25-year-old took up Australian Football in 2014, yet showed the aplomb of a veteran as he coolly slotted the first goal of the match with a precise drop punt. And his teammates were elated, charging in from all directions to show their appreciation. Cox revealed later that he was ‘petrified’ but it didn’t show in the way he attacked the game, finishing with 10 disposals and three marks. The big man has gone on to play 59 games and has kicked 79 goals. PHOTO: MICHAEL DODGE/AFL PHOTOS @MICHAELCWILLSON

AR06 p14-16 Pics of the Week.indd 16

22/4/20 4:47 pm

THE LEGEND RETURNS GR SUPRA

The Toyota GR Supra is here. Created without compromise, the Supra boasts an exhilarating blend of power and agility; offering the ultimate expression of driving pleasure. With accented lines and aerodynamic edges, this car has been purposefully designed to connect you to your vehicle’s every move. It’s the result of our endless pursuit of engineering excellence. So, what are you waiting for?

AVAILABLE NOW. SEARCH ‘TOYOTA SUPRA’.

TY-002441 Supra_AFL_FPC_210x255MM_V6.indd 1

6/4/20 6:56 pm

DUTY-BOUND: Hughie James withAFL wifeRECORD Ethel andHUGHIE JAMES daughter Sylvia in 1916 before he set off overseas to serve in World War I. PRIVATE COLLECTION, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE WEST WYALONG ADVOCATE

18 | AFL RECORD | afl.com.au

AR06 p18-22 Hughie James 275.indd 18

23/4/20 9:22 am

HUGHIE JAMES AFL FROM RECORD THE

VAULT 2017

No other League footballer achieved more distinctions in World War I than Richmond great Hughie James. Twice recognised for his brave leadership in battle, wounded three times and also falsely rumoured to have been killed in action, his is a fascinating story of courage under fire.

Ben Collins ughie James gave everything for both Richmond Football Club and his country. Two premierships, club champion status and a stint as captain are proof of his Tiger devotion, while a Military Cross and Bar earned for acts of bravery 100 years ago stand testament to James’ fierce patriotism. The irresistibly likeable, ever-smiling Tiger of old died 50 years ago – two days before Anzac Day in 1967 – but his family continues to give. It’s the morning after Richmond thrashed old enemy Carlton in the season-opener at the MCG and we’re just a few hundred metres away in the victor’s lair at Punt Rd Oval. Margaret-Anne Faulds (one of James’ six grandchildren) and her mother Marion James (James’ widowed daughter-in-law who was married to his only son Laurie) have made a special trip to the Tigers’ museum to donate a vase bearing the inscription:

‘TO HUGHIE JAMES, IN APPRECIATION OF HIS YEOMAN SERVICE TO “THE TIGERS” ESPECIALLY SEASON 1923. FROM E.H. KING, VICE PRES.’

Both women have travelled a long way to be here on this warm March day. They hail from Wellington, New Zealand, where James spent the last 35 years of his life, and where Marion James still resides. Her daughter moved across the ditch to Sydney some years back after marrying an Aussie. Neither are AFL fans, so they are pleasantly surprised by the reverence in which James is still held at Tigerland. They describe him as kind, charismatic and a great people person – qualities that partly explain why The Argus’ ‘Old Boy’ in 1934 hailed James as “one of the most popular men who ever played”. “The family is immensely proud of Papa,” Faulds said. “But he was so understated – he never lived off his past successes. I don’t think he even saw them as exceptional. He always lived for the now and the future.”

Sharing their pride is Jack James, who was born a month before his uncle Hughie’s last game in 1923. From a retirement village in Keilor, the 93-year-old said: “I was rapt that he was my uncle – for everything he achieved, but mainly because he was just a very good man.” Born on May 4, 1890, John Hugh ‘Hughie’ James was the eldest of four brothers – the others being Arthur (Jack’s father), Laurie (Marion’s husband and Margaret-Anne’s father) and Keith – born in the Gippsland region before the family relocated to the Essendon district. The siblings formed their own building business, Jack James revealed, in which all-rounder Hughie looked after the paperwork, Arthur was the chief bricklayer and Laurie was the carpenter. Hughie was the only James boy to play League football, but that dream appeared in tatters when, at 17, he was discarded by his local VFA club Essendon Town. Not surprisingly, James later relished every victory against Essendon’s VFL side. afl.com.au | AFL RECORD | 19

AR06 p18-22 Hughie James 275.indd 19

23/4/20 9:22 am

AFL RECORD HUGHIE JAMES

FAMILY PRIDE:

Granddaughter Margaret-Anne Faulds and daughter-in-law Marion James.

After a stint with VFA rival Preston, James quickly established himself with fledgling VFL club Richmond, where he became one of the great ruckmen of the League’s early years. Though a poor kick – a source of much mirth at Tigerland – James compensated with superb high marking, deft tapwork, toughness and composure. Richmond struggled pre-war, but The Sporting Globe’s renowned scribe Hec de Lacy later noted that James “stood out for the quiet good-fellowship he engendered”, adding that “it was his infectious confidence that carried the Tigers” through their infancy. Praised as the League’s fairest and most popular player because of his “many fine and manly qualities”, James showed rare sportsmanship in a close game against Essendon. After Richmond scored a behind, the ball returned from the crowd with a puncture. The Dons full-back kicked it towards the field umpire hoping for a replacement, only for a Tiger to pounce for a crucial goal. An indignant James demanded, unsuccessfully, that the goal be removed from his team’s score. “Nobody is keener to beat Essendon

IN HIS PRIME: James

established himself as one of the great ruckmen of the VFL’s early years, before winning a Military Cross and Bar for his bravery on the battlefield.

than I am,” he told teammates, “but I won’t have a win as the result of an honest mistake like that.” A mistake could have denied James his chance to serve his country. When he went to enlist in Melbourne in January 1916, he was initially rejected for failing an eyesight test. Suspecting a mix-up, James sat another test on the other side of the street and was accepted. “I thought it was up to me to do my share,” James told The Argus. “You see, I’m young and in good condition. And who knows? I might be on the ball again in a season or two.” James’ enlistment papers note that both of his knees bore scars, which would soon be joined by battle scars. Then 25, he left behind his wife Ethel and baby daughter Sylvia. Two of his brothers – Arthur, 22, and Laurie, 20 – had already seen action overseas. (Keith had been too young to enlist.) Continuing a life pattern of making an impression wherever he went, within weeks Private Hughie James was promoted to lieutenant. Over a few drinks with his army pals while training in England, James also came up with the idea of staging an exhibition match in London, which came to fruition in October 1916. The famous event – in which James starred in a victory for the Third Division against the Training Units – helped boost morale among Aussie troops before being sent to the Western Front. The next month James left for France and he’d recall that on January 4, 1917, he’d been “right

I thought it was up to me to do my share HUGHIE JAMES ON HIS ENLISTMENT

near” his Third Division football captain Bruce Sloss – the South Melbourne star – when Sloss “got it” from the Germans. A week later, folks back home thought James had also “got it” when a rumour circulated that he’d been killed. The rumour, which provoked “expressions of regret” around Melbourne, became so strong that Hughie’s father John James and cousin Charles Moore rushed to the Base Records Office in St Kilda Rd for clarification. They were relieved to be informed there had been no word of Hughie’s demise. Just to make sure, a cable was sent to the London headquarters, which replied: “James well at latest.” The next week the Richmond Guardian reported James was “very much alive, thank you”, denouncing the “fool” who’d started the “senseless” scuttlebutt. James was, however, lucky to escape the war with his life, despite proving as cool in battle as he was on the football field. A valued member of the 3rd Pioneer battalion – a construction unit largely engaged in digging trenches, building bridges and

20 | AFL RECORD | afl.com.au

AR06 p18-22 Hughie James 275.indd 20

23/4/20 9:23 am

Canterbury 210x275.indd 1

16/4/20 8:04 am

AFL RECORD HUGHIE JAMES

repairing roads – James was, according to a young ‘Richmondite’ in a letter home, “just as popular here as he was in Richmond”. That popularity was enhanced when James won a Military Cross for his efforts near the Belgian village of Messines on June 7 and 8, 1917. He was officially honoured “for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in reconnoitering and repairing a road and constructing a bridge over a river under heavy shell fire. His gallantry under the most trying circumstances was a fine example, and inspired his men with the greatest confidence.” When James’ honour was later announced at Richmond’s annual general meeting, an old member declared: “I knew he’d do it!” Melbourne newspaper The Winner added: “All who know him will realise that he has fully earned it, and trust that still more distinctions will come his way.” They were prophetic words. But first, James suffered three gunshot wounds on two separate dates just six months apart. At Passchendaele, Belgium, in October 1917, he received a minor wound to his right arm, but remained on duty and didn’t seek medical treatment until the next day. A month later, his wife received a letter that started ominously – “Dear Madam, I regret to advise you …” – before revealing her husband had been “wounded slightly”. The next time – on the killing fields of the Somme, France, in April 1918 – James copped “mild” gunshot wounds to his upper right arm and lower back, requiring a stint in a London hospital. Undeterred, just four months later James displayed remarkable bravery to be rewarded with a Bar to his Military Cross. The distinctions were earned just 14 months apart and made him the most decorated League footballer of World War I. In the early hours of August 22, 1918, James had led an attack near the French town of Bray “with great gallantry and skill” against a strongly held German line. His platoon suffered many casualties but James, despite being exposed to constant fire, continually walked up and down the line directing and encouraging his men until they were dug in. The Third Division commander reported that “it was only (James’) courage, cheerful disposition and total disregard of danger” that ensured the operation’s success. After driving his men to their objective, James then oversaw

LARGER THAN LIFE CHARACTER:

James (left) with wife Ethel after relocating to New Zealand.

the capture of 30 German troops. He proved “an inspiration to all ranks” and was “worthy of every recognition, especially as this is the first time that he or his men had been in a direct attack on any position”. James’ brothers weren’t so fortunate – Arthur (Jack James’ father) was gassed and died from related health issues at just 45 in 1939, while Laurie suffered a worse fate. Affectionately known as ‘Lol’, he was just 22 when slain at Proyart, France, on August 26, 1918 – just four days after Hughie had earned the Bar to his MC. On the one-year anniversary of Laurie’s death, Hughie placed a verse in The Argus that fondly recalled a man who was “always happy and cheerful, with a heart that knew no fear”. As a more lasting tribute, he later named his only son Laurie. “(Hughie) never spoke about the war,” Marion James said. “None of them did. And we weren’t about to ask.” Just eight days after being discharged from the army, James resumed his League career with Richmond in round 12, 1919. Astonishingly, given his age (29) and all that he’d endured, the battle-scarred hero became an even better footballer post-war. James hadn’t played a final before the war, but on return was one of the Tigers’ best in three successive Grand Finals, including their first

FACT FILE

Hughie James

Born: May 4, 1890, at Sale, Victoria. Died: April 23, 1967, at Wellington, New Zealand Recruited from: Preston Richmond 1909-16, 1919-23: 188 games, 119 goals Honours: Richmond best and fairest 1921; premierships 1920, 1921; captain 1913; Victoria (8 games, 4 goals).

flags in 1920-21. He was named club champion in the latter season. James’ other monumental contribution to Richmond had been to recruit his army mate Dan Minogue, the former Collingwood captain who led the Tigers to those early triumphs. Minogue later described James as “a sportsman and a gentleman, if ever there was one”. Following James’ retirement at 33 in 1923 after 188 games, he had brief stints as a committeeman and selector. His life took another fascinating turn in 1932 when the owner of a waterproof clothing business, for whom James had done some building works, asked him to run the firm’s new factory in Wellington. James knew nothing about the industry, but he embraced the challenge, proving such a success that he bought a distinctive left-hand-drive Cadillac. After initially relocating to the New Zealand capital alone, James was joined a year or so later by his wife and three children. “His three children adored him – he was a great entertainer and a great talker,” Faulds said. Sport remained a constant, with James playing cricket, tennis, golf and, in his latter years, bowls. He’d also watch his son Laurie play rugby union before rushing home to listen to VFL games on the radio. Soon after moving to New Zealand, James mailed his Richmond life membership card to his young nephew Jack, a keen Tigers fan. “I used that card for the next 30-odd years!” Jack James recalled. James did his bit for Anzac relations as a long-serving president of the Wellington Returned and Services’ Association. He also did much charity work for blind ex-servicemen. A lifelong smoker, James died from lung cancer just short of his 77th birthday. Faulds, who was just five at the time, reflected: “I worked in the area where Papa had lived and when people realised my surname was James, they’d ask, ‘Are you any relation of Hughie James?’ “He was such a big character and he was so well known and so well liked.” @bencollocollins

22 | AFL RECORD | afl.com.au

AR06 p18-22 Hughie James 275.indd 22

23/4/20 9:23 am

FROM THE

VAULT 2017

c i f i r c Sa s ’ r a t AS

T H E J O E SL AT ER S T O RY

Joe Slater was one of Geelong’s greatest and most inspirational players, and his death on a French battlefield 100 years ago was an enormous loss to the game. BEN COLLINS

AR06 p23-28 Joe Slater 275.indd 24

23/4/20 9:24 am

JOE SLATER AFL RECORD

ob Gaylard has always been conscious of the old journalistic credo to simply report the story and not become part of it. But the veteran media presenter has been drawn into this story; and it’s quite a yarn – one of football’s worst wartime tragedies. For Gaylard – the former Channel Nine sports newsreader – it all began in 2001 when he received a phone call from Geelong Football Club. The Cats had just selected their Team of the Century, which included (on a half-back flank) the late great Joe Slater, whose next of kin, the club had established, was Gaylard. And the Cats wanted Gaylard to represent Slater at the event. All of which came as a shock to Gaylard, who’d never heard of Slater, let alone their family connection. This isn’t surprising given the passage of time – Slater played the last of his 108 games for Geelong way back in 1914 and was killed in World War I in 1917 – and their distant link in a complex family tree. Gaylard’s great-uncle Alexander Gaylard had married Alice ‘Queenie’ Slater (Joe’s older half-sister) in 1909. It’s also said that the Gaylards played a significant role in Joe Slater’s upbringing. (Rob Gaylard is also vaguely connected to two of Slater’s star teammates, Henry ‘Tracker’ Young and ‘Ike’ Woods, both of whom married Gaylard girls.) “The family link to Joe Slater is so distant that we feel a bit like imposters becoming his family representatives, but we were delighted to find out that there’s a hero in the clan – and we’ve certainly adopted him,” Gaylard told the AFL Record when we caught up with him and his wife Karen at their property in Lara, 17km north of Geelong. “Joe’s story is endearing and we’re in awe of what he achieved in his short life as a sportsman, as a soldier and as a person. And we’re proud that his legacy continues to this day.” May 3 will mark 100 years since Slater’s supreme sacrifice, which proved a devastating blow to Geelong (both the city and the football club) and the game. Indeed, Peter Burns – the South Melbourne and Geelong legend who, as Geelong timekeeper, saw all of Slater’s games – decades later declared that “had he been spared, (Slater) would have revolutionised Australian Football and gone down

PROUD LEGACY: Former media identity Rob

Gaylard was delighted to discover he had a family link with Geelong war hero Joe Slater.

(He would) have gone down as the greatest player LEGENDARY PETER BURNS ON JOE SLATER

as the greatest player our game has produced”. Joseph Henry Slater was the only product of the marriage of Henry Slater (a middle-aged English widower) and Diana Reynolds, and was born on November 29, 1888, in Ballarat. The Slaters soon settled in Geelong where young Joe was well educated at Geelong College and became a sporting prodigy. Slater’s greatest love was football, but he also became the Australian 220-yard (200m) champion and the Victorian 110-yard champ, and occasionally ran in sprint races at half-time of Geelong games he was playing. Slater was also a talented cricketer, impressing with his fast bowling for a Geelong team against the touring Englishmen at Corio Oval in 1912. By then, he was a football superstar.

HISTORICAL PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE BOB GARTLAND COLLECTION

AR06 p23-28 Joe Slater 275.indd 25

After shining for United Methodists in the local churches competition, Slater made his VFL debut at 17 in 1906, just four months after the death of his 71-year-old father. He developed into a 179cm and 86kg dynamo whom Burns hailed as “the finest material I ever saw in football togs”. Sport newspaper observed that Slater could dominate in “any position on the field … there are few better all-round players than Joe Slater”. In 1936, legendary player and coach Jack Worrall deemed Slater one of the best centremen he’d seen, while The Sporting Judge believed he “had no peer” at half-back. The greatest Geelong player of his era and a notable omission from the Australian Football Hall of Fame, Slater used his pace and power to great effect and earned rave reviews for his overhead marking and wonderful kicking. He once goaled with a booming drop kick from near the centre at Punt Rd Oval – an estimated distance of almost 80m. In 1912, the Geelong Advertiser published a fan’s poem that included the line: “an ancient Gladiator would not scorn to be a Slater”. afl.com.au | AFL RECORD | 25

23/4/20 9:24 am

AFL RECORD JOE SLATER

The single blemish on Slater’s League career was a brief fallout with Geelong in 1913 when he relocated to Melbourne for work (he was an accountant) and the club refused to clear him to the Redlegs (now Demons). Slater instead became honourary playing coach of Hawthorn (then in the metropolitan association) and showed great courage in one game to play on with a broken collarbone and lead his team to victory. (The Hawks also claim Slater as one of their war dead.) To the relief of Geelong fans, Slater soon gained employment as the manager of a printing and stationary company in his hometown and resumed his League career, playing out the 1913-14 seasons. In this period, Slater experienced highs and lows in his personal life, celebrating his engagement to local girl Nellie Wigley, and also mourning the death of his half-sister Queenie Gaylard at just 34, leaving behind a young daughter. Of course, more heartache would follow for Slater’s widowed mother, who lived with her only son in Swanston St, Geelong. When World War I broke out, duty called for Slater who, having already

served 11 years in the citizens’ forces, entered the 22nd Battalion, D Company, as a lieutenant. On April 27, 1915 – two days after the disastrous Anzac landings at Gallipoli – Slater was among 150 soldiers to be given a big public send-off in Geelong. The Geelong mayor told the masses he was pleased to see “that grand and noble footballer, Lieutenant Joe Slater”. In response, Slater said the troops would long remember the occasion and vowed they would fulfil their patriotic duty. Slater served at Gallipoli for two months towards the end of the ill-fated campaign before suffering tonsillitis, rheumatism and diphtheria, which laid him low for three months. Slater’s letters home to Geelong secretary Charles Brownlow, published in the Geelong Advertiser, reveal an articulate man. “The constant strain of watching and the shelling leaves its mark. You get broken sleep, at the most four hours on a stretch,” Slater wrote from Gallipoli. He reported that Fitzroy’s 1913 premiership player Artie Harrison had been “hit”, while Geelong teammate Leo ‘Dodo’ Healy’s

A feeling of profound sorrow passed over Geelong THE GEELONG ADVERTISER ON NEWS OF SLATER’S DEATH

ALL-ROUND STAR: Also

a champion sprinter and talented cricketer, Joe Slater, pictured in the 1908 Geelong team, could dominate in any position on the field, according to Sport newspaper.

“leg gave way, and dysentery took him rather badly”. (Harrison and two other League players in the 22nd Battalion were later killed the same day and place as Slater.) Slater also came close to grief at Gallipoli: “I had two swims this week, and one was not too comfortable; the shrapnel was too close for pleasure.” He was surprised a troublesome knee hadn’t buckled on steep hill climbs, and was “very fit, but would not care to do four quarters in the ruck”. Throughout his sporting career, Slater had been a non-drinker and non-smoker, but trench life had turned him into “a great pipe smoker”. He expressed appreciation for gifts, including copies of The Football Record (which he circulated among “the boys”) and mouth organs that ensured “the trenches now fairly ring

26 | AFL RECORD | afl.com.au

AR06 p23-28 Joe Slater 275.indd 26

23/4/20 9:24 am

Make sure it Make sure it Make sure it measures up measures up measures up Make it Australian Make it Australian Made Made Make it Australian Made

australianmade.com.au/building australianmade.com.au/building australianmade.com.au/building M11562 AM AFL Record Australian Made.indd 1 Ad 210x255mm v2.indd 1 M11562 AM AFL Record Australian Made.indd 1 Ad 210x255mm v2.indd 1 M11562 AM AFL Record Australian Made.indd 1 Ad 210x255mm v2.indd 1

11/02/2020 11:12 24/3/20 9:01 am 11/02/2020 11:12 24/3/20 9:01 am 11/02/2020 11:12 24/3/20 9:01 am

M11562 AM AFL Record Australian Made.indd 1 Ad 210x255mm v2.indd 1

11/02/2020 11:12 24/3/20 9:01 am

Australian Made 275.indd 1

9/4/20 10:20 am

AFL RECORD JOE SLATER

with sketches of favourite songs and comic operas”. Slater rose to the rank of captain within 10 months of enlistment and was praised by a soldier as “one of the most popular officers in the Battalion”. Sent to the Western Front in France in early 1916, Slater briefly served as the chief instructor of an Anzac bomb school and as the commander of a bombing division. British commander Sir Douglas Haig mentioned him in dispatches for “distinguished and gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field”, and “for conspicuously good service as Divisional Bomb Officer and for exceptionally good work during operations at Pozieres in July and August 1916. This officer is keen and capable, and his services have been of benefit to the Division.” Through it all, Slater understood the daily peril of life on the frontline. When he learned the Australian people voted against conscription, he lamented it as “rather a solid slap to us. It means we have to go into the trenches time after time, whether fit or otherwise”. And French battlefields had become hellscapes, as Slater noted on March 23, 1917, in what was possibly his final letter. “I have been in the fore of things and have passed through scenes that I never in my wildest dreams thought to see … “I went through one town about the size of Geelong with the buildings burning on each side, and roads blocked with fallen houses. “All the trees in the orchards were simply sawn through – pure wantonness … “If only I could get away with all the various souvenirs I see lying about I would have an interesting collection.” This wanton destruction claimed Slater’s life just six weeks later, on the first day of the Second Battle of Bullecourt. Around 5pm on May 3, 1917, Captain Slater was leading D Company when he was struck by shrapnel. The 28-year-old was taken into a shell-hole where he was relieved of his equipment, and was on his way to a dressing station when he was hit again, by machine-gun or shell fire, or both. One witness reported Slater had been wounded and became entangled in barbed wire, while another stated that the death blow

HIGH PRAISE:

Slater was recognised by British commander Sir Douglas Haig for his “distinguished and gallant conduct”.

FACT FILE

We could not find anything except one of his boots PRIVATE FRANK HANCOCK

drilled “a big hole right through the body”. Private Frank Hancock revealed: “I went out next night to try and find his body with some other men, but we could not find anything except one of his boots.” When news of Slater’s demise circulated back home, the Geelong Advertiser reported that “a feeling of profound sorrow passed over Geelong”. This proved the inspiration for the line in local musician Vin Healy’s 2013 song Joe Slater: “The town he loved couldn’t bare what they learned.”

Joe Slater Born: November 29, 1888, at Ballarat, Victoria

Died: May 3, 1917, at Bullecourt, France Recruited from: United Methodists Debut: v Carlton, round 16, 1906, Corio Oval Height: 179cm Weight: 86kg Geelong 1906-14: 108 games, 17 goals Victoria 1912: 2 games, 2 goals

Slater’s mother, now childless, “bore her grief with heroic fortitude”. Mrs Slater placed a death notice proudly declaring that her son had “died as he had lived, a soldier and a man”, signing off as his “loving and lonely mother”. It’s said that when Geelong fans heard about the tragedy as they walked to a game at Corio Oval, many returned home to mourn. Rob Gaylard: “Not many players would have had that impact on a club.” Geelong players showed their respects in their next game by wearing black crepe armbands. Slater’s fiancée Nellie – a career nurse who joined the Australian Army Nursing Service and served in England, France and Germany – was aboard a ship to join the war effort when her husband-to-be was killed. Sister Wigley lived to the age of 57 and never married. On the anniversaries of her lost love’s death, she often placed notices in newspapers, including: “In remembrance of my dearest fiancé … deeply mourned.” The returned men of Slater’s unit submitted this verse to The Argus: “He gave the appointed signal / Valiant he led / Into the thick of the fighting / Where his gallant life was shed / He led his men oft in the football field / And he led in the sterner test.” Slater’s legacy was further honoured via the J. H. Slater Memorial Cup annual amateur sprint race, which in the 1920s and ’30s was run annually at half-time of Geelong home games; and Slater Square, an open public space just a few hundred metres north of GMHBA Stadium. When Slater Square was unveiled in 2013, Cats CEO Brian Cook said Slater “epitomised all that was great about the club, the game and indeed the patriotism of his time”. Slater has no known grave, but is commemorated at the Villers-Bretonneux memorial. Two years ago, Rob and Karen Gaylard made a “very humbling” pilgrimage to the site. “In this beautifully maintained place where once there’d been such horrible carnage, all of a sudden you find this name that you’ve travelled halfway around the world to see,” Gaylard said. “I obviously never knew Joe, but it certainly brought a tear to the eye.” @bencollocollins

28 | AFL RECORD | afl.com.au

AR06 p23-28 Joe Slater 275.indd 28

23/4/20 9:24 am

OWN THE MOMENT AFL Photos 2020 210x275.indd 1

PHOTOS | CANVAS | FRAMED PRINTS

16/4/20 10:07 am

LEST WE FORGET NAME BOER WAR Anthony A. Forrest Charlie Moore Stan Reid

CLUB(S)

CAREER

DIED

DATE

Perth Essendon Fitzroy

1900 1897-99 1897-98

Carolina, South Africa Quaggashoek, South Africa Near Ermelo, South Africa

15/5/1901 12/5/1901 29/6/1901 8/8/1915 30/5/1916 19/9/1917 22/7/1917 20/10/1917 2/5/1915 2/7/1915 25/4/1915 26/8/1917 30/5/1916 27/12/1917 4/7/1916 10/6/1918 23/7/1916 24/5/1918 24/4/1918 31/10/1917

Pozieres, France France

4/8/1916 17/5/1918

Harvily, France France Romani, Egypt Mouquet Farm, Pozieres, France Pozieres, France Died of wounds, Malta Gueudecourt, France

14/8/1918 29/11/1917 4/8/1916 3/9/1916 21/8/1916 26/7/1915 5/2/1917

France Died of influenza OAS, Sierra Leone Gallipoli, Turkey Armentieres, France

18/4/1918 21/10/1918 19/11/1915 15/7/1916

Mouquet Farm, France Gallipoli, Turkey Fleurbaix, France Died of wounds at sea France France Villers-Bretonneux, France No details France France

12/8/1918 2/5/1915 19/7/1916 2/6/1915 3/11/1916 3/8/1916 10/8/1918 No details 29/7/1916 28/5/1918

Polygon Wood, Belgium Mouquet Farm, France Lost overboard at sea near Toulin Lone Pine, Gallipoli, Turkey

20/9/1917 31/8/1916 25/6/1920 25/4/1915

Belgium France Gallipoli, Turkey Walker’s Ridge, Gallipoli, Turkey Villers-Bretonneux, France

27/9/1917 18/8/1916 25/4/1915 27/6/1915 3/5/1918

Villers-Bretonneux, France France Messines, Belgium Died at sea in the Indian Ocean

10/8/1918 4/10/1918 31/7/1917 30/10/1918

Died of pneumonia, England

28/10/1918

Passchendaele, Belgium Passchendaele, Belgium Polygon Wood, Belgium

7/8/1917 14/10/1917 25/9/1917

Pozieres, France Amiens, France

9/8/1916 8/8/1918

Gallipoli, Turkey Passchendaele, Belgium Lone Pine, Turkey

25/4/1915 15/10/1917 29/11/1915

Mont St Quentin, France France

3/9/1918 14/3/1917

Abincourt, France Belgium

15/11/1916 30/3/1918

Villers-Bretonneux, France

26/4/1918

Dick Gibbs Dave Gillespie

West Perth University Carlton

1903 1901 1910-11 1915 1905-09 1914 1912; 1914 1909; 1911 1906-15 1911-12 1906; 1908 1907-09 1915 1905-07 1908 1913-15 1910 1911-13 1915 1905-06 1907-15 1914 1916 1906-07 1912 1910 1909 1903-05 1907-08 1910-12 1910 1889-90 1909-14 1912-15 1913-14 1909-12 1911 1907-08 1915-16 1906 1912; 1915 No details 1908 1900 1901-02 1907-15 1910-15 1912-13 1911-12 1913-14 1908-16 1907 1911 1906 1907-10; 1914 1911-12 1901 1916 1899-1912 1912-14 1915 1911 1912 1912-15 1914 1905 1908-13 1899 1911 1913 1913 1909 1906 1908-10 1909-11 1910-11 1912-16 1913-14 1908-10 1913 1905-06, 1908-10, 1914-16 1911-13 1912-14 1907-08

Lone Pine, Gallipoli, Turkey France Belgium Ypres, Belgium Passchendaele, Belgium Gallipoli, Turkey Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey Pine Ridge, Gallipoli, Turkey Belgium Died of wounds, Fleurbaix, France Tincourt, France Messines, Belgium France Pozieres, France Died of wounds in France Merincourt, France Palestine

Charles C. Gast

Geelong Perth Subiaco North Adelaide North Fremantle Midland Junction Sturt University West Perth Perth Geelong Norwood Norwood Essendon Melbourne Port Adelaide Subiaco East Perth South Melbourne West Perth East Perth Melbourne East Perth Subiaco North Fremantle West Adelaide St Kilda Essendon South Melbourne Port Adelaide Collingwood Rovers Launceston Carlton Port Adelaide Subiaco Fitzroy Essendon East Perth East Perth Fitzroy North Fremantle Perth South Adelaide Sturt Fitzroy South Fremantle University Geelong Collingwood East Perth Midland Junction St Kilda Geelong Perth University Carlton Subiaco East Fremantle University Melbourne North Fremantle Perth Sturt North Fremantle Fitzroy University St Kilda South Melbourne Collingwood South Melbourne Melbourne Essendon University Subiaco East Perth Perth South Melbourne Midland Junction West Perth Midland Junction

19/7/1916 27/3/1917

Subiaco Essendon Port Adelaide Melbourne Carlton East Perth West Perth Richmond Fitzroy

1905-06 1913-14 1900-05 1903 1904 1909-14 1915-16 1911 1913-14

Fleurbaix, France Died of wounds on active service at Caulfield, Vic Gallipoli France Died of wounds, France Died of wounds in Surrey, England after serving in the NZ army in France France Bullecourt, France

3/5/1917

WORLD WAR I James T. Aitken Charles E.A. Abbott Herbert J. Appel John K. Ashhurst Walter J. Backshall Ben H. Bailey Percy H. Balderstone Rupert Balfe George H. Barnes Charles Barnett John Bell John W. Blacket Joseph A. Blacket Lewis Blackmore Jim Bonelli William Boon Alaric P. Boor Norm Bradford John Brown Cliff Burge Charles E. Burley Harold A. Burrill William Byfield Harold Cade Arthur Caldwell Hughie Callan Edward Callanan Sam Campbell Henry A. Campbell George Challis Albert Chaplin Andrew Christie Thornton Clarke Dick Clough Leslie Cole Robert G. Colligan Harry Collins John Condon Michael Connolly Stanley S. Coombs Jack T. Cooper Bertie F. Cooper Arch Corbett Alan Cordner William J. Crawford Royden C. Crossland Claude Crowl Joe Crowl Dave Cumming Harry Daniel Frank W. Dawson John A.R. Doig Jack Doubleday John L. Dunstan Peter G. Edwards Victor E. Ellement George Elliott Jim Farnan Fred Fielding Charlie Fincher Bill Fischer Chris Fogarty Edwin P. Follwy James F. Foy Jack Freeman Thomas L. Fry

Leopold J. Gluck Jimmy Gordon Archibald Gosling Albert Gourlay Herbert Harris Artie C. Harrison

AR06 p30-31 Honour Roll.indd 30

2/5/1915 30/9/1918 No details 1/11/1918 25/8/1917

This is a list of known VFL, WAFL and SANFL players and umpires who have made the ultimate sacrifice, plus some Tasmanian players. Any further information would be gratefully received. Contact Patrick Keane at the AFL if you have any updates to this list (Patrick.Keane@afl.com.au) NAME

CAREER

DIED

DATE

South Melbourne Essendon Norwood East Fremantle WAFL umpire/East Perth William H. Healey Norwood Thomas Hesketh Midland Junction William J. Hewby North Fremantle East Fremantle Thomas A.J. Hibbottson East Perth Arthur Hinman Launceston University Lou Holmes St Kilda Charles W. Hooper Norwood Herb Hunter Essendon Les James Geelong Frank James South Adelaide Sturt Arthur Jones Fitzroy Mal Kennedy Melbourne Richard St John Kennedy Perth Frank K. Kingsley North Adelaide Bertram H. Kneale West Perth Norman F. Knox South Fremantle George A. Lamerton WAFL umpire Bill Landy Geelong Charles Langtree Collingwood Ron Larking University Les Lee Richmond Arthur Limb Sturt Dave Lowe West Torrens Otto Lowenstern St Kilda Frank Lugton Melbourne Jim Mackie Melbourne Bill Madden St Kilda William T. Maddern Subiaco East Perth North Fremantle Leonard V. Manning Midland Junction Ivor Margetts Launceston Peter Martin Collingwood Stan Martin University Harold W. Mattam Midland Junction Bill Maxwell Melbourne John McAuley East Perth John McCarthy East Fremantle Tom McCluskey Carlton Fitzroy William McCormack Perth Fen McDonald Carlton Melbourne Paddy McGuinness St Kilda Fred McIntosh University Essendon Ronald G. McKail North Adelaide Arthur McKenzie Geelong M. Stan McKenzie Carlton Ted McLean Geelong Robert Menzies Midland Junction Percy S. Mofflin Imperials East Fremantle Charlie Morley Essendon Roy W. Mouritzen East Perth James Moy West Adelaide Brunel J. Nash Norwood Stan Neale University John D. Newham North Fremantle Jim Nicholas University Bill Nolan Richmond E Oborn West Adelaide Bert O'Connell St Kilda Alick Ogilvie Melbourne University Stephen O’Gorman Perth Charlie Oliver Carlton

CLUB(S)

1906; 1908-09 1912 1908 1906 1907 1915 1908 1912-14 1915 1906-07 1909-10 1910-11 1910 1903 1900 1909-11; 1913-15 1899-1900 1901-04 1914 1911-12 1901-10 1912 1914-15 1915 1913-14 1915 1900 1909 1913 1915 1910-15 1910-11 1913-14 1913 1908-09 1910 1911 1914 1905-07 1909-14 1901-02 1909-14 1915 1909 1916 1915-16 1910 1911 1911-15 1911-12 1913 1901 1913-14 1915 1907-13 1898 1914 1912 1914-15 1897 1902 1906 1914 No details 1909-14 1913-14 1909-11 1911 1914-15 No details 1908 1905 1908-09 1915-16 1900

Bapaume, France Ypres, Belgium Bullecourt, France Morlancourt, France

13/3/1917 14/9/1917 11/4/1917 10/6/1918

Villers-Brettonneux, France France Fleurbaix, France

8/6/1918 24/8/1918 30/5/1916

Gallipoli, Turkey Quinns Post, Gallipoli, Turkey

28/4/1915 10/5/1915

Died of wounds, Gallipoli, Turkey Pozieres, France Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey Passchendaele, Belgium Alexandria, Egypt

23/6/1915 25/7/1916 8/5/1915 22/10/1917 4/5/1915

Gallipoli, Turkey Died of wounds, Wytschete, Belgium France Noreuil, France France Pozieres, France France Fleurbaix, France Corbie, France Neuve Eglise, France Messines, Belgium Died of gassing wounds, Gawler Died of wounds, England France (served in Canadian Army) Pozieres, France Bapaume, France Bullecourt, France Ypres, Belgium

7/8/1915 2/1/1918 24/6/1918 2/4/1917 1/9/1916 22/7/1916 10/8/1918 19/7/1916 3/8/1916 1/4/1918 8/6/1917 7/5/1920 4/8/1916 1/12/1917 29/7/1916 20/3/1917 3/5/1917 28/10/1917

France France Died of wounds, South Melbourne, Vic Bullecourt, France France Passchendaele, Belgium Morlancourt, France Ypres, Belgium Passchendaele, Belgium

29/7/1916 24/7/1916 25/3/1918 3/5/1917 12/8/1918 12/10/1917 11/6/1918 4/10/1917 4/10/1917

Ypres, Belgium Gallipoli, Turkey

13/10/1917 25/4/1915

Sid O’Neill Harold Parker Francis M.W. Parker

1909 1911 1891 1894 1914-16 1897 1904-13 1898 1905-14 1915 1910-12 1910 1909 1910-13 1912-13 1913 1910 1913 1914 1899 1912-15 1898, 1900 1903 1909 1912-13 1899-1900

Ed Harrison Billy G. Harvey Lionel W. Harvey Frederick A.W. Hastings

Fitzroy St Kilda Centrals Rovers Gordon A.I. Parsons East Perth Alby Patterson Carlton Joe Pearce Melbourne Jim R. Pender Carlton Robin Philip de Quetteville Norwood Ernest J. Pirani Midland Junction Hugh Plowman St Kilda Samuel T. Podger North Fremantle Herbert B. Porter Perth South Fremantle Les Primrose University Edward J. Properjohn Subiaco Albert E.J. Ramsden Subiaco Joseph Ramshaw East Perth South Fremantle Leo Rankin Melbourne Osma V. Richardson Sturt Harold Rippon Melbourne South Melbourne Alex J. Robertson University Perth Ralph Robertson St Kilda

Died of wounds, Le Treport, France 6/5/1918 Died of wounds, Polygon Wood, Belguim 28/9/1917 Pozieres, France Le Transloy, France Alexandria, Egypt Gallipoli, Turkey Pozieres, France Gallipoli, Turkey

6/8/1916 18/7/1916 8/12/1915 29/5/1915 3/9/1916 16/6/1915

illness on active service, England Essex, England No details Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey Bullecourt, France Gallipoli, Turkey Menin Road, Belgium Died of wounds, Boulogne, France No details Died of wounds, Broodseinde Ridge, Belgium Died of wounds, Malta, after being mortally wounded on August 6, 1915 France On active service as the result of an accident at Seymour Walkers Ridge, Gallipoli, Turkey Died of wounds as a POW, Lille, France Died due to illness, Alexandria

13/4/1919 5/6/1917 No details 02/05/1815 29/9/1918 12/5/1915 20/9/1917 23/6/1916 No details 17/10/1917 18/8/1915

France Died of illness attributable to war service Gallipoli, Turkey Bois Grenier, France Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey France Fleurbaix, France Flers, France Mouquet Farm, Pozieres, France

5/4/1918 16/4/1920 25/4/1915 2/7/1916 25/4/1915 25/7/1916 19/7/1916 13/2/1917 14/8/1916

Cladeincourt, France France France Pozieres, France

4/6/1918 12/10/1916 25/2/1917 6/8/1916

31/3/1918 29/12/1917 7/8/1915 30/1/1917 17/3/1915

Died of illness on active service, England 10/5/1917 France 7/8/1916 Died of wounds, Somme, France 16/1/1917 Lone Pine, Gallipoli, Turkey

6/8/1915

Aboukir Aerodrome, Egypt

11/5/1917

23/4/20 10:40 am

NAME

CLUB(S)

CAREER

DIED

DATE

NAME

CLUB(S)

CAREER

DIED

DATE

Percy J. Rodriguez

Perth University Melbourne Carlton Essendon Perth Collingwood

1910-12, 1915 1914 1915 1913 1915 1909-16 1911-15

Noreuil, France

20/3/1917

Died of wounds, Rouen, France Pozieres, France Belgium Died of wounds, France

22/9/1918 4/8/1916 16/9/1917 5/12/1916

Reginals S. Hogben William I. Holly Lyall Hone Alexander M. Howe Ross W. (Bill) Hudson

20/4/1943 27/8/1943 13/6/1946 10/11/1942 11/4/1945

1898 1906; 1909 1914 1911 1910 1906-14 1907-08 1910-14 1913-15 1913-15 1915 1910-11 1915

Gueudecourt, France Tiddworth, Wiltshire, UK Fouilloy, France Proyart, France Passchendaele, Belgium Bullecourt, France Armenteries, France

3/11/1916 6/2/1917 8/8/1918 11/8/1918 14/10/1917 3/5/1917 4/1/1917

Singapore Middle East Malaysia Singapore

12/2/1942 2/4/1944 4/6/1945 24/1/1942

18/11/1916 5/11/1916 21/10/1918 13/2/1919 20/5/1916

Died of illness, New Guinea Off the England coast Wewak, New Guinea Flying battle over Burma Coral Sea Trappes, France Bougainville, New Guinea New Guinea Goodenough Island, New Guinea

15/12/1943 5/2/1945 15/8/1945 18/6/1942 28/2/1943 10/6/1944 4/1/1945 12/11/1944 11/10/1943

1909 1910 1914-15 1915 1916 1913-14 1908 1916 1910-11 1908 1910-12 1911, 1913-14 1912-14 1909-14 1908 1912-14 1914 1910

Hamel, France Western Front

5/7/1918 24/4/1918

Died of wounds, New Guinea North Sea Near Danmap River, New Guinea

28/8/1942 24/7/1944 15/11/1944

France Messines, Belgium France Pozieres, France Died of illness, Keswick

20/8/1916 2/5/1917 5/8/1917 27/7/1916 12/8/1918

Died of wounds, France Gallipoli, Turkey Gallipoli, Turkey Died of wounds, France Bullecourt, France

12/5/1917 1/7/1915 2/5/1915 3/3/1917 11/4/1917

West Adelaide Collingwood Collingwood East Fremantle East Fremantle

1908 1907 1906-07 1908-13 1910-15

On active service as the result of an accident at East Melbourne France Passchendaele, Belgium Le Transloy, France Passchendaele, Belgium Armentieres

20/10/1914

Charles J. Woods Tommy Worle Tom Wright Arthur H. Wrightson Roy J. Wrightson

Wewak, Dutch New Guinea Died of injuries, Australia Sundra Strait Flying Battle, Sicily Malaya Tobruk, Libya Balikpapan, Borneo Timor Sea New Guinea Died of illness as a result of military service Laverton, Victoria Training accident,on active service at the You Yangs, Victoria New Guinea Malaya Died off the coast of Western Australia New Guinea New Guinea Bougainville,New Guinea Netherlands Belgium Died over New Guinea in an aerial battle Belgium Tarakan Island, Borneo Died of illness OAS, Heidelberg Hospital, Vic Goodenough Island, New Guinea Rabaul, New Guinea Prisoner of war, Moulmein, Burma

20/5/1944 8/7/1942 1/3/1942 12/8/1943 9/2/1942 31/7/1941 4/7/1945 19/12/1945 12/1/1945 1/5/1944 21/3/1942 2/8/1941

1939 1939-40 1934 1910-13 1938 1928-32 1934 1941 1924-28 1937 1923-28 1934 1929-34 1935-41 1942 1938 1940-41 1934-35 1932-40 1941 1930-31 1933 1940-41 1925 1931-36 1937-38 1940 1938 1939, 1941 1935-36 1937 1938 1935-36, 1938 1932-36 1937 1929; 1932 1925-27 1928 1931-38 1935-40 1934-35 1930-31 1937-40 1941 1929-33 1935 1925-28 1921 1902 1929-34 1927-38 1939 1940 1930 1935-36 No details 1937-40; 1942 1934-37 1927-29 1931-33 1927 1939-40 1937-38 1934-35, 1938-40 1937 1933-34 1928 1928-29 1941 1939-40 1937-39 1942

Jacquinot Bay, New Guinea No details Hansa Bay, New Guinea New Guinea Wau, New Guinea Over English Channel Over English Channel Died of illness, Sydney Normandy, France Syria Rottnest Island, WA

28/3/1944 7/12/1942 27/6/1944 3/2/1943 9/2/1943 8/3/1944 13/6/1944 4/5/1940 6/6/1944 27/6/1941 7/4/1946

Egypt Burma

22/7/1942 9/7/1943

Over Crete

23/7/1943

John W. Woodhouse Gus Young Jack Zimmerman Harold Zucker

East Fremantle Geelong Claremont University South Fremantle Perth Port Adelaide South Fremantle West Perth St Kilda Melbourne Claremont Sturt East Perth Hawthorn East Perth Collingwood East Perth Carlton South Melbourne North Melbourne Subiaco Hawthorn Hawthorn East Fremantle South Fremantle Port Adelaide Melbourne Essendon North Melbourne Melbourne St Kilda South Fremantle Melbourne Essendon Fitzroy St Kilda Fitzroy Sturt Port Adelaide Subiaco West Perth South Melbourne Norwood Perth North Melbourne St Kilda Subiaco South Melbourne Subiaco South Melbourne Hawthorn North Melbourne Carlton North Adelaide South Adelaide Melbourne Launceston Port Adelaide South Melbourne West Adelaide Sturt Subiaco Norwood Hawthorn Claremont Melbourne Perth West Perth Hawthorn Footscray Hawthorn

Died of wounds sustained in battle in New Guinea Aerial battle over Germany On active service, Charters Towers, Qld New Guinea Norwegian Sea Syria Died of wounds, New Guinea Flying accident, England Germany Egypt Babinda, Qld On active service, Rockhampton, Qld Aerial battle over Germany Singapore

24/11/1943

Jack Wood

West Torrens North Adelaide South Melbourne North Fremantle Subiaco North Fremantle South Melbourne South Fremantle St Kilda Port Adelaide Sturt Port Adelaide Perth North Fremantle University Carlton Melbourne Essendon

France Pozieres, France France 48th Casual Clearing Station, France No. 6 Infectious Diseases Hospital, North Adelaide Dardenelles, Turkey

1941 1940 1940 1934 1937-41 1942 1940-41 1933-37 1931-34 1929-33 1933 1935-42 1941 1941 1938 1931-33 1941 1941 1934 1939-41 1942-43 1929-32; 1935 1940-42 1929 1931-32 1933-34 1935 1937

Zealand, Denmark New Guinea Died of illness attributed to war service Burma New Guinea

Melbourne Essendon University East Perth North Fremantle Geelong Essendon South Melbourne East Perth North Adelaide South Fremantle Norwood Norwood

North Adelaide Claremont Hawthorn Claremont St Kilda West Adelaide East Perth West Adelaide Claremont Essendon North Melbourne Port Adelaide Subiaco Essendon Perth St Kilda North Adelaide Claremont Swan Districts Geelong Carlton Geelong Sturt South Melbourne Essendon Collingwood Carlton Perth

KOREA Bryan T. Luscombe

Claremont Port Adelaide

Bill Rogers Les Rogers David T. Rogers Paddy (Percy E.) Rowan (Rowe) Bobby Royle Gerald J. Ryan Cyril Seelenmeyer Stanley H. Sharp Frederick C. Shingler Joe Slater Bruce Sloss Stanley H. Smith Leslie Sneyd Robert T. Straughair Keith R.J. Suhard Noel M.D. Suhard Guy H. Taylor Claude Thomas William A.S. Thomas John M. Toohey Jack Turnbull Harold Vagg Jack P. Walker Douglas Walsh Joseph Watson Arthur C. Webb Arthur G. Whittle Mal Williams Alf Williamson

WORLD WAR II Syd L. Anderson James L. Ahearn Jack Atkins Wilf Atkinson Harold Ball Ron J. Barassi Paul Bell Joseph R. Berg Ernest C. Bonds Laurie Brady Jack V. Brittain George Brock

Melbourne Subiaco Melbourne Carlton Melbourne Melbourne St Kilda West Perth West Perth Melbourne North Adelaide Port Adelaide North Melbourne Leslie R. Brown West Adelaide Ronald Burchell Swan Districts Peter J.L.H. Burns Swan Districts Horner Burton Perth Alfred J. Calder South Fremantle Maxwell G. Carmichael Port Adelaide Henry J. Carrington Perth Lavington E.J.F. Chinnery Norwood Sydney C. Clarke Claremont Thomas Coburn Launceston Harry Comte St Kilda Tommy Corrigan Fitzroy Bill Cosgrove Richmond Horace G.S. Curtis Claremont Bill S. Downie Footscray St Kilda Jack Drake Hawthorn Noel Ellis Melbourne Eric K. Evans Subiaco Albert I. Exley Perth Claremont Henry R. Farrant North Adelaide Bob Flegg St Kilda

1939-41 1925-31, 1933-34 1940 1942 1939-40 1936-40 1937-38 1942-43 1941 1913 1941 1937, 1939-40 1941 1938-41 1937 1940-41 1936-40 1925-27 1938-41 1937-38 1932-38 1933-41 1939-41 1930-37 1922-28 1940 1939 1929-32 1933 1926 1940-41 1941 1921-23 1928-29 1938-39 1941

Kenneth E. Foxcroft Austin H.D. Gardiner Bill Garvie Alf Giblett Godfrey Goldin Jack F. Golding Alf Goonan Jeff Grieve Allan J. Grigg Hugh K. Guthrie Robert E. Guthrie Alan W. Hain Lester J.T. Halpin Gordon Hamilton Jerome S. Hayes Alf Hedge Fred Heintz Leslie C. Hellmrich Clyde Helmer

1941 1939-40 1934-35 1935 1939 1932 1925-26 1941 1932-41 1937-41 1936-37 1940 1940-41 1940 1932-34 1937-38 1931-33 1934-35 1937-41 1942 1943 1934-40

Robert H. Henderson Keith B. Hetherington

Perth East Perth Richmond Hawthorn Essendon Sturt North Melbourne South Melbourne Perth Claremont Claremont Perth Subiaco South Melbourne Sturt South Melbourne Fitzroy Swan Districts Geelong Melbourne West Perth Perth

AR06 p30-31 Honour Roll.indd 31

6/10/1915

23/7/1916 31/7/1917 12/12/1916 12/10/1917 30/5/1916

9/10/1943 11/2/1942 4/7/1944 13/9/1943 9/9/1943 2/7/1945 22/5/1944 13/5/1944 24/1/1945 8/9/1944 30/5/1945 9/1/1943 11/8/1943 2/2/1942 11/9/1943

Brallos Pass, Greece 23/4/1941 OAS, Yimboona Army Camp, Brisbane, Qld 6/7/1942 Died of illness 22/6/1943 Perth 16/8/1940 Palestine Shot down in an air raid on German airbase at Feuersbrunn Flying over the UK Queensland Atherton Tablelands, Qld New Guinea Died of wounds, New Guinea El Alamein On active service, Malaya Glenshee, Scotland Accidental death, Scotland New Guinea Died over Germay in an aerial battle Died in a flying battle over India No details Drowned OAS rescuing a girl at Chelsea, Vic Innisfail while on training manouevres Over Hamburg, Germany Prisoner of war, Ambon, Indonesia Died of illness, Burma Aitapi, near Lae, New Guinea

14/7/1941 7/7/1944 17/12/1943 23/11/1942 27/6/1944 19/6/1943 7/2/1943 10/7/1942 22/1/1942 8/11/1944 22/7/1944 20/10/1943 1/8/1942 28/9/1943 8/3/1945 23/2/1941 26/12/1943 4/5/1942 20/2/1942 22/12/1943 24/4/1945

New Guinea Egypt

23/9/1925 24/10/1942

William L. Innes Harold E. Jarvis Alan W. Jeffrey Len Johnson Christopher Johnston Dixon R. Keast Jack Keddie Harold J. Kevan Stuart King Kenneth L. King Thomas H. King Joseph K. Kneebone Jim Knight Ralph Lancaster Rex T. Lathlean Norm Le Brun

Russell T. Lewis Donald Louthean Jack T. Lynch Malcolm W. Lyon Ken MacLeod Henry J. Matison John C. McGaffin Malcolm McKiggan Kevin H. McKnight Leslie D. Melbin Wallace Mills Derek Mollison Harry L. Motteram Alfred C. Mussman Alex Nash Alfred Nichols Norm L. Oliver Leonard D. Oliver Jim W. Park Allan Pearsall Bert Peters Dudley R. Phillips Dick M. Pirrie Jack Price James H. Prosser George Quinn Ted Regan Beres Reilly William A. Roach Archie Roberts Percy Roberts Tasman Roberts Paul R. Robertson Lloyd Rudd Desmond J. Ryan John W. Sanderson Gordon Sawley Athol A. Seubert Mo Shapir Jack T. Shelton Harry A. Skulley Len A. Smith Geoffrey W.G. Smith Len Thomas Henry Thomson Maxwell J. Trengove Kenneth L. Trenorden Keith Truscott Ross Tumilty Jack Wade Jack R. Warming Ian W. Warren Stanley Warren Ronald W. West Max Wheeler Charles A. Williams Percy B. Wood

23/11/1943 8/9/1944 17/9/1943 8/4/1940 6/7/1941 17/9/1943 6/11/1943 26/2/1944 27/7/1942 24/11/1943 19/12/1943 4/11/1944 15/2/1942

Aerial battle over the North Sea 8/6/1944 Prisoner of war, Ambon Island, Indonesia 6/6/1945 Prisoner of war, Moulmein, Burma Died of illness, Rabaul, New Guinea

3/8/1943 9/4/1942

Gona, New Guinea Sidon, Syria Accidental death, NSW Prisoner of war, Burma Railway On active service in training flight accident over Scotland Libya Egypt Tobruk, Libya Died of illness, Australia On active service, Heidelberg Hospital, Vic Accidental death, Western Australia Salamaua, New Guinea

29/11/1942 14/6/1941 12/5/1945 19/7/1943 14/8/1942

Prisoner of war, Thailand Sattleburg, Germany No details On active service, Exmouth, WA Gundaroo, NSW Syria

21/5/1943 16/11/1943 No details 28/3/1943 7/12/1943 11/6/1941

Prisoner of war, Malaysia El Alamein, Egypt Died of illness, Burma Rabaul, New Guinea Syria Aerial battle over Sulawesi, Indonesia Litani River, Syria

1/3/1944 22/7/1942 11/5/1944 2/1/1944 17/6/1941 14/10/1944 9/6/1941

Died of wounds, New Guinea Crete On active service, Heidelberg Hospital, Vic Died of illness, attributable to war service

18/10/1943 29/5/1941 2/9/1944 7/6/1947

1944

Korea

5/6/1952

1961-62

24km north of Nui Dat, South Vietnam

14/2/1969

17/7/1942 15/8/1942 1/5/1941 8/3/1943 29/7/1943 8/2/1942 17/8/1943

VIETNAM Peter Chant

23/4/20 10:41 am

AFL_Record_ads_2020_v2.indd 2 Sutton.indd 1

20/3/20 1:52 pm 24/3/20 8:53 am

FROM THE

VAULT 2009

O Loughlin living the

dream

Michael O’Loughlin had doubts whether he was good enough to play one AFL game let alone 300, but the man they call ‘Magic’ has done just that and much, much more in a glittering 15-season career. On the eve of his remarkable achievement and just weeks before taking his final bow, the Sydney Swans veteran reflects on an amazing journey. JIM MAIN

MICHAEL O’LOUGHLIN – 300 GAMES

tatistics alone give Michael O’Loughlin legendary status with the Sydney Swans, but as impressive as his numbers and honours are, there is much more to his achievement of becoming the first to wear the red and white in 300 AFL games. When O’Loughlin breaks the banner before the MCG match against Richmond this weekend, he will be doing what has become habit over the past 15 years. “I pinch myself every day,” he said earlier this week. “I could only dream of playing at this level when I was a kid and, even when I was drafted by the Swans (as the No. 40 selection in 1994), I was worried whether I would make the grade.” The 32-year-old will retire at the end of the season with a swag of awards and honours, including a premiership medallion from 2005, but acknowledges the seeds for his success were sown when growing up in the Adelaide suburb of Salisbury North. One of six children (five boys and a girl), his parents Muriel and Alex guided him clear of trouble in what O’Loughlin described as a “pretty tough area”. O’Loughlin’s mother came from the Narunga Aboriginal community on the York Peninsula, while his father was from another indigenous community near Murray Bridge. The O’Loughlin surname came from “a great, great grandfather with Irish connections”. The “pretty tough area” in Adelaide represented challenges for the O’Loughlins in raising their children. “You had to be street smart to survive and some kids did get into trouble, but my mother was a great AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 33

AR06 p33-36 Michael O'Loughlin 205x275.indd 33

23/4/20 9:25 am

role model and always wanted to know where I had been whenever I came home late,” O’Loughlin said. “She always kept a close eye on me.” Like most youngsters in football-mad Adelaide, O’Loughlin started kicking a ball around at a young age and played with brothers, cousins and mates in impromptu 15-a-side matches at a park near his home. From there, he played with the Salisbury North club, where he found another role model in Gavin Wanganeen, who later won a Brownlow Medal with Essendon (1993) and captained Port Adelaide. “I saw what ‘Wangas’ did and I wondered when he went to play in the SANFL (with the Port Magpies) and then to Essendon whether I could reach those levels,” O’Loughlin said. He did, starting by breaking into the South Australian Teal Cup team (the state-based under-17 carnival now replaced by the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships) while playing with Central District. However, he found it difficult to produce his best. Yes, he admitted, there was an element of laziness in his football. But he explained he found it strange to have so many coaches, so much advice and a mountain of pressure. “I was sort of floating around for a while,” O’Loughlin said. Despite this harsh selfassessment, O’Loughlin attracted the attention of at least two AFL clubs – the Swans and Carlton. O’Loughlin barracked for the Blues, but Sydney nominated him just one selection before Carlton. “It was a bit of a shock, but I just wanted the chance to play in the AFL, so I was more than happy,” he said. “I used to watch Swans games on television and they always seemed to get beaten, but that’s all I knew about the club. “When I moved there a couple of days after the draft, it was like stepping into a whole new world. Pre-season certainly was a shock and I wondered whether I would be able to cope with the running and weight work. “Fortunately, I was able to see what was required of me through pretty good team leaders in Paul Kelly and Mark Bayes.

AWAY F R O M F O O T B A L L

Double dribble on NBA passion

NERVOUS STARTER: When he broke into the Sydney Swans line-up in 1995,

Michael O’Loughlin was content to play one game, much less 300.

“I also joined the Swans with a strong group of other young players, including Shannon Grant and Anthony Rocca, and we helped each other. “But, best of all, my arrival in Sydney coincided with the recruitment of Tony Lockett and Paul Roos, which allowed younger guys like myself to move under the radar.” The 18-year-old O’Loughlin had an outstanding debut season in 1995 and, in just his second season, the Swans reached the Grand Final for the first time since 1945 (when they lost to Carlton). Sydney went down to North Melbourne but O’Loughlin, with all the confidence of youth, believed the red and white would be in the big one again – and win it – before too long. “I didn’t realise that you don’t automatically get second chances in football,” O’Loughlin said. “I might have been distraught in defeat, but the older guys in the team took it a hell of a lot harder because they knew they probably would not get another chance.”

O’Loughlin was fortunate to get another opportunity when the Swans played West Coast in 2005. This time they won, by four points, to break the club’s 72-year premiership drought. “It obviously was a fantastic feeling, but was made all the more special because our supporters had waited so long,” he said. “The club had been in so many holes, yet always managed to dig itself out and survive. I feel very honoured to have played in that premiership side.” This might be the highlight of O’Loughlin’s football career, but he acknowledges there is a close second among his raft of achievements. “Being named in the Indigenous Team of the Century in 2005 will always mean the world to me,” he said. “When they called my name out at full-forward at the function in Melbourne I was just blown away. “To be recognised with all the great indigenous players made

Like many AFL players, Michael O’Loughlin takes an interest in other sports, with basketball his favourite. “I played basketball before I played football and loved it. I think it’s great for helping develop your peripheral vision and decision-making,” O’Loughlin said. “(Swans coach) Paul Roos reckons he was the best junior basketballer in Victoria and then he decided to give footy a go,” O’Loughlin said with a laugh. “It’s a fantastic game. I’ll be encouraging my kids to play it.” O’Loughlin arrived at AFL House recently for a photo shoot with the AFL Record wearing a Boston Celtics cap, although he also has an affinity for the Chicago Bulls. “I’m actually a Bulls fan from the (Michael) Jordan days. But I love watching Kevin Garnett play,” he said. “I’ve followed his career through from his time at Minnesota and he helped Boston to an NBA title last year.”

NICK BOWEN

me feel truly blessed. And best of all, (Swans teammate) Adam Goodes also was named in the team (at centre half-back).” With O’Loughlin’s retirement just weeks away, the Swans will be left with just one indigenous player – Goodes, who is set to play his 249th game this weekend. “‘Goodsey’ and I have been getting into the ear of

34 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au

AR06 p33-36 Michael O'Loughlin 205x275.indd 34

23/4/20 9:26 am

SNAPSHOT OF A GREAT CAREER:

Michael Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Loughlin has played in a premiership side, been adored by fans (well, maybe not some West Coast supporters) and been an inspiration to his family and the indigenous community.

AR06 p33-36 Michael O'Loughlin 205x275.indd 35

23/4/20 9:26 am

S.M.F.C.

one or two blokes to draft some indigenous players,” he said jokingly. Despite O’Loughlin’s list of achievements, he insisted on praising those who helped him achieve goals which were once beyond his wildest imagination. “I have had good coaches,” he stressed. “Rodney Eade gave me the confidence when I was up and down early in my career and even told me that, no matter how my form might slide, he would not drop me. He had faith in me and I hope I responded to his encouragement. “Then, under Paul Roos, I had to regain confidence because of knee and hamstring injuries. We sat down and he told me that as long as I did all the fitness work I would be OK. I don’t think too many coaches would be as supportive as ‘Roosy’ has been with me.” O’Loughlin will bow out of the game with “no regrets”. “How could I regret anything in my career?” he said. “I would have considered myself fortunate if I had played just a few games, but to play 300 is very, very special, especially for a club I love so much, the Bloods.” O’Loughlin explained that the ethos of the Bloods was as strong as ever, despite the club’s slide this season after playing in the past six finals series. “It is instilled into every player new to the club and you don’t get to wear the guernsey until you earn the right to,” he said. “We tell them, ‘This is what we expect of you’ or, if you like, hand them the blueprint of what we expect of them on and off the field. We teach them the history of the club and of the fabulous players who have worn our guernsey over so many years.

“The club doesn’t expect to field a team of 22 Paul Kellys or Brett Kirks, but all players must do their bit to the best of their ability.” No doubt future generations of Swans players will be told of O’Loughlin’s feats, and future teams without the magical skills he has put on show for 15 seasons will not seem the same. But O’Loughlin acknowledged his time was up. “I wish I could play for ever, but the body is not the same as it used to be,” he said. “I had major surgery on my right foot over summer and there is no flexibility in that foot because of the pins and screws they had to insert.” O’Loughlin has new horizons he aims to walk towards with partner Emma and their daughter Taya (three) and son James (20 months). He is looking forward to a life of quiet domesticity while keeping a close eye on the Swans and, perhaps, lending a helping hand when requested. O’Loughlin has no immediate plans to coach and, instead, will direct his energies to the new O’Loughlin Foundation in aid of indigenous health and education.

FAC T F I L E

Michael O’Loughlin

Born: February 20, 1977 Recruited from: Central District Debut: Round 5, 1995 Height: 189cm Weight: 90kg Games: 299 Goals: 512 Player honours: best and fairest 1998; All-Australian 1997, 2000; Indigenous Team of the Century; leading goalkicker 2000, 2001; AFL Rising Star nominee 1995; Fos Williams Medal 1998; premiership side 2005 Brownlow Medal: career votes 40

O’Loughlin, enormously proud of his Aboriginal heritage, wants to help his community and show its youngsters what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and discipline. “I have had 15 years in the best place in the world, at the heart of the Sydney Swans Football Club. I was a boy who grew into a man at this club and if I can help others achieve their goals, I will be further blessed.” FOOTNOTE O’Loughlin stayed true to his word and retired at the end of 2009 after playing 303 games and kicking 521 goals. He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2015 and has held coaching roles with the AFL Academy, on top of business interests and supporting indigenous education.

RELAXED: When he

retires at the end of 2009, Michael O’Loughlin will take a well-earned break.

OFFICIAL AFL COLLECTOR CARDS OFFIC IAL AFL COLL ECTO R

CARD S

A FAMILY TR IP TO DISNE PLUS MONTHLYLAND! Y PRIZES*

You have obtaine d an entry into our 2020 Disneyland holiday draw. By completing the details on the back of this card and sending Select Australia it to with 15, you will be eligible 2020 Footy Stars Wrappers, to enter the compet ition. * Full competit

ion details, including and Monthly Prizes, details of the Major Prize Select Footy Cards. can be found on our Faceboo k page – Competition closes 5pm, 28 August 2020.

ON SALE NOW! THE COLL ECTO R’S

CHOIC E

AVAILABLE IN NEWSAGENCIES, HOBBY AND AFL STORES, CALTEX PLUS SELECTED LEADING RETAILERS! SELECT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ABN 49 003 881 052 www.selectaustralia.com.au

Stars_AFL RECORD_GENERIC_184x50.indd 1 36 AFL20S1_1_Footy AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au

AR06 p33-36 Michael O'Loughlin 205x275.indd 36

13/3/20 11:53 am

23/4/20 9:26 am

OFFICIAL AFL COLLECTOR CARDS

AFL COMMONS

AFLW COMMONS

ALSO COLLECT

This 181 Premium card set features 10 star players from each of the 18 AFL clubs, plus 1 Header card.

GOLD BROWNLOW PREDICTORS (72) 1:108 PACKS 2020 PREMIERSHIP PREDICTORS (36) 1:216 PACKS

(181)

Included in the Common set are the star players from the AFLW, includes 3 players from each of the 14 teams. (42)

AFL MILESTONE GAMES JIGSAW

STARBURST CARICATURE – LEOPARD

ICE BLUE DIECUTS

CONTESTED BEASTS

Collect 9 cards for each team to reveal a group celebration image on the back of the cards!

The Starburst Caricature series continues with the eye-catching leopard print design. Collect 72 holographic cards beautifully illustrated by Paul Harvey.

Collect this dazzling set of diecut cards printed on bright silver mirror board!

The Contested Beasts collection is brand new in 2020! It features the 3 highest contested possession winners of each team.

(162) 1:1 PACK

(144) 1:4 PACKS

(72) 1:3 PACKS

9 36

Who chalked up their Milestone games in 2019? BRONZE = 100 games, SILVER = 150 games, GOLD = 200 games and PLATINUM = 250 games (90) 1:8 PACKS OFF ICIA L AFL COL LEC TOR CAR DS

(54) 1:6 PACKS

PREMIUM

CARDS

A FAMILY TRIP TO DISNEYLAND ! PLUS

PER PACK

MONTHLY PRIZES*

PACKS

You have obtained an entry 2020 Disneyland holiday draw. into our details on the back of this cardBy completing the Select Australia with 15, 2020 and sending it to Footy Stars Wrappers, you will be eligible to enter the competition.

PER BOX

* Full competition details, includi and Monthly Prizes, can be ng details of the Major Prize found on our Facebook page Select Footy Cards. Competition – closes 5pm, 28 August 2020.

FIREWORKS DIECUTS Be on the look out for this sparkling set of diecut cards printed on bright silver mirror board!

STARBURST CARICATURE – GALACTIC

(NUMBERED TO 210)

The Limited Edition Starburst Caricatures Galactic cards feature 72 silver star holographic cards beautifully illustrated by Paul Harvey.

(144) 1:36 PACKS

(NUMBERED TO 210) (72) 1:72 PACKS

SHOWSTOPPERS Look for the exciting young players of each team that can turn the game with one showstopping moment. (NUMBERED TO 70) (18) 1:864 PACKS

THE COL LEC TOR ’S CHO ICE

COMPETITION CARD Collect 15 wrappers and enter for your chance to win a family trip to Disneyland plus Monthly Prizes.* (1) 1:15 PACKS

* FULL COMPETITION DETAILS, CAN BE FOUND ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE – SELECT FOOTY CARDS

AVAILABLE IN NEWSAGENCIES, HOBBY AND AFL STORES, 7-ELEVEN PLUS SELECTED LEADING RETAILERS! THE COLLECTOR’S CHOICE SELECT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ABN 49 003 881 052 www.selectaustralia.com.au

AFL20S1 Select.inddFooty 1 Stars Flyer_AFL RECORD AD_255x210.indd 1

3/3/20 2:40 24/3/20 8:44 pm am

FROM THE theinterview

VAULT 2009

Walking the talk He’s football’s most flamboyant figure, brilliant and exhilarating on the field; brash and opinionated off it. But on the eve of his 300th game, Jason Akermanis reveals the public perceptions of him can be misleading. BEN COL LINS

JASON AKERMANIS: 300 GAMES

he weather outside is much like the man – brisk, breezy and punctuated by plenty of grey areas. In an otherwise vacant auditorium at Whitten Oval’s Elite Learning Centre, Jason Akermanis appears comfortable in his skin. And why wouldn’t he be? On the eve of his 300th AFL game, the 32-year-old continues to belie the notion that this is likely to be his last season (he likes to think the door is “slightly ajar”), averaging 20 touches, two goals and four tackles in his seven appearances to be among the Western Bulldogs’ best-performed players. He’s rapt he has himself in his own Dream Team. However, Akermanis is decidedly uncomfortable with certain public perceptions that paint him as – well, let’s not

beat around the bush – an arrogant, self-centred big-mouth who places his own interests before those of the team. The infinite value of ‘Aker’ the player has never been questioned. A Brownlow Medal. Two best and fairests in star-studded Brisbane Lions’ sides. Stunning incarnations as a dashing defender, prolific midfielder and a damaging forward capable of drilling goals from any angle, with either foot, any distance up to 60 metres. And who could forget him snapping the winning goal against Collingwood in the 2002 Grand Final. Or bagging five goals in a brilliant display against the Pies the next year? Indeed, he’s an all-time great, and seemingly a certainty to one day be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. But for most of this decade,

questions have been raised about the wisdom of his typically forthright comments in his various media roles in television, radio and print. Despite what many people naturally assume, Akermanis does care about what other people think, and is somewhat concerned about the potential for what he regards as inaccurate perceptions of him as a person to overshadow his playing career. It’s one of many surprising contradictions in a man who has variously intrigued, exhilarated, frustrated, angered and always entertained people with his bigger-than-Texas persona. When told that this story would attempt to portray something of his personality and get inside his mind, he was enthusiastic: “Well no one has done it yet. People are too quick to box others into categories without finding out exactly what makes them tick.

That’s people for you. But you can’t box me.” Thankfully, he doesn’t mean ‘box’ in the physical sense, because he looks so sharp, fit and compact that he’d surely evade the best that came at him before landing the inevitable knockout blow. He is keen to knock perceptions on the head, though. There is an urgency within. “I’ve got one chance left to educate people about who I am,” he says. “If, at the end of it all, they still think I’m an idiot, that’s fine.” Akermanis is no idiot – at least not in the sense of pure intelligence. He speaks fluent Spanish and apparently has an IQ in the mid-130s – so, too, does his wife Megan, a speech therapist – which is believed to place them among the top few per cent of the population. When quizzed about it, Akermanis simply says: “Hey, don’t spoil

38 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au

AR06 p38-41 Jason Akermanis 205x275.indd 38

23/4/20 9:26 am

theinterview

MAKING A POINT: While everyone

might have an opinion on Jason Akermanis, the man himself says he doesn’t care what others think – he just gets the job done.

PHOTO: LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/AFL PHOTOS

AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 39

AR06 p38-41 Jason Akermanis 205x275.indd 39

23/4/20 9:27 am

the illusion. I’m happy for people to think I’m an idiot.” However, he is not happy about the “massive misconception” that he is a shameless individual. But he doesn’t become aggressive. He speaks – and obviously thinks – at a mile-a-minute, but all the while exudes a friendly, matter-of-factness. “Over the journey,” he explains, “I’ve given more to the group, more inside the club, more to the game than most, and been part of successful teams, yet you get lumped with that perception. “Am I missing something here? Do people think that success was just a fluke? You still need to work well with people around you. “To get to 300 games, you have to be doing a lot of things right consistently. You don’t get there by being selfish and undisciplined. No one could ever say I didn’t get the most out of myself.”

Tact is not my strength, but I actually think my biggest strength is dealing with people

MANY FACES: As these photographs suggest, Jason Akermanis loves to play the role of showman. PHOTOS: LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/AFL PHOTOS

Asked if he is the type of teammate he would like to play alongside: he says: “Absolutely. If you ever question a player’s influence on others, look at his goal assists, tackles and defensive pressure. Most weeks I’m one of our best defensive players, and that was the case through the good years in Brisbane.

“And off the field, I always treat my teammates better than they treat me. I’ve played with blokes you would physically have to stop to get them to acknowledge you – they wouldn’t give you the time of day because they just didn’t know how.” Akermanis is resigned to the fact he will never change the perceptions of some people. It doesn’t annoy him though. As he says several times during the course of a 40-minute interview, “That’s life.” “What people think of me is none of my business,” he says. “Unless you get on the inside and see what it’s all about, you’ll never know the truth. It’s easy to comment from afar and throw stones, but often you’ll be wrong and you’ll just look like a fool.” Akermanis doesn’t suffer fools. He inherited his brutal honesty from his late mother, Shona, who raised Jason and younger brother Rory on her own. It was a tough upbringing. “Women are notorious for talking a lot and communicating,” Akermanis says, “and you often find that kids who are raised by single mums tend to be talkative because the dad’s influence isn’t there. “Even though it hurt Mum at times to be so honest and open, she ENTERTAINER: Handstands used to be ‘Aker’s’ postgame trademark, but he now rarely obliges.

had to be like that because she had to do both roles.” Honesty is perhaps Akermanis’ best and worst trait. Sometimes he simply can’t help himself. “It doesn’t win me many friends, but it gets things done,” he says. “Tact is not my strength, but I actually think my biggest strength is in dealing with people. “No one likes criticism. You can wrap it up in a pretty bow if you like. Or you can say: ‘Listen. Clearly we’ve got an issue here.’ In the long run, if you’re honest and you’re on the mark, people always will respect you for it. They cannot not respect you for it.” Akermanis believes he has ‘walked the talk’. “I think that will stick in people’s minds more than anything,” he says. “As long as you back it up, who cares? “I’ve singled out players a few times – I’ve picked my mark – when no one had really done it before. “We’re in the entertainment industry. I think it makes it more enjoyable watching football if someone has said: ‘Hey man, I’m going to take this guy on and beat him.’ It’s better than hearing boring stuff like: ‘He’s a good player; I really respect him’ – that’s boring as hell to people sitting at home.”

Listeners have been loving the new sound of the track Listen via the SEN App, Melbourne VIC 1377 SEN+ Perth WA 657 AM, Wollongong NSW 1575 AM

40 AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au SEN Track 184x50.indd 1

AR06 p38-41 Jason Akermanis 205x275.indd 40

2/4/20 12:55 pm

23/4/20 10:13 am

Getting the look

OLD HANDS:

Jason Akermanis is congratulated by fellow 300-gamer Brad Johnson.

One voice in Akermanis’ head says it can’t wait for him to retire, but another screams that it never wants him to stop – and “that’s the guy that keeps winning,” he says. When it’s over, he expects he’ll maintain a level of fitness, recreate some of the camaraderie and competitive environment, but the one thing he’ll miss most is playing in front of crowds. “You can’t recreate the thrill of kicking a goal and hearing lots of noise and enjoying the moment with your teammates.” We ask him to pose with his hand over his mouth (as if to say “Oh my!”) as he did after slotting a miraculous boundary-line goal against Geelong in round 13, 2005. He feigns confusion. “Nah, don’t remember it … kicked two like that. Don’t remember it … 35 touches, nine tackles, five goals. But they’re just stats? What are stats?”

It seems no matter how hard he tries, the enigmatic one just can’t help himself.

FAC T F I L E

Jason Akermanis

Born: February 24, 1977 Recruited from: Mayne/Brisbane Lions Debut: Round 4, 1995 Height: 177cm Weight: 85kg Player Honours: Brownlow Medal 2001; Brisbane Lions best and fairest 1999 (equal), 2005; All-Australian 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004; International Rules Series 1999, 2000; Brisbane Lions premiership sides 2001, 2002, 2003; Jim Stynes Medal 1999 Brownlow Medal: career votes 97

FOOTNOTE Akermanis went on to play 325 goals and kicked 421 goals but he and the Bulldogs parted company during the 2010 season. Post his AFL career, Akermanis had a stint as playing coach with North Albury in the Ovens & Murray League. He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

ʶ The evolution of Jason Akermanis’ look has virtually coincided with his increasing self-assurance. Indeed, it is a perfect fit for his outgoing nature. He started his AFL career with short red hair before growing bottle-enhanced blond locks, and has for several years cultivated a look that combines white-blond hair with a black goatee beard. Here’s his uninterrupted explanation: “It’s just been an evolution. Not something I’ve meant at any stage. “I remember the reason I originally got blond hair. At Brisbane, we had four redheads – Michael Voss, Justin Leppitsch, Ben Robbins and myself. Commentators always got us confused. “There’s a part of you that wants to be recognised if you’re playing well. You don’t want someone else getting the credit – that’s frustrating. “Then I noticed that Adam Heuskes really stood out with blond hair, so that’s what I did. “It was a bit streaky there for a while because I didn’t have a good hairdresser, but then

the hairdresser got better. Then I grew a big red goatee that was inconsistent in colour: it had red, black, strawberry-blond, auburn. “Then I was watching something that had that main guy from The Sopranos (James Gandolfini) and he had a beautiful, thick, black, one-coloured goatee. I thought: ‘That just looks so consistent.’ “When I saw my hairdresser, I said: ‘By the way, do you have any black tinge to do my beard?’ “I had the sides (of the goatee) for a while but they were too annoying and weren’t consistent, so I shaved them off and just had the ‘soup-strainer’ and the goatee. “But if you want to have a poke at my hairstyle, you would be surprised at how many players and coaches dye their hair because they’ve got greys in it. “All of the coaches who haven’t given in to the grey have theirs touched up. “Notice how none of my teammates bag me about it – because there’s a huge percentage of players who do it themselves. But no one talks about it.”

SPORT. -SATIONAL SPORT. DOWNLOAD THE SEN APP AND LISTEN LIVE ANYWHERE

SEN Ad Suite 2020 184x50.indd 7

AR06 p38-41 Jason Akermanis 205x275.indd 41

Podcasts available via the SEN app AFL RECORD visit aflrecord.com.au 41

1/4/20 11:29 am

23/4/20 10:13 am

AFL RECORD PROMOTION

#1 PRESSURE PLAYERS

PATRICK CRIPPS CRIPPS PICK OF PRESSURE CROP u Having grown up on a West Australian

canola crop farm, Patrick Cripps never shied away from hard work. That work ethic has proved to be a valuable trait given the heavy lifting has well and truly continued at Carlton. In seven seasons at the top level, Cripps is already a triple best and fairest winner, dual All-Australian and AFLPA MVP. Put simply, Cripps – named co-captain at 23 – is at the centre of everything good that happens on-field for the Blues. Last season he ranked No. 1 for clearance average and No. 2 for contested ball average. But Cripps has proven to be just as critical to Carlton’s fortunes on the rare occasions he doesn’t have the ball in hand. On top of his offensive influence, the wrecking ball midfielder was the Blues’ No. 1 pressure player last season. According to Champion Data, Cripps racked up 1129 pressure points from 465 pressure acts last year. He ranked 15th in the AFL for total tackles (123). Champion Data introduced its pressure point system in 2011 as a way of measuring defensive intent beyond just tackles, spoils and smothers. Points are awarded for corralling (1.2), chasing (1.5), closing (2.75) and physical pressure (3.75).

2019 STATS

TOTAL PRESSURE POINTS 1129 TOTAL PRESSURE ACTS

465

TOTAL TACKLES

123

AV. TIME ON GROUND TACKLE EFFICIENCY

111 mins 64.7%

SAM EDMUND

42 AFL RECORD

SEN.com.au

AR06 p42 KarcherPressurePlayer.indd 42

23/4/20 10:50 am

PRESSURE WASHER PREMIERS SINCE 1950 KÃ&#x201E;RCHER PRESSURE WASHERS ARE UP TO

50x MORE

POWERFUL AND USE

80% LESS

WATER COMPARED TO A GARDEN HOSE*

karcher.com.au

* For further information, please go to karcher.com.au

E C N E R LA U

N E S O R

LOCKOUT: Last year’s Grand Final was another sellout but that won’t be the case in 2020.

TALK E H T G TALKIN

The way forward

We put some dates and plans into the AFL’s likely calendar over the next 12 months.

s the coronavirus curve continues to flatten in Australia, attention is inevitably starting to turn to finding a way out of the current global health pandemic and returning life to some form of normality. That’s true of the AFL as well. In the coming days, the League hopes to announce a return to play date that thousands of fans have been craving ever since the season was paused after just one round of the 2020 premiership season. “I want to be clear that there’s a lot of work being done to return to play ... how the players can get back, broadcasting and fixturing – there are a lot of ideas in play and there’s no bad ideas,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said in a teleconference last week. “We are making that our priority and we are optimistic we will be finalising a plan forward by the end of April and announcing it at that time. “We are finalising our plans internally; we will then engage with key stakeholders and we are doing that with the best medical and government advice.

44 AFL RECORD

SEN.com.au

“We’re also very keen that when we start we don’t stop.” The AFL’s challenge at the moment isn’t just finding a way forward for the season to start but mapping out the calendar with a more longer term view about what the game will look like in the coming years. As head office has repeatedly stated, all options are on the table to start the season later this year while protecting the integrity of the 2021 season. How could the footy calendar look in the next 12 months? We attempt to plot a way forward.

SEASON RESTART: JULY 23, 2020 u The million-dollar question in footy circles is pinpointing a date where the season will begin again. One option floated by Footy Classified’s Caroline Wilson last week was a late July start to coincide with the dates of what would have been this year’s Tokyo Olympics. If that did happen, they’d still be ample amount of time to complete a season by the end of 2020 while also allowing around three months for the country to plot a way out of the current crisis before the AFL season resumes. The AFL has stated it will take into account government and medical advice at all levels before looking at resuming the

There are a lot of ideas in play and there’s no bad ideas GILLON McLACHLAN

2020 season and a late July start on the face of it seems a logical starting date providing coronavirus numbers continue to decrease. Games could even begin earlier in July pending government and health advice. When the season does resume, quarantine hubs in some form are a possibility as a means to provide players and officials for as safe as an environment as possible.

AFL GRAND FINAL: DECEMBER 12, 2020 u A start date around late July

would allow the AFL to complete a season comprising the remaining 16 weeks in the season, plus finals, which would allow an unprecedented summer Grand Final in the middle of December. That of course would put the League’s ability to stage a December Grand Final at the MCG in extreme doubt given it would be just weeks before this year’s scheduled Boxing Day Test against India. The League-owned Marvel Stadium remains a realistic option with cricket controlling Adelaide Oval and Perth’s Optus Stadium in December as well. Once the League names a return to play date, when and where this year’s Grand Final will take place should become clearer. In any case, this year’s AFL showpiece will look vastly different to any other in AFL/VFL history.

TRADE AND FREE AGENCY PERIOD: DECEMBER 14-23, 2020 u The trade and free agency period

is one of the busiest fortnights in the AFL calendar but with the season likely to stretch well into summer, the League may have to truncate it this year. For the purposes of this exercise, trying to plot what the immediate future of the game looks like, a combined trade and free agency period makes sense starting two days after the December 12 Grand Final. The AFL would get its wish of a primetime finale to the trade period and all players who change clubs would know their fate before Christmas.

PLAYERS RETURN TO TRAINING: JANUARY 18, 2021 u AFL Players Association CEO Paul

Marsh has indicated the players are open to being flexible this year and that flexibility will be needed when deciding on a date for players to resume training next year. The traditional pre-Christmas training block is unlikely to exist this year so a mid-January return to training would allow players to have a minimum of five weeks off after the Grand Final. For teams who don’t qualify for finals, that date would be adjusted so all players have an equal amount of time off.

NAB AFL DRAFT: JANUARY 22, 2021 u What the NAB AFL Draft might

look like and whether the current shutdown would provide an opportunity to lift the draft age has been the subject of much debate in the past few weeks. McLachlan confirmed that a draft will be held at some point in the lead-up to the 2021 season. “I’m very confident that the draft will go ahead,” he said. “Clearly there’s a possibility that it will be in a different form in the way that it’s broadcast and the way it’s done, just because of the environment. “But we will need a draft.”

A draft early in 2021 will allow players to join their clubs as soon as possible in pre-season training without impacting the 2020 season.

PRE-SEASON SERIES START: FEBRUARY 25, 2021 u The make-up of next year’s pre-season games wouldn’t be high on the agenda at the moment, but this calendar would allow the Marsh Community Series to start in late February and be held over two weeks to allow clubs to have two hit-outs before the 2021 season begins in March.

SEASON START: MARCH 18, 2021 u McLachlan reaffirmed the

League’s priority not to reshape the 2021 season as a result of the drastic changes coming to this year’s competition. Some people in the footy world have called for an extended season next year in order to recoup as much lost revenue as possible but McLachlan said it was unfeasible to play more than 22 games in 2021. “It is challenging to think we can play beyond 22 rounds for a few reasons,” McLachlan said. “There is venue availability, challenges around the ability of the players to cope with an extended season, and we’ve got commitments and contracts with both venues and broadcasters and others that are challenging to roll into different seasons.

ON THE AGENDA: Players hope to be back training in a few weeks while a January date is likely for the draft ... and then we will bounce the ball for a March 18 start in 2021.

“Instinctively there are some structural challenges to doing that, but right now there aren’t bad ideas and we think it’s incumbent upon us to look at everything.” The AFL will be hoping, much like everyone in the wider footy world, that by the time the ball is bounced on March 18 next year, there are 90,000 at the MCG watching Richmond face off against Carlton with the crisis the game is currently navigating simply a memory. But with the coronavirus situation so fluid and the depth of the crisis affecting everyone, it’s the great unknown when life – let alone football – returns to some form of normality.

@LaurenceRosen

LAURENCE ROSEN IS AN ASSISTANT PRODUCER FOR SEN BREAKFAST AND A DIGITAL CONTENT WRITER

AFL.com.au AFL RECORD 45

FAVOURITE NUMBER 19

Who is your favourite AFL/VFL player to wear the number 19? Give us your feedback at @HPKotton59.

SLEVO’S

HAPPY CHAPPY: Paul Chapman’s robust review of the Cats the previous week had a profound impact the following week this time 13 years ago.

STARS

OF ROUND 6 (SINCE 2000)

1. TEAM EFFORT

u The League’s record

u The Cats had a 2-3 record

2. JARRYD ROUGHEAD & BRENDAN FEVOLA

HAWTHORN v CARLTON, 2009 u ‘Roughy’s’ biggest bag at AFL

level came when the Hawks needed it most. The would-be Hawks skipper booted eight majors to go with 11 marks and 20 touches in a fabulous showing at the MCG. He kicked the opening goal of the final term and then nailed his eighth to give the brown and gold a 25-point buffer before a frantic finish. At the opposite end, ‘Fev’ was running riot with eight

46 AFL RECORD

SEN.com.au

JASON DUNSTALL GAMES 269 GOALS 1254

GEELONG v RICHMOND, 2007 going into the sixth round of the 2007 season and they had just come off a disappointing home loss to North Melbourne. Paul Chapman was critical of his teammates in an internal player review. The result? It sparked an avalanche of goals against Richmond at Docklands. While this column is usually reserved for the brightest individual performances, it’s just too hard to look past this complete and utter dominance. Geelong dished out a 157-point shellacking by kicking 35 goals on its way to 222 points – the equal-ninth highest total in VFL/AFL history. Those in the blue and white hoops were lining up for goals with 15 individual goalkickers. A 10-goal opening quarter and 20-goal first half set up the mammoth score and kickstarted Geelong’s run to the ’07 flag.

HOWARD KOTTON takes his weekly look at the best players to wear each jumper number.

goals, including three in the last quarter, as the Blues fell agonisingly short. With only moments remaining, Fev marked in the pocket to win it but he hit the post and the Hawks hung on for a four-point win. Truly memorable.

3. BLUES MIDFIELD

CARLTON v PORT ADELAIDE, 2000 u It was an absolute Carlton

midfield slaying in the sixth round of the 2000 season. The Blues crushed the Power by 91 points and it was thanks to a trio of players. Scott Camporeale led the way with a mammoth 45 possessions and was ably accompanied by Craig Bradley with 41 and Brett Ratten who amassed 30 along with six goals. They connected for 116 disposals – more than the combined total of Port’s bottom 15 players that day. The triumvirate filled the three Brownlow votes in what was an imperious showing and good old-fashioned on-ball lesson.

4. NATHAN THOMPSON

NORTH MELBOURNE v HAWTHORN, 2006

u It’s not every day you get

to kick a big bag against your old club and it certainly isn’t every day you do it in a come-from-behind win. In 2006, former Hawk Thompson

was best-on-ground when kicking eight goals and taking 11 marks for North Melbourne. The Kangaroos trailed at half-time before eventually getting the job done by 22 points and it was all thanks to big ‘Thommo’. His 8.4 was more than half of North’s score that day and also the best return of his 179-game, 327-goal career. It was one of a handful of top round six displays by players against their former club. Darren Jarman racked up 39 touches, took 13 marks and kicked three goals for Adelaide against Hawthorn in 2001, while Jeff Farmer kicked seven for Fremantle against Melbourne in 2005 and Daniel Bradshaw kicked six majors for Sydney against Brisbane in 2010

5. MATTHEW LLOYD

ESSENDON v WEST COAST, 2001 u Another massive goal return

came in 2001 when Bombers spearhead Lloyd helped himself to 10 in an 88-point smashing of the Eagles. ‘Lloydy’ also picked up 20 touches and took 13 grabs in a true domination. There was another bag of 10 in a round six match kicked by Scott Cummings for West Coast against Fremantle in the Eagles’ 117-point Derby triumph, just 12 months before Lloyd’s heroics.

ANDREW SLEVISON

for most goals in a game appeared well within reach of Jason Dunstall in round seven, 1992, as he went on a scoring spree against Richmond at Waverley Park. Dunstall had booted 11 goals by half-time, but in the end fell one short of Melbourne full-forward Fred Fanning’s haul of 18 set 45 years earlier. The Hawthorn champion finished with a club-record 17.5 from his 29 disposals and 18 marks, earning him the three Brownlow votes. Only former Saint/Swan Tony Lockett (1360) and Magpie champion Gordon Coventry (1299) have kicked more goals in the AFL/VFL than Dunstall. One of the greatest players to come from Queensland, the full-forward was a three-time Coleman medallist and the Hawks’ leading goalkicker on 12 occasions. He played in four premierships (1986, ’88, ’89, ’91), won the club best and fairest award four times (1988, ’89, ’92, ’93) and was captain for four seasons (1995-98). Dunstall was second in the Brownlow Medal twice (1988, ’92) and third in 1989.

Other famous number 19s GMS GLS Michael O’Loughlin (Syd) 292

509

George Todd (Geel)

232

Eddie Betts (Carl)

184

290*

Jack Gunston (Haw)

179

347*

Tom Lynch (GCS, Rich)

143

300*

*Games and goals tallies wearing number 19

Mobile living made easy.

INTRODUCING THE NEW

DOMETIC CFX3 PORTABLE FRIDGE/FREEZER

DOMETIC CFX3 55IM PORTABLE FRIDGE/FREEZER WITH ICE MAKER This ultimate portable fridge/freezer produces seriously impressive cooling, allowing you to bring more of the food and drinks you love wherever you go. Its robust design is built for tough outdoor use. Enjoy efficient cooling and freezing with convenience thanks to a mobile app which puts the control of your Dometic CFX3 at your fingertips. Go further, stay longer, and experience more.

For more information, please visit dometic.com

DA2455_FP_Advert_210x255.indd 1

31/3/20 8:30 am

QUESTIONS?

Ask Col on (03) 9643 1929 or email col.hutchinson@afl.com.au

ANSWER MAN

with MARK GENGE

GUEST

Were there many footballers who played in the VFL before serving during World War I then returned to continue their career?

BACK IN THE FOLD: Dan Minogue played in two Richmond premiership teams after serving in WWI.

ALAN THOMSON, CHADSTONE, VIC MG: There were more than 60 footballers who played in the VFL before and after their WWI service. Many were wounded and it’s remarkable that some had long footy careers after their war experience. Several footballers who returned had multiple premiership success. Hughie James, Frank Harley, Dan Minogue and Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes played in Richmond’s 1920 and 1921 premiership teams. Essendon’s Clyde Donaldson served at Gallipoli and was wounded in Belgium, while teammate Jack Garden fought on the Western Front. Both were in Essendon’s premiership teams in 1923 and 1924. Some of the returnees were awarded for their bravery during the war. Jack ‘Dodger’ Evans played 60 matches for Melbourne before volunteering. He was severely wounded and received the Military Medal. He played one more game in 1919. Leo Little (University, Melbourne) was wounded and gassed during 1917 and was awarded the Military Cross. He played again with Melbourne and later became Victoria’s Crown Prosecutor.

A recommended book for this topic is Barb Cullen’s Harder than Football – League Players at War.

CAN YOU ASSIST?

u The AFL is seeking information on the following former players:

Lyal ‘Mick’ Keighran (SM 1944; 1947), Merv Smith (Fitz 1948-50), Jack Taylor (Haw 1945), Ray Shearer (Melb 1942), Graham Dunscombe (NM 1947), Jack Curtin (StK 1947), Bob Reid (Foots 1948-49), Ray A. Jones (Coll/Melb 1946-49), Gordon S. Green (NM 1942), Geoff J. Kerr (StK 1945; 1947), Alf J. Callick (SM 1943; 1946-50), Max Glass (SM 1945) and Jim Davies (Carl 1949-50). u If you have knowledge of any of these players, please contact

Col Hutchinson via email on col.hutchinson@afl.com.au.

LEADING PLAYERS WHO PLAYED BEFORE AND AFTER WWI SERVICE Player

Games before WWI service

Games after WWI service

Career games

Premiership/s after returning

Percy Parratt George Haines (Heinz) Hughie James MC & Bar Arthur 'Poddy' Hiskins Dan Minogue

149 Fitz 1909-17 87 Geel 1910-14 114 Rich 1909-16 124 SM 1908-15 85 Coll 1911-16 50 Melb 1898-1901; 116 StK 1903-04, 1907-08, 1912-15 112 Geel 1909-15; 12 Rich 1916 4 Geel 1915 13 Ess 1913-14 50 Melb 1913-15 5 Ess 1915 8 Rich 1915-17 15 StK 1915 61 Coll 1911-15 81 Uni 1909-14; 11 Melb 1915 6 Fitz 1917 24 Rich 1914-15

46 Fitz 1920-23 106 Melb 1919-25; 1 StK 1927 74 Rich 1919-23 61 SM 1919-23 94 Rich 1920-25; 1 Haw 1926

195 194 188 185 180

Fitz 1922

FIRST PLAYERS TO BE REPORTED Vic Cumberland Alec 'Bunny' Eason Cliff Rankin Clyde Donaldson Charlie Lilley Jack Garden Frank Harley Harry Moyes Mal 'Doc' Seddon Jack Brake Gordon Rattray 'Checker' Hughes MSM

48 AFL RECORD

AR06 p48 Answerman.indd 48

10 StK 1920

176

38 Geel 1919-21 149 Geel 1919-28 130 Ess 1919-26 82 Melb 1919-25 111 Ess 1920-26 106 Rich 1919-25 46 StK 1919-24; 45 Melb 1925-27 41 Coll 1919-21 6 Melb 1920-21 81 Fitz 1919-24, 1928 63 Rich 1919-23

162 153 143 132 116 114 106 102 98 87 87

Rich 1920, 1921 Rich 1920, 1921

NAME GAME PRIMED FOR BATTLE

KEVAN CARROLL

u This time last year

Prime Minister Scott Morrison took on Opposition leader Bill Shorten. Morrison has been a popular name on AFL/VFL lists with 14 instances, including young Hawk Harry Morrison. A different Scott Morrison was a 1991 draft selection by St Kilda, but did not play a senior game. The best of that surname were Bruce Morrison (Geelong, 1946-52), Chad Morrison (West Coast, Collingwood 1996-2006) and Alby Morrison (Footscray 1928-46). There have been three Shortens. Two of them provided omens either way for Bill Shorten: George Shorten (Essendon, 1923-26), runner-up in the first Brownlow Medal, played in two premiership sides; while Jack Shorten, although a Collingwood premiership player (1910), was suspended for 18 months after that Grand Final.

Geel 1925 Ess 1923, 1924 Ess 1923, 1924 Rich 1920, 1921 Melb 1926 Coll 1919 Fitz 1922 Rich 1920, 1921

SEN.com.au

22/4/20 4:25 pm

SEE THE WORLD IN WIDESCREEN EMIRATES ECONOMY As proud supporters of Collingwood Football Club, we know a seat with a good view is everything. Fly Emirates and stay closer to the action, the drama and the thrills on your personal widescreen TV.

*For more information visit emirates.com/au, call 1300 303 77, or contact your local travel agent.

EMZ-2196-00_CFC-Sponsorship_Screens_HPC_110x184mm_FA.indd 1

2xHP National template.indd 43

13/3/20 10:46 am

16/4/20 11:08 am

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

WORD FIND

Can you find the surnames of these AFL MARK OF THE YEAR winners from 2001-19?

AFL RECORD

AR06 p50 KidsPage.indd 50

Chad Wingard Nic Naitanui Majak Daw Joe Daniher Isaac Heeney Liam Ryan

SEN.com.au

D N R K H T F C S Z F P I A

P T Y S E S N K I E O D Z R

L O W N N Q W N O T R U B R

T V R E U O K A R K C L F A

H Z V T P D T N O R R P J N

P X W T Y R A W E P O H E T

Q U O O N I F H E O O E W B

F B L E T I I H V N M E O V

D L N A L N L H B J Y N H A

L O N A A L Q R J R F E W M

U U N D Y A I U A L O Y G M

I V N E D R R O O H B W T A

W I N G A R D Q T U P Z N Z

U M G W A D O F P T Z C X W

R W G H D P Y S P F K K M S

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE SOLUTION: The LED sign in the background has changed to green; Tiger Jason Castagna’s armband has disappeared; one of the pieces of black tape on Swan Aliir Aliir’s left wrist bandage is now red; the tape on his left shoulder has been altered; a ‘1’ has been added to the scoreboard top right.

Gary Moorcroft Jonathan Brown Chris Tarrant Ashley Sampi Luke McPharlin Brad Ottens Michael Newton Matthew Lloyd Brett Burton Liam Jurrah Andrew Krakouer Jeremy Howe Jamie Elliott

S A M P I X D T S P T E Z T

TO FIN

23/4/20 9:46 am

EBRATIN EL

VERSA

Team Zone.indd 1

2/4/20 11:09 am

AFL RECORD PROMOTION

RED ENERGY RUNNING MACHINE

WERE YOU

Who polled the most votes for Port Adelaide in the 2019 Brownlow Medal? A Ollie Wines B Tom Rockliff C Robbie Gray D Travis Boak

PAYING

ATTENTION

Who is the Western Bulldogs’ games record-holder with 364? A Doug Hawkins B Brad Johnson C Chris Grant D Scott West

Which top-10 pick from the 2008 NAB AFL Draft has played the most games (211)? A Stephen Hill B Michael Hurley C Daniel Rich D Jack Ziebell Who finished second, just one vote behind Adam Cooney, in the 2008 Brownlow Medal? A Matthew Richardson B Simon Black C Gary Ablett D Joel Selwood

Of coaches who have coached 150 games or more, who has the best winning percentage (69 per cent)? A Chris Scott B Mick Malthouse C Alastair Clarkson D John Longmire

What year was Tony Lockett made a Legend in the Australian Football Hall of Fame? A 2012 B 2013 C 2015 D 2017 Nat Fyfe and which ex-Fremantle player have won three best and fairests for the Dockers? A Peter Bell B Aaron Sandilands C Lachie Neale D Paul Hasleby

James Worpel and Jimmy Bartel hail from the same junior club in Geelong. Name the club. A St Joseph’s B Bell Post Hill C Bell Park D St Mary’s

How many times did Saverio Rocca kick 10 goals or more in a match for Collingwood? A2 B3 C4 D5

Apart from Ross Lyon, who else coached Fremantle in more than 100 games? A Gerard Neesham B Chris Connolly C Mark Harvey D Damian Drum

Who ran the most kms in the Essendon v Collingwood Anzac Day match last year? A Dyson Heppell B Jack Crisp C Steele Sidebottom

RED ENERGY TOTAL SPRINTS Who had the most sprints in the Essendon v Collingwood Anzac Day match last year? A Jaidyn Stephenson B Travis Varcoe C Conor McKenna

RED ENERGY MAX SPEED Who ran the fastest in the Essendon v Collingwood Anzac Day match last year? A Brayden Maynard B Adam Saad C Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

WHO SAID THIS?

We have to be open to it (hubs)

How many Norm Smith medallists have the West Coast Eagles produced? A3 B4 C5 D6

Name the GWS Giants’ sole All-Australian player in 2019. A Jeremy Cameron B Lachie Whitfield C Toby Greene D Phil Davis

Which of these former Richmond stars finished their career on 297 games? A Francis Bourke B Jack Titus C Matthew Richardson D Wayne Campbell

St Kilda has not defeated either Adelaide or Port Adelaide since which season? A 2010 B 2011 C 2012 D 2013

ALL-TIME GREAT: What year did Tony Lockett become an official Legend of the game?

B NATHAN BUCKLEY

C JEREMY McGOVERN

D PATRICK DANGERFIELD

Which player received the most free kicks in 2019? A Joel Selwood B Patrick Cripps C Brodie Grundy D Nat Fyfe

ANSWERS: 1 D; 2 B; 3 A; 4 C; 5 A; 6 C; 7 D; 8 B; 9 D; 10 B; 11 C; 12 A; 13 D; 14 B; 15 C. Running Machine A & B tied (14.5 kms); Total Sprints B (28); Max Speed C (33.8 km/h); Who said this: D AR06 p53 Were You Paying Attention - Red Energy.indd 53

A JOHN LONGMIRE

AFL.com.au AFL RECORD 53

23/4/20 9:48 am

N R E T S E W DOGS L L BU Openers.indd 32

22/4/20 11:47 am

BULLDOGS NEWS, MILESTONES & UPDATES FROM YOUR CLUB

#MightyWest

@westernbulldogs @jasonjohannisenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go-to isolation songs (with the last track a special dedication to @jack_redpath!) #BulldogBeats

@westernbulldogs The celebration of a great! @bobmurphy82 became the seventh Bulldog to join our 300 Club in Round 5, 2017 vs Brisbane. #MightyWest

@joshdunkley_ Farm life

@westernbulldogs Going for a gallop đ&#x;?&#x192;â&#x20AC;?â&#x2122;&#x201A;ď¸?đ&#x;?&#x192;â&#x20AC;?â&#x2122;&#x201A;ď¸?đ&#x;?&#x192;â&#x20AC;?â&#x2122;&#x201A;ď¸? #MightyWest (Pic: @robc71)

@marcus_bontempelli Awesome to have Big Darce on the #barklystreetpod this week Some bloody good chat with the ex skipper, especially about the time he clipped co-host @bobmurphy82 in training. Link in Bio if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re keen on a watch/listen

WESTERN BULLDOGS AT A GLANCE ADDRESS: 417 Barkly St, Footscray West, Vic 3012 POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 4112, Delivery Centre, Footscray West, Vic 3012 TELEPHONE: 1300 46 36 47 WEBSITE: westernbulldogs.com.au FACEBOOK: facebook.com/western.bulldogs TWITTER: @westernbulldogs INSTAGRAM: @westernbulldogs EMAIL: godogs@westernbulldogs.com.au PRESIDENT: Peter Gordon CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Ameet Bains EXECUTIVE SERVICES MANAGER: Jo Parr CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER: Nick Truelson CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Sue Clark GENERAL MANAGER, CONSUMER BUSINESS: Fiona Baker GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS: Sean Cadd GENERAL MANAGER, PEOPLE: Sophie Porra GENERAL MANAGER, WESTERN BULLDOGS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: Kashif Bouns SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: Adrian Ceddia DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL: Chris Grant GENERAL MANAGER, MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOOTBALL: Chris Maple FOOTBALL OPERATIONS MANAGER/VFL MANAGER: Ben Graham AFL COACH: Luke Beveridge ASSISTANT COACHES: Steven King, Joel Corey, Ashley Hansen, Rohan Smith, Jordan Russell VFL COACH: Daniel Giansiracusa DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Jamie Maddocks DEVELOPMENT COACH: Dale Morris GENERAL MANAGER, LIST AND RECRUITING: Sam Power NATIONAL RECRUITING MANAGER: Dom Milesi CLUB DOCTORS: Dr Gary Zimmerman, Dr Greg Clugston MEDICAL SERVICES MANAGER: Chris Bell PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE MANAGER: Mathew Inness PLAYER WELFARE MANAGER: Brent Prismall GENERAL MANAGER, WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOOTBALL: Debbie Lee AFLW COACH: Nathan Burke CLUB FORMED: April 26, 1883 JOINED AFL: 1925 HOME GROUND: Marvel Stadium, Harbour Esplanade, Docklands CAPACITY: 53,343 TRAINING VENUE: Victoria University Whitten Oval OFFICIAL COLOURS: Jumper â&#x20AC;&#x201C; royal blue with red and white hoops. Socks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; royal blue with red and white hoops. Shorts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; royal blue (home), white (away). Away jumper â&#x20AC;&#x201C; white with royal blue and red hoop, white socks with blue and red hoops. PREMIERSHIPS (2): 1954, 2016 RECORD HOME & AWAY ATTENDANCE: 68,447 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; R11, 1974 v Richmond (MCG)

AFL.com.auâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;&#x201A;â&#x20AC;&#x201A;AFL RECORDâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;â&#x20AC;&#x201A;35

Bailey Smith Jack Macrae Lachie Hunter Caleb Daniel Josh Dunkley

23 22 22 20 18

KICKS Alex Keath Lachie Hunter Hayden Crozier Jack Macrae Jason Johannisen

13 13 12 11 11

MARKS Alex Keath Bailey Williams Matthew Suckling Jack Macrae Ryan Gardner

9 6 6 5 5

HANDBALLS Bailey Smith Jack Macrae Marcus Bontempelli Caleb Daniel Lachie Hunter

14 11 10 10 9

4 193 96 24/11/1995 2014

BRUCE Josh

17 197 103 8/6/1992

BUTLER Louis

18 185 76 26/8/2001 ****

CAVARRA Ben

25 173 73 20/12/1995 2020

45/2018 Ferntree Gully (Vic)/Eastern U18/Frankston (VFL)/W’town (VFL)

CORDY Zaine

12 193 94 27/10/1996 2015

62/2014 Ocean Grove (Vic)/Geelong College (Vic)/Geelong U18

9 185 81 24/12/1993 2012

TR/2017 Rowville (Vic)/Eastern U18/Fremantle

0 45

CROZIER Hayden

2020

BONTEMPELLI Marcus

2012

4/2013 Eltham (Vic)/Northern U18

GOALS THIS CLUB

DEBUT ACQUIRED PREVIOUS CLUB

TOTAL

NO. HT. WT. DOB

2019

NAME

2020

BALL USE DISPOSALS

GAMES

TOTAL

PLAYER LIST

1 128 128 0 115

TR/2019 Eastlake (NEAFL)/GWS/St Kilda

1 114

1 172

53/2019 Old Brighton (Vic)/Brighton Grammar (Vic)/Sandringham U18

0 10

1 109 40

31 184 85 22/7/1996 2015 45/2014 Edithvale-Aspendale (Vic)/Dandenong U18

0 53

SCORE ASSISTS

DANIEL Caleb

35 168 70 7/7/1996

0 27

DICKSON Tory

29 184 90 26/9/1987 2012

57/2011 Beaconsfield (Vic)/Frankston (VFL)/Noble Pk (Vic)/Bendigo (VFL) 17

0 113 113

0 181

Matthew Suckling Jason Johannisen

25/2015 Sale (Vic)/Gippsland U18

0 36

2015 46/2014 Edwardstown (SA)/South Adelaide (SANFL)

5 190 90 9/1/1997

15 179 79 24/4/1991 2013

TR/2018 Wahgunyah (Vic)/Caulfield Grammar (Vic)/Murray U18/Hawthorn 14 0 132 14

0 23

ENGLISH Tim

44 205 98 10/8/1997

2017

19/2016 Brookton-Pingelly (WA)/South Fremantle (WAFL)

20 1 30 30

GARCIA Riley

38 177 72 30/1/2001

****

62/2019 Caversham (WA)//Swan Districts (WAFL)

SCORE INVOLVEMENTS

GARDNER Ryan

43 197 96 1/6/1997

2019 MD/2019 Burnie Dockers (Tas)/Geelong List/Footscray VFL

GOWERS Billy

26 187 89 10/6/1996 2018

RE/2018 Kew (Vic)/Xavier Coll (Vic)/Oak U18/Carlton Rookies/Foots (VFL) 10 0 30 30

GREENE Fergus

30 187 80 20/12/1997 2018

70/2016 Sandhurst (Vic)/Bendigo U18

HAYES Will

32 181 82 5/6/1995

78/2018 Euroa (Vic)/Melb Grammar (Vic)/Sandringham U18/Foots (VFL)

Matthew Suckling Caleb Daniel Bailey Williams Jason Johannisen Bailey Smith

2019

7 182 84 13/12/1994 2013

49/2012 Williamstown Juniors (Vic)/St Kevin’s College (Vic)/Western U18 23

JOHANNISEN Jason

39 181 82 8/11/1992

2012

RE/2012 Willetton (WA)/East Fremantle (WAFL)

JONG Lin

46 188 93 4/6/1993

2012 RE/2014 Mulgrave (Vic)/Oakleigh U18

KEATH Alex

42 197 96 20/1/1992 2017

KHAMIS Buku LIBERATORE Tom

0 39

1 129 129 0 57

20 1 127 127 0 41 0

0 61

0 33

OTHER

CLEARANCES

24 189 84 24/3/2000 **** RD/2019 St Albans (Vic Metro)/Maribyrnong College (Vic)/Western U18

21 182 87 16/5/1992

41/2010 St Bernard’s (Vic)/Calder U18

15 0 132 132 0 45 14 0 32

Jack Macrae Josh Bruce Jason Johannisen Marcus Bontempelli Bailey Smith

2011

TR/2019 Shepparton Bears (Vic)/Murray U18/Gold Coast List/Adelaide

27 187 84 17/7/1998

2017

28/2016 Eltham (Vic)/Northern U18

22 181 84 3/3/1990

2014

TR/2018 Deniliquin (NSW)/Geel Gram (Vic)/Geel U18/Frankston (VFL)/Rich 23

0 107

POSSESSION

LYNCH Brad

36 189 85 11/7/1997

2018

RE/2018 Mandurah (WA)/Swan Districts (WAFL)

CONTESTED POSS.

MACRAE Jack

11 191 89 3/8/1994

2013

1 142 142 0 34

McLEAN Toby

16 180 82 31/1/1996

2015

NAUGHTON Aaron

33 195 91 30/11/1999 2018

UNCONTESTED POSS. Bailey Smith Lachie Hunter Bailey Williams Jason Johannisen Caleb Daniel

18 17 15 13 11

INTERCEPT POSS. Caleb Daniel Hayden Crozier Easton Wood Josh Dunkley Alex Keath

7 6 6 6 5

2 1

DUNKLEY Josh

HUNTER Lachie

2016

1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

DURYEA Taylor

LLOYD Sam

11 8 7 7 7

Ben Cavarra Bailey Williams Josh Bruce Mitch Wallis Matthew Suckling

DALE Bailey

LIPINSKI Patrick

Jack Macrae Caleb Daniel Marcus Bontempelli Hayden Crozier Easton Wood

SCOREBOARD GOALS / BEHINDS

6/2012 Kew Rovers (Vic)/Carey Grammar (Vic)/Oakleigh U18 26/2014 Narre Warren (Vic)/Oakleigh U18 9/2017 Rockingham (WA)/Peel Thunder (WAFL)

0 23 2

19 0 79

0 54

0 34

PORTER Callum

28 182 82 22/2/1999

****

74/2017 Rythdale-Officer-Cardinia (Vic)/Gippsland U18

RICHARDS Ed

20 185 87 3/7/1999

2018

16/2017 Hawthorn Citizens (Vic)/Carey Grammar (Vic)/Oakleigh U18

20 0 41

0 17

SCHACHE Josh

13 200 96 21/8/1997 2016

SMITH Bailey

6 185 86 7/12/2000 2019

SMITH Roarke SUCKLING Matthew SWEET Jordon TRENGOVE Jackson VANDERMEER Laitham WALLIS Mitch

37 181 83 11/9/1996

TR/2017 Seymour (Vic)/Murray U18/Brisbane 7/2018 East Malvern (Vic)/Xavier Coll (Vic)/Old Xavs (Vic)/Sandr U18

2015 RD/2018 Sunbury (Vic)/Calder U18

1 187 85 25/7/1988 2009 UFA/2015 East Wagga-Kooringal (NSW)/Wagga Tigers (NSW)/Hawthorn 41 203 105 2/2/1998

**** RD/2019 Tea Tree Gully (SA)/North Adelaide (SANFL)

8 197 101 2/11/1990 2010 RFA/2017 Strathmore (Vic)/PEGS (Vic)/Calder U18/Port Adel 23 180 78 3/2/1999

14 0 54

0 66

1 172 70

1 83 0

16 0 185 32

0 35 0

77 0

****

37/2018 Mooroopna (Vic)/Murray U18

3 185 86 24/10/1992 2011

22/2010 St Bernard’s(Vic)/Calder U18

1 134 134

****

WEIGHTMAN Cody

19 178 74 15/1/2001

15/2019 Beaconsfield (Vic)/Haileybury College (Vic)/Dandenong U18

WEST Rhylee

14 181 85 12/7/2000 2019

26/2018 Strathmore (Vic)/St Kevin’s College (Vic)/Calder U18

WILLIAMS Bailey

34 187 88 10/10/1997 2016

48/2015 Brighton District & Old Scholars (SA)/Glenelg (SANFL)

WOOD Easton

10 185 86 4/9/1989 2009 43/2007 Camperdown (Vic)/Geelong Grammar (Vic)

1 161 161

YOUNG Lachie

40 189 81 6/4/1999

YOUNG Lewis

2019 RD/2019 Mt Eliza (Vic)/Peninsula Gram (Vic)/Dande U18/Frankston (VFL)

2 197 101 20/12/1998 2017 49/2016 Mitcham (SA)/Sturt (SANFL)

5 4 3 3 3

4 2 2 2 2

TACKLES Hayden Crozier Bailey Smith Marcus Bontempelli Sam Lloyd Jack Macrae

7 7 6 5 4

INSIDE 50s Matthew Suckling Jack Macrae Caleb Daniel Marcus Bontempelli Bailey Smith

4 3 3 2 2

0 18

Acquired = How player arrived at this club 1/2000 = National Draft number/year LTA = Local talent access selection MD = Mid-Season Rookie Draft PD = Pre-Season Draft PDN = Previous Draft nomination PDS = Pre-Draft selection PSS = Pre-Season Supplemental selection RD = Rookie Draft RE = Rookie elevation TR = Traded to this club UPS = Uncontracted player selection 17YO = 17-year-old access UFA = Unrestricted free agent RFA = Restricted free agent DFA = Delisted free agent # = Category A Rookie (eligible for AFL selection) * = Category B Rookie (only eligible for AFL selection as long-term injury replacement) TIR = Trade Incentive Rule

ASBESTOS & HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ASSESSMENTS Same day asbestos sample testing Air monitoring & indoor air quality Mould analysis & monitoring Hazardous materials assessments Asbestos awareness training Workplace safety assessments Lead paint management

Indentifibre 184x50mm.indd 1

Western Bulldogs PlayerList.indd 46

identifibre.com.au 67 Atherton Road, Oakleigh

27/3/19 10:54 am

26/3/20 12:31 pm

CLUB HISTORY HIGHEST SCORE

33.15 (213) v St Kilda, round 13, 1978, Western Oval

LOWEST SCORE

1.8 (14) v Geelong, round 12, 1965, Western Oval

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN

120 points v Melbourne, round 15, 1985, Western Oval

BEST WINNING SEQUENCE

Nine games – round 1, 1946 to round 9, 1946

OVERALL RECORD: 1962 games – 882 wins, 1058 losses, 22 draws GRAND FINALS: 3 PREMIERSHIPS: 2 Head-to-head v

Adelaide Brisbane Lions Carlton Collingwood Essendon Fitzroy Fremantle Geelong Gold Coast Suns GWS Giants Hawthorn Melbourne North Melbourne Port Adelaide Richmond St Kilda Sydney Swans University West Coast Eagles

WORST LOSING SEQUENCE

14 games – round 20, 1979 to round 11, 1980

MOST GAMES

45 24 21 0 56 33 23 0 148 56 88 4 158 47 110 1 161 65 94 2 126 72 54 0 32 16 16 0 161 57 102 2 11 8 3 0 12 6 6 0 162 77 83 2 166 77 88 1 162 80 79 3 30 14 16 0 155 74 79 2 161 76 82 3 161 82 78 1 0 0 0 0 55 18 36 1

RECORD AT CURRENT VENUES Venue

Brad Johnson Chris Grant Doug Hawkins Scott West Ted Whitten Robert Murphy Rohan Smith

MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES

John Schultz Tony Liberatore Rohan Smith David Thorpe Scott West

6 Brad Johnson 7 Doug Hawkins 13 Daniel Giansiracusa 24 Gary Dempsey 38 Dale Morris 49 Brian Cordy 51 Michael McLean

121

122

MCG

210 85 124 1

GMHBA Stadium

SCG

29 10 19 0

Gabba

22 8 14 0

UNSW Canberra Oval

Ted Whitten Charlie Sutton Rodney Eade Terry Wallace Mick Malthouse Arthur Olliver

Metricon Stadium

MOST GOALS

TIO Stadium

Adelaide Oval

Mars Stadium

Uni of Tas Stadium

Giants Stadium

Optus Stadium

4 0 4 0

(212) (139) (127) (126) (86) (80) (76)

MOST GAMES AS COACH

Simon Beasley Brad Johnson Chris Grant Kelvin Templeton Jack Collins Alby Morrison Ted Whitten

(228) (162) (162) (148) (135) (131)

PREMIERSHIPS

1954, 2016

RUNNERS-UP

1961

WOODEN SPOONS

1959, 1967, 1982, 2003

FINALS

50 games – 18 wins, 32 losses

MOST FINALS GAMES

Brad Johnson Matthew Boyd Chris Grant Dale Morris Tony Liberatore Will Minson Rohan Smith Scott West Nathan Eagleton

BROWNLOW MEDALLISTS

Allan Hopkins (1930, tied), Norman Ware (1941), Peter Box (1956), John Schultz (1960), Gary Dempsey (1975), Kelvin Templeton (1980), Brad Hardie (1985), Tony Liberatore (1990), Scott Wynd (1992), Adam Cooney (2008)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

LEGENDS: Ted Whitten (also coach Foots), Royce Hart (coach Foots, also Rich) INDUCTEES: Allan Hopkins (also coach Foots), Norm Ware (also coach Foots), Arthur Olliver (also coach Foots), Syd Coventry (coach Foots, also Coll), Bill Goggin (coach Foots, also Geel, coach Geel), Bob Rose (coach Foots, also Coll, coach Coll), John Schultz, Bernie Quinlan (also Fitz, coach Fitz), Charlie Sutton (also coach Foots), Gary Dempsey (also N Melb), Barry Round (also S Melb/Syd), Doug Hawkins (also Fitz), Chris Grant, Scott West, Brad Johnson, Jason Akermanis (also Bris Lions), Barry Hall (also St K, Syd), Terry Wallace (also Haw, Rich, coach Rich), Brad Hardie (also Bris, Coll), Mick Malthouse (coach WB, also St K, Rich, coach WCE, Coll, Carl)

(30) (18) (15) (14) (13) (13) (12)

HIGHEST SCORE IN A FINAL

19.23 (137) v North Melbourne, 1SF, 1985

LOWEST SCORE IN A FINAL

5.7 (37) v Geelong, PF, 1953

GREATEST WINNING MARGIN IN A FINAL

70 points v West Coast, 3QF, 1998

AFL TEAM OF THE CENTURY

GREATEST LOSING MARGIN IN A FINAL

Ted Whitten (centre half-back)

INDIGENOUS TEAM OF THE CENTURY

Nicky Winmar (half-forward), Michael McLean (interchange)

93 points v Hawthorn, QF, 1985

LEADING GOALKICKER MEDALLIST

8 Danny Del-Re, v Geelong, QF, 1992

JOHN COLEMAN MEDALLISTS

Four games (2016)

MOST GOALS IN A FINAL

BEST FINALS WINNING STREAK

1954: Jack Collins (73)

WORST FINALS LOSING STREAK

1957: Jack Collins (74) 1978: Kelvin Templeton (118) 1979: Kelvin Templeton (91) 1985: Simon Beasley (93)

Six games (1938-51)

PRE-SEASON/NIGHT SERIES

115 games – 55 wins, 60 losses Premierships 1963, 1964, 1967, 1970, 2010

NORM SMITH MEDALLIST

Jason Johannisen* (2016)

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

JOCK McHALE MEDALLIST

1984 (6491), 1985 (8030), 1986 (8433), 1987 (3452), 1988 (5351), 1989 (5168), 1990 (10,983), 1991 (9598), 1992 (9311), 1993 (11,478), 94 (9339), 1995 (12,212), 1996 (10,650), 1997 (15,064), 1998 (20,064), 1999 (20,491), 2000 (18,056), 2001 (19,085), 2002 (20,838), 2003 (21,260), 2004 (19,295), 2005 (21,975), 2006 (26,042) 2007 (28,725), 2008 (28,306), 2009 (28,215), 2010 (32,077), 2011 (29,710), 2012 (30,007), 2013 (30,209), 2014 (31,538), 2015 (35,222), 2016 (39,459), 2017 (47,653), 2018 (43,246), 2019 (44,373) * denotes current player and coach

Charlie Sutton (1954), Luke Beveridge* (2016) (575) (558) (554) (494) (385) (369) (360)

(21) (16) (15) (14) (13) (12) (12) (12) (12)

MOST GOALS IN FINALS

Chris Grant Brad Johnson Tory Dickson* Paul Hudson Jack Collins Danny Del-Re Simon Beasley

MICHAEL TUCK MEDALLIST

Barry Hall (2010)

AFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION MVP AWARD

Luke Darcy (2002)

AFL COACHES ASSOCIATION MVP AWARD

Marcus Bontempelli (2019)

Blundstone Arena 0 0 0 0 TIO Traeger Park

(355) (329) (265) (329 – Foots & NM) (253) (124) (95)

MOST GAMES AS CAPTAIN

Ted Whitten Scott Wynd Arthur Olliver Brad Johnson Doug Hawkins Gary Dempsey Chris Grant

246

(169) (165) (153) (127) (114)

AFL GAMES RECORDS HELD IN GUERNSEY NUMBERS

Marvel Stadium

(364) (341) (329) (324) (321) (312) (300)

TOP GOALKICKING PERFORMANCES

15 Kelvin Templeton (v St Kilda, round 13, 1978, Western Oval) 12 Simon Beasley (v Geelong, round 16, 1982, Western Oval) 12 Simon Beasley (v Richmond, round 18, 1985, Waverley Park) 12 Simon Beasley (v Melbourne, round 15, 1985, Western Oval) 11 Simon Beasley (v Richmond, round 1, 1984, Western Oval)

OFFICIAL AFL COLLECTOR CARDS OFFIC IAL AFL COLL ECTO R

CARD S

A FAMILY TR IP TO DISNE PLUS MONTHLYLAND! Y PRIZES*

ion details, including and Monthly Prizes, details of the Major Prize Select Footy Cards. can be found on our Faceboo k page – Competition closes 5pm, 28 August 2020.

ON SALE NOW! THE COLL ECTO R’S

CHOI CE

AVAILABLE IN NEWSAGENCIES, HOBBY AND AFL STORES, CALTEX PLUS SELECTED LEADING RETAILERS! SELECT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ABN 49 003 881 052 www.selectaustralia.com.au

AFL20S1_1_Footy Stars_AFL RECORD_GENERIC_184x50.indd 1

Western Bulldogs History.indd 53

AFL.com.au

AFL RECORD

13/3/20 11:53 am

26/3/20 12:30 pm

PRESSURE WASHER PREMIERS SINCE 1950 KÃ&#x201E;RCHER PRESSURE WASHERS ARE UP TO

50x MORE

POWERFUL AND USE

80% LESS

WATER COMPARED TO A GARDEN HOSE*

For further information please go to karcher.com.au *

Never miss a single goal. McDelivery is available at select locations.

Never miss a single goal.

B U H B U L C McDelivery is available at select locations. Openers.indd 25

26/3/20 1:29 pm

LEAGUE LEADERS DISPOSALS

KICKS

Disposing of the ball via a handball or kick.

HANDBALLS

Disposing of the ball by foot.

PLAYER

MTS AVE EFF %

1 D.Shiel (Ess)

1 35.0 77.1

2 J.Viney (Melb)

1 34.0 70.6

3 P.Cripps (Carl)

PLAYER

STATS PROVIDED BY

Disposing of the ball by hand.

MTS AVE EFF %

PLAYER

1 E.Langdon (Melb)

1 23.0 65.2

2 D.Shiel (Ess)

1 21.0 66.7

1 31.0 64.5

3 J.Polec (NM)

4 E.Langdon (Melb)

1 31.0 71.0

5 L.Parker (Syd)

1 30.0 73.3

MARKS

Catching a kicked ball that has travelled 15m.

MTS AVE EFF %

PLAYER

MTS AVE

1 J.Viney (Melb)

1 20.0 75.0

1 M.Hurley (Ess)

1 11.0

2 P.Cripps (Carl)

1 16.0 75.0

2 J.Howe (Coll)

1 9.0

1 18.0 50.0

3 C.Mayne (Coll)

1 16.0 87.5

3 S.Sidebottom (Coll)

1 9.0

4 L.Shuey (WCE)

1 18.0 33.3

4 N.Fyfe (Frem)

1 16.0 75.0

4 M.Redman (Ess)

1 9.0

5 S.Docherty (Carl)

1 17.0 58.8

5 S.Sidebottom (Coll)

1 15.0 86.7

5 J.Ridley (Ess)

1 9.0 1 9.0

6 A.Gaff (WCE)

1 30.0 86.7

6 N.Haynes (GWS)

1 17.0 58.8

6 M.Murphy (Carl)

1 14.0 71.4

6 N.Haynes (GWS)

7 C.Mayne (Coll)

1 29.0 93.1

7 S.Hurn (WCE)

1 17.0 94.1

7 D.Shiel (Ess)

1 14.0 92.9

7 M.Hibberd (Melb)

1 9.0

8 A.Saad (Ess)

1 28.0 82.1

8 D.Rich (BL)

1 16.0 81.3

8 T.Mitchell (Haw)

1 14.0 92.9

8 T.Barrass (WCE)

1 9.0

9 L.Shuey (WCE)

1 27.0 48.1

9 T.Adams (Coll)

1 16.0 50.0

9 D.Prestia (Rich)

1 14.0 78.6

9 S.Hurn (WCE)

1 9.0

10 L.Neale (BL)

1 26.0 76.9

10 J.Howe (Coll)

1 16.0 81.3

10 J.Steele (StK)

1 14.0 78.6

10 A.Keath (WB)

1 9.0

SCORE INVOLVEMENTS

Scoring chains where the player had a disposal, hit-out to advantage, kick-in or knock-on.

PLAYER

AFL PLAYER RATINGS

As seen on AFL.com.au. The most advanced metric of player performance available using data from 2020.

MTS AVE

PLAYER

1 R.Gray (PA)

1 11.0

1 T.Lynch (Adel)

1 23.1

2 J.Martin (Carl)

1 10.0

2 L.Neale (BL)

1 22.1

3 L.Breust (Haw)

1 10.0

3 R.Sloane (Adel)

1 21.4

4 P.Cripps (Carl)

1 9.0

4 C.Wingard (Haw)

5 B.Grundy (Coll)

1 9.0

5 P.Cripps (Carl)

6 B.Ebert (PA)

1 9.0

7 D.Rioli (Rich)

1 9.0

8 L.Ryan (WCE)

CENTRE CLEARANCES

STOPPAGE CLEARANCES

A hit-out that reaches an intended teammate.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the centre bounce area.

The first kick or effective handball in a chain that clears the ball-up or throw-in area.

MTS AVE

PLAYER

1 T.Goldstein (NM)

1 15.0

2 S.Jacobs (GWS)

1 13.0

3 B.Grundy (Coll)

1 12.0

1 21.1

4 T.Bellchambers (Ess)

1 21.1

5 S.Lycett (PA)

6 J.Kennedy (Syd)

1 20.4

7 L.Breust (Haw)

1 20.2

1 9.0

8 D.Shiel (Ess)

9 E.Hipwood (BL)

1 8.0

10 J.Lyons (BL)

1 8.0

METRES GAINED

Distance gained with the ball by running, kicking or handballing, combining measures towards and away from goal.

PLAYER

MTS AVE

HIT-OUTS TO ADVANTAGE

MTS AVE

PLAYER

MTS AVE

1 P.Cripps (Carl)

1 8.0

1 L.Parker (Syd)

1 7.0

2 T.Adams (Coll)

1 6.0

2 R.Sloane (Adel)

1 6.0

3 D.Shiel (Ess)

1 6.0

3 T.Adams (Coll)

1 6.0

1 11.0

4 L.Neale (BL)

1 5.0

4 T.Mitchell (Haw)

1 6.0

1 11.0

5 P.Dangerfield (Geel)

1 5.0

5 T.Goldstein (NM)

1 6.0

6 D.Fort (Geel)

1 10.0

6 L.Parker (Syd)

1 5.0

6 Z.Jones (StK)

1 6.0

7 J.Ceglar (Haw)

1 10.0

7 N.Naitanui (WCE)

1 5.0

7 J.Kennedy (Syd)

1 6.0

1 20.0

8 S.Naismith (Syd)

1 10.0

8 J.Selwood (Geel)

1 4.0

8 S.Jacobs (GWS)

1 5.0

9 J.Viney (Melb)

1 19.9

9 R.O’Brien (Adel)

1 8.0

9 S.Coniglio (GWS)

1 4.0

9 J.Viney (Melb)

1 5.0

10 H.Perryman (GWS)

1 19.8

10 J.Witts (GCS)

1 7.0

10 M.de Boer (GWS)

1 4.0

10 S.Martin (BL)

1 4.0

CONTESTED MARKS A mark under physical pressure of an opponent or in a pack.

MTS AVE

PLAYER

MTS AVE

1 E.Langdon (Melb)

1 798

1 R.Lobb (Frem)

1 4.0

2 M.Hibberd (Melb)

1 676

2 D.McStay (BL)

1 3.0

3 S.Docherty (Carl)

1 584

3 J.Howe (Coll)

4 D.Prestia (Rich)

1 547

PLAYER

INSIDE 50s

Moving the ball from the midfield into the forward zone. Excludes multiple entries within the same chain of possession.

PLAYER

PRESSURE POINTS

Weighted sum of pressure acts – 3.75 for physical pressure, 2.25 for closing, 1.5 for chasing and 1.2 for corralling.

MTS AVE

PLAYER

MTS AVE

1 M.Hibberd (Melb)

1 9.0

1 J.Kelly (GWS)

2 D.Prestia (Rich)

1 9.0

2 L.Dunstan (StK)

1 3.0

3 E.Langdon (Melb)

1 8.0

4 J.Townsend (Ess)

1 3.0

4 J.Polec (NM)

1 3.0

TACKLES

Using physical contact to prevent an opponent in possession of the ball from getting an effective disposal.

PLAYER

MTS AVE

1 75.3

1 L.Neale (BL)

1 10.0

1 69.2

2 L.Dunstan (StK)

1 9.0

3 L.Neale (BL)

1 68.6

3 A.McGrath (Ess)

1 8.0

4 R.Sloane (Adel)

1 64.2

4 D.Butler (StK)

1 8.0

5 C.Wingard (Haw)

1 538

5 M.Taberner (Frem)

5 C.Rozee (PA)

1 8.0

5 T.Thomas (NM)

1 60.8

5 R.Sloane (Adel)

1 7.0

6 J.Polec (NM)

1 520

6 S.Collins (GCS)

1 3.0

6 P.Cripps (Carl)

1 7.0

6 D.Prestia (Rich)

1 60.8

6 J.Kelly (GWS)

1 7.0

7 O.Florent (Syd)

1 514

7 J.Riewoldt (Rich)

1 3.0

7 L.Shiels (Haw)

1 7.0

7 L.Shiels (Haw)

1 60.6

7 B.Cunnington (NM)

1 7.0

8 J.Short (Rich)

1 512

8 R.Marshall (StK)

1 3.0

8 T.Rockliff (PA)

1 7.0

8 D.Houston (PA)

1 60.5

8 T.Thomas (NM)

1 7.0

9 G.Ablett (Geel)

1 506

9 A.Keath (WB)

1 3.0

9 B.Crouch (Adel)

1 6.0

9 B.Smith (WB)

1 60.2

9 H.Crozier (WB)

1 7.0

10 D.Byrne-Jones (PA)

1 504

10 J.Kelly (Adel)

1 2.0

10 Z.Bailey (BL)

1 6.0

10 B.Cunnington (NM)

1 59.3

10 B.Smith (WB)

1 7.0

LeadersPlayer.indd 32

26/3/20 11:40 am

OFFICIAL 2020 TOYOTA AFL

PREMIERSHIP SEASON LADDER AFTER ROUND 1, 2020 P

Gls

For Beh

Pts

Gls

Against Beh Pts

Mtch Home Away Form Scores pts W L D W L D W/L High Low

Av margin W < 7 L < 7 Pls Rnd 1 1st Yr Qtrs 4th W L pts pts used 2019 Players Won Qtrs W

1 Port Adelaide

262.07

- - -

1 0 0

2 Collingwood

252.94

- - -

1 0 0

3 West Coast Eagles

152.94

1 0 0 - - -

- -

1 0

4 Hawthorn

145.16

1 0 0

5 GWS Giants

105

143.84

1 0 0 - - -

105

6 Richmond

105

129.63

1 0 0 - - -

105

7 Essendon

110.53

1 0 0 - - -

8 Sydney Swans

104.23

- - -

1 0 0

9 North Melbourne

103.70

1 0 0 - -

0 1 0

10 St Kilda

96.43

- -

11 Adelaide Crows

95.95

0 1 0 - -

12 Fremantle

90.48

- -

13 Carlton

105

77.14

- -

14 Geelong Cats

105

69.52

- -

0 1 0

15 Brisbane Lions

68.89

- -

0 1 0

16 Melbourne

65.38

- -

0 1 0

17 Western Bulldogs

39.53

0 1 0 - -

18 Gold Coast Suns

38.16

0 1 0 - -

Leigh Haussen

AFL UMPIRES 2020 1

Chris Donlon

Games 311 Finals 15

Dean Margetts

Games 346 Finals 12

Curtis Deboy

Brendan Hosking

Games 154 Finals 2

Simon Meredith

Games 369 Finals 33

Craig Fleer

Paul Rebeschini

Games 0 Finals 0

umpire.afl

Jeff Dalgleish

Games 211 Finals 6

Andrew Stephens

Games 112 Finals 3

John Howorth

Games 7 Finals 0

Nathan Williamson

Games 70 Finals 2

Games 121 Finals 1

Nick Foot

Games 135 Finals 1

Games 90 Finals 2

Andre Gianfagna

Games 33 Finals 0

Jacob Mollison

Games 239 Finals 2

Leigh Fisher

Games 136 Finals 1

Brett Rosebury

Games 418 Finals 44

Nick Brown

Games 51 Finals 0

Ray Chamberlain

Games 314 Finals 27

Robert Findlay

Games 235 Finals 5

Cameron Dore

Games 13 Finals 0

Brent Wallace

Games 62 Finals 0

Justin Power

Games 15 Finals 0

Matt Stevic

Games 381 Finals 41

Hayden Gavine

Games 52 Finals 0

Alex Whetton

Games 28 Finals 0

David Harris

Games 136 Finals 1

Andrew Heffernan

Games 5 Finals 0

Games 50 Finals 0

Games 110 Finals 1

Mathew Nicholls

Games 354 Finals 27

Jamie Broadbent

Games 1 Finals 0

Shaun Ryan

Games 331 Finals 38

Dan Johanson

Games 1 Finals 0

Eleni Glouftsis

Games 29 Finals 0

ROOKIES: Andrew Adair, Matthew Baigent, Peter Bailes, Tom Bryce, Jordan Fry, Courtney Gibson, Louis Jago, Nicholas Jankovskis, Giles Lewis, Nicholas McGinness, Michael Pell, Luke Porter, Martin Rodger, Leighton Rowe, Gabby Simmonds, James Strybos, Nathan Toner. BOUNDARY: Jordan Andrews, Michael Baker, Michael Barlow, Adam Bastick, Peter Bock, Chris Bull, Ian Burrows, Sean Burton, Adam Coote, Patrick Cran, Damien Cusack, Brett Dalgleish, Chris Delany, Patrick Dineen, Nathan Doig, Chris Esler, Daniel Field-Read, Joshua Furman, Josh Garrett, Christopher Gordon, Patrick Jackson, Matthew Jenkinson, Matthew Konetschka, Drew Kowalski, Mitchell Le Fevre, Tim Lougoon, Ben MacDonald, Damien Main, Michael Marantelli, Josh Mather, Jason Moore, Tim Morrison, Sean Moylan, Lachlan Rayner, Adam Reardon, Michael Saunders, James Scully, Sam Stagg, Nick Swanson, Shane Thiele, Mark Thomson, Matthew Tomkins, David Wood. GOAL: Steven Axon, Jesse Baird, Dylan Benwell, Sally Boud, Matthew Bridges, Peter Challen, Alex Chisholm, Michael Craig, Matthew Dervan, Luke Edwards, Mark Ensbey, Daniel Hoskin, Sam Hunter, Brodie Kenny-Bell, Matt Maclure, Angus McKenzie-Wills, Alistair Meldrum, Steven Piperno, Simon Plumridge, David Rodan, Chelsea Roffey, Brett Rogers, Sam Walsh, Stephen Williams, Daniel Wilson, Adam Wojcik.

AFL.com.au

AR02 pxx-LaddersUmpires.indd 61

Robert O’Gorman

AFL RECORD

26/3/20 11:36 am

2020 PLAYER PROFILES ADELAIDE CROWS

POCKET PROFILE

Jake Kelly Which senior player first took you under their wing: Patrick Dangerfield Who has had the most influence on your career: Reilly O’Brien Growing up, who was your favourite player: James Clement Toughest individual opponent: Patrick Dangerfield Teammate most likely to coach: Tom Lynch Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Bill Frampton Your funniest teammate: Paul Seedsman Who inspires you: Alex Keath

Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Seewantshop What are two things left on your bucket list: West Lakes and Adelaide Oval stadium tour What do you order at the bar: Food and drinks First album you bought: Green Day’s American Idiot First concert you attended: Justin Timberlake in 2007 Favourite holiday destination: Sydney Favourite movie: Happy Gilmore Favourite TV series: Peaky Blinders Favourite band or musician: Travis Scott First meal after the season has ended: Chips

Favourite carb: Pasta Coriander – yes or no: Yes Tomato sauce in the fridge – yes or no: Yes What’s your best childhood memory: Skiing

BRISBANE LIONS

POCKET PROFILE

Cameron Ellis-Yolmen Which senior player first took you under their wing: Patrick Dangerfield Do you have any pre-game rituals: Must wear short socks under my footy socks Who has had the most influence on your career: My family Growing up, who was your favourite player: Andrew McLeod Does your jumper number have any significance: Born on the 28th of the first Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: “Drinks are on me at the Cumby if you kick this one”

Teammate most likely to coach: Hugh McCluggage Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Dayne Zorko Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Chance Bateman Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Jorge Masvidal, UFC fighter A celebrity you can’t stand: Donald Trump At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Shiekh shoe store What are three things left on your bucket list: Scuba diving, see snow, camp around the coast of Australia Do you have a dog: Black German Shepherd called Echo

What do you order at the bar: Beer or gin First album you bought: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by OutKast First concert you attended: Hilltop Hoods Something about you we wouldn’t know: Hate watermelon Favourite holiday destination: Byron Bay Favourite movie: Braveheart Favourite TV series: Game of Thrones Favourite band or musician: Chris Brown Favourite carb: Pasta (lasagna) First meal after the season has ended: KFC

CARLTON

POCKET PROFILE

Patrick Cripps Which senior player first took you under their wing: Michael Jamison Do you have any pre-game rituals: Ice bath pre-game Who has had the most influence on your career: Michael Jamison, Tim Clarke, John Barker, Chris Judd Growing up, who was your favourite player: Ben Cousins Toughest individual opponent: Paddy Dangerfield Does your jumper number have any significance: Copied Benny ‘Cuz’ Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: “Let’s go for a froffy”

AFL RECORD

Teammate most likely to coach: Finbar O’Dwyer Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Marc Murphy Your funniest teammate: Harry McKay Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Benny Cuz footy cut Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Charlie Curnowwwww A celebrity you can’t stand: Kyle Kuzma At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Top pub in Mooniemia Do you have a dog: Big Ron, Ridgeback cross Kelpie What do you order at the bar: Pint of draught

First album you bought: So Fresh 2002 Something about you we wouldn’t know: Grew up 500kms north of Perth Favourite holiday destination: Dunsborough, WA Favourite movie: Coach Carter Favourite TV Series: Breaking Bad First meal after the season has ended: Nandos chicken pita What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Nearly finished agribusiness degree at uni What’s your best childhood memory: Everything to do with the freedom of being on a farm Who would you like to swap places with for a day: Life’s bloody good

SEN.com.au

AR06 p58-63 Player Profiles.indd 58

22/4/20 4:49 pm

PLAYER

PROFILES

COLLINGWOOD

POCKET PROFILE

Jordan Roughead Which senior player first took you under their wing: Ben ‘People’s Beard’ Hudson Who has had the most influence on your career: Matthew Keith Boyd Growing up who was your favourite player: Michael Jordan Toughest individual opponent: Brad Ottens Does your jumper number have any significance: I like it Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: An opposition supporter told me I had been their best player

Teammate most likely to coach: Chris Mayne Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Darcy Moore Who is your funniest teammate: Matt Scharenberg Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Adam Cooney – blond on red Do you have any secret party tricks: Fire twirling At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Global Vintage Collection What are three things still left on your bucket list: Base camp, Machu Picchu, see the polar bears Do you have a dog: Bill, an Aussie bulldog, and Louie, a pug cross Beagle

First album you bought: Teenage Dirtbag single by Wheatus First concert you attended: Powderfinger and Silverchair Something about you that we wouldn’t know: I like building Lego Favourite holiday destination: Sandy Point Favourite movie: Good Will Hunting Favourite TV series: Friends Favourite band or musician: Alabama Shakes Favourite carb: Cereal First meal after the season has ended: Sausage roll What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Damascus College senior boys swimming champion

ESSENDON

POCKET PROFILE

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti Which senior player first took you under their wing: James Kelly Do you have any pre-game rituals: Bath, coffee and pray Who has had the most influence on your career: Mum Growing up, who was your favourite player: Greg Williams Toughest individual opponent: Eddie Betts Teammate most likely to coach: Mason Redman Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Mason Redman Who inspires you: My mum

Your funniest teammate: ‘Mozzie’ (Irving Mosquito) Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Me Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Ben Simmons A celebrity you can’t stand: Kanye West At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Culture Kings What are three things left on your bucket list: Sky dive, shark swim and go to Norway What do you order at the bar: Red wine First album you bought: Akon First concert you attended: Bon Jovi Something about you we wouldn’t know: I love shoes

Favourite holiday destination: Mildura Favourite movie: The Grinch Favourite TV series: Home And Away Favourite band or musician: Michael Jackson First meal after the season has ended: Pizza What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Winning netball best on ground Who would you like to swap places with for a day: coach John Worsfold

FREMANTLE

POCKET PROFILE

Brandon Matera Which senior player first took you under their wing: Campbell Brown Do you have any pre-game rituals: Eat pasta the night before the game Who has had the most influence on your career: Dad Growing up, who was your favourite player: James Hird Toughest individual opponent: Luke Brown Does your jumper number have any significance: I’m the third best Matera Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: “Stand up”

Teammate most likely to coach: Nathan Wilson Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Luke Ryan Your funniest teammate: Brennan Cox Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Gary Ablett Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Jockey Chloe Azzopardi At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Woolworths What are three things left on your bucket list: Win a Melbourne Cup, go on Survivor, go to the Masters Do you have a dog: Pablo – Boston Terrier First album you bought: Backstreet Boys

First concert you attended: Chris Brown & Rihanna Something about you we wouldn’t know: I have a Keratoconus eye condition Favourite holiday destination: Croatia Favourite movie: Step Brothers Favourite TV series: Game of Thrones Favourite band or musician: Chris Brown Favourite carb: Pasta First meal after the season has ended: KFC Who inspires you: Jocko Willink What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Mankind winning Fitzpatrick Plate

AFL.com.au

AR06 p58-63 Player Profiles.indd 59

AFL RECORD

22/4/20 4:49 pm

2020 PLAYER PROFILES GEELONG CATS

POCKET PROFILE

Mitch Duncan Which senior player first took you under their wing: Joel Selwood Do you have any pre-game rituals: Must wear budgie smugglers Who has had the most influence on your career: Family/Geelong Football Club Growing up who was your favourite player: James Hird Toughest individual opponent: Patrick Dangerfield and Scott Pendlebury Does your jumper number have any significance: It does now Favourite carb: Rice

Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: “You’re off to the Gold Coast for Gaz” Teammate most likely to coach: Tom Stewart Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Joel Selwood Your funniest teammate: Charlie Constable Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Dermie (Brereton) Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Josh Jenkins What are three things left on your bucket list: Super Bowl, Masters golf, European summer Do you have a dog: Juce, an American Staffy cross Aust bulldog Favourite holiday destination: Noosa

First album you bought: Hanson (MMMbop) First concert you attended: Justin Beiber Favourite movie: Frozen Favourite TV series: MAFS Favourite band or musician: Billy Joel First meal after the season has ended: Steak and chips What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Being a dad What’s your best childhood memory: Playing footy Who would you like to swap places with for a day: Aido the chef

GOLD COAST SUNS

POCKET PROFILE

Alex Sexton Which senior player first took you under their wing: Nick Malceski Who has had the most influence on your career: Parents Growing up, who was your favourite player: Brent Harvey Toughest individual opponent: Tom Scully Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: “This will be your first and last year young fella” Teammate most likely to coach: Anthony Miles Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Jarrod Harbrow

Your funniest teammate: Nick Holman Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Gary Ablett jnr Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Brandon Ellis A celebrity you can’t stand: Everyone on that MAFS show At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Nike What is left on your bucket list: Super Bowl Do you have a dog: Tex, a German Shepherd First album you bought: So Fresh First concert you attended: The Wiggles Something about you we wouldn’t know: My full first name is Alexander

Favourite holiday destination: Bali Favourite movie: Superbad Favourite TV series: The Office (US version) Favourite band or musician: Eminem Favourite carb: Pasta First meal after the season has ended: Zinger Box What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: First home What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory: Shorts came off in a swimming carnival What’s your best childhood memory: Time with grandparents Who would you like to swap places with for a day: Lachie Weller

GWS GIANTS

POCKET PROFILE

Sam Jacobs Which senior player first took you under their wing: Phil Davis Who has had the most influence on your career: Parents/wife Do you have any pre-game rituals: Walk my two dogs Growing up, who was your favourite player: Michael Voss Toughest individual opponent: Brodie Grundy Does your jumper number have any significance: Best number available Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: Sign that said “Saucesome”

AFL RECORD

Teammate most likely to coach: Matt de Boer Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Phil Davis Your funniest teammate: Bobby Hill Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Taylor Walker mullet Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Stephen A Smith A celebrity you can’t stand: Lopez Brothers – they beat up mascots At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Bunnings hands down What are three things left on your bucket list: Boys trip to the US, skiing in Europe, sky dive Do you have a dog: Two Finnish Lapphunds – Alfie and Billy

Something about you we wouldn’t know: I am a lawn addict Favourite holiday destination: Port Hughes First meal after the season has ended: Parma Who inspires you: My family What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Becoming a dad to daughter Imogen What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory: Drinking dishwashing detergent which I thought was cordial What’s your best childhood memory: Playing junior sport Who would you like to swap places with for a day: Imogen – she doesn’t have a care in the world

SEN.com.au

AR06 p58-63 Player Profiles.indd 60

22/4/20 4:49 pm

PLAYER

PROFILES

HAWTHORN

POCKET PROFILE

Isaac Smith Which senior player first took you under their wing: Luke Breust Who has had the most influence on your career: Brett Ratten Growing up, who was your favourite player: Scott Camporeale Toughest individual opponent: Matthew Suckling Teammate most likely to coach: Liam Shiels Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Jack Gunston Your funniest teammate: Paul Puopolo Who inspires you: Life

Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Bruce Doull Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: My dad A celebrity you can’t stand: Reality TV At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Don’t like spending money What are three things left on your bucket list: San Francisco Super Bowl, backpack around the world with family, more premierships Do you have a dog: Retriever Labrador called Bailey What do you order at the bar: Carlton Draught, Great Northern First concert you attended: The Wiggles

Favourite holiday destination: Barnbougle Favourite movie: Love Actually Favourite TV series: Entourage Favourite band or musician: Mixtape Favourite carb: Bread First meal after the season has ended: Potato cakes, tomato sauce and chicken salt What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Loving family What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory: Too embarrassed to say What’s your best childhood memory: Playing sport 24/7 Who would you like to swap places with for a day: Scott Morrison

MELBOURNE

POCKET PROFILE

Adam Tomlinson Which senior player first took you under their wing: Luke Power Do you have any pre-game rituals: Box of BBQ Shapes Who has had the most influence on your career: Dad Growing up, who was your favourite player: Nathan Buckley Toughest individual opponent: Playing in the ruck against Dean Cox wasn’t fun Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: “Number 20, you have a wedgie” – the white shorts don’t suit my figure

Teammate most likely to coach: Not Ed Langdon Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Oscar McDonald Your funniest teammate: Austin Bradtke Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Bruce Doull Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Ron Burgundy At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Drummond Golf or RM Williams What are three things left on your bucket list: Play Augusta, New York marathon, play off scratch Do you have a dog: American Staffy, Bonnie Who inspires you: My family

What do you order at the bar: Two gin and tonics, two vodkas and a scotch or five Cougars thanks Favourite holiday destination: New York First meal after the season has ended: Two parmas instead of one What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Getting my pen licence What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory: Falling in the fountain at Dog on the Tucker Box What’s your best childhood memory: Watching the digger dig the hole for the pool Who would you like to swap places with for a day: Chandler Bing

NORTH MELBOURNE

POCKET PROFILE

Mason Wood Which senior player first took you under their wing: Jack Mahony (aka dad) Do you have any pre-game rituals: On the bus I have to sit next to Shaun Atley Who has had the most influence on your career: John Wood Growing up, who was your favourite player: Jimmy Bartel Toughest individual opponent: Sam Wright – his verbal abuse at training scared me Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Shaun Atley 2020 undercut

Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: “Shaun Atley has no hands” Teammate most likely to coach: Shaun Higgins Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Ed Vickers-Willis (Prime Minister) Your funniest teammate: Joel Crocker Do you have any secret party tricks: I’ve got one card trick Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: @2dadz Do you have a dog: I have a bonsai tree – his name is Woody jnr What do you order at the bar: Wedges with sweet chili and sour cream

First album you bought: Ricky Martin First concert you attended: Wiggles Something about you we wouldn’t know: I used to run trivia nights Favourite holiday destination: Canada Favourite movie: Jungle Book Favourite TV series: Gossip Girl Favourite band or musician: Weird Al Favourite carb: Bread First meal after the season has ended: Anything from Laksa King Who inspires you: Karla Zanardo What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: 50 games What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory: Walked into the wrong house on holiday and another family came home

AFL.com.au

AR06 p58-63 Player Profiles.indd 61

AFL RECORD

22/4/20 4:50 pm

2020 PLAYER PROFILES PORT ADELAIDE

POCKET PROFILE

Dan Houston Which senior player first took you under their wing: Angus Monfries Who has had the most influence on your career: Angus Monfries Growing up, who was your favourite player: Marc Murphy Teammate most likely to coach: Sam Powell-Pepper Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Steven Motlop Your funniest teammate: Scott Lycett Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Jasper Pittard

Do you have a dog: Bernie, a Boxer Do you have any secret party tricks: Not being able to get under 80 kills on Shipment Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram Willem Powerfish At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Nike What do you order at the bar: Carlton Zero Favourite holiday destination: Bali Favourite carb: Pasta First meal after the season has ended: Chicken salad What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Completing the Premier’s Reading Challenge in grade four

Who would you like to swap places with for a day: John Hinge What’s your best childhood memory: Winning under-10s grand final

RICHMOND

POCKET PROFILE

Patrick Naish Which senior player first took you under their wing: Shaun Grigg Do you have any pre-game rituals: Breakfast with a couple of the boys if I can Who has had the most influence on your career: Dad (former Tiger Chris) Growing up who was your favourite player: Brett Deledio Toughest individual opponent: First opponent was Joel Selwood which was fun Does your jumper number have any significance: Dad wore it as well so thankful that the club gave it to me

Teammate most likely to coach: Probably Noah Cumberland – would love to hear his pre-game rev-ups Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Again Noah Cumberland, would love to hear his board meeting rev-ups Who is your funniest teammate: Jack Riewoldt or Tom Lynch, they’re always cracking gags together Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: I love Shane Edwards’ haircut, so neat Do you have any secret party tricks: I bowl some serious off-spin in the nets At which store would you like to max-out your credit card: Tigerland Superstore

What are three things still left on your bucket list: Play 10 games, play 50 games, win a flag What do you order at the bar: Raspberry lemonade Something about you that we wouldn’t know: I have my own podcast Pat’s Chat, enjoy What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Passing school What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory: Got sent home for dacking the school captain at primary school, had to tell dad What’s your best childhood memory: Anything with a river, rope swing and the boys

ST KILDA

POCKET PROFILE

Callum Wilkie Which senior player first took you under their wing: Luke Dunstan Do you have any pre-game rituals: Put my boots on Who has had the most influence on your career: Josh Carr Growing up, who was your favourite player: Andrew McLeod Toughest individual opponent: Jeremy Cameron Does your jumper number have any significance: Stephen Milne gave it to me Teammate most likely to coach: Jarryn Geary

AFL RECORD

Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Nicholas Hind Your funniest teammate: Rowan Marshall Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: “Jeez Rowan’s (Marshall) been in a good paddock lately” Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Nick Coffield Do you have any secret party tricks: Chris Martin impersonation Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Stephen A Smith A celebrity you can’t stand: Dan Hannebery, talks too much At which store would you like to max out your credit card: JB Hi-Fi What do you order at the bar: Peroni

First album you bought: Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Greatest Hits First concert you attended: U2 Favourite movie: Superbad Favourite TV series: Game of Thrones Favourite band or musician: Northeast Party House Favourite carb: Pasta First meal after the season has ended: Burger Coriander – yes or no: Yes Pineapple on pizza – yes or no: No Tomato sauce in the fridge – yes or no: No

SEN.com.au

AR06 p58-63 Player Profiles.indd 62

22/4/20 4:50 pm

PLAYER

PROFILES

SYDNEY SWANS

POCKET PROFILE

Barry O’Connor Which senior player first took you under their wing: Colin O’Riordan Who has had the most influence on your career: My family Does your jumper number have any significance: It was given to me by Sam Naismith Teammate most likely to coach: Joel Amartey Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Justin McInerney Your funniest teammate: Nick Blakey Who had/has the best haircut in the game’s history: Jarrad McVeigh

Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Ricky Gervais on Twitter At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Harvey Norman What is one thing left on your bucket list: Learn how to play an instrument Do you have a dog: Sandy and Tom What do you order at the bar: Pint of Guinness First album you bought: True by Avicii First concert you attended: Imagine Dragons Favourite holiday destination: Italy Favourite movie: Shawshank Redemption

Favourite TV series: Peaky Blinders Favourite band or musician: Catfish and the Bottlemen, Whitney Houston Favourite carb: Potatoes (obviously) Coriander – yes or no: Yes Tomato sauce in the fridge – yes or no: No Who inspires you: Matt Ling What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Winning my school chess competition What’s your best childhood memory: Playing hurling and Gaelic football

WEST COAST EAGLES

POCKET PROFILE

Andrew Gaff Which senior player first took you under their wing: Darren Glass Do you have any pre-game rituals: Wash my eyes three times with water before I run out Who has had the most influence on your career: Dad Growing up, who was your favourite player: Adam Yze Toughest individual opponent: Adam Goodes – could play anywhere Does your jumper number have any significance: Lucky number as a kid Funniest thing a fan has said to you over the fence: “Weak as piss Gaff”

Teammate most likely to coach: Jamie Cripps Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Will Schofield Your funniest teammate: Lewis Jetta Who has had the best haircut in AFL history: Nathan Carroll (Melbourne) Do you have any secret party tricks: Know every country’s national flag Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Nick Kyrgios At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Drummond Golf What are three things left on your bucket list: Sky dive, hike Kokoda, golf at Augusta What do you order at the bar: Beer First album you bought: So Fresh Summer 2003

First concert you attended: Ellie Goulding Something about you we wouldn’t know: Allergic to nuts Favourite holiday destination: Tasmania Favourite band or musician: Foo Fighters First meal after the season has ended: Hungry Jacks Who inspires you: Family What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Playing golf at St Andrews What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory: Failing first driving test What’s your best childhood memory: Noosa holidays

WESTERN BULLDOGS

POCKET PROFILE

Ryan Gardner Which senior player first took you under their wing: Dale Morris Who has had the most influence on your career: My father Growing up how was your favourite player: Brendan Fevola Teammate most likely to coach: Easton Wood, Lachie Hunter Teammate most likely to be a club president or CEO: Mitch Wallis Your funniest teammate: Callum Porter Do you have any secret party tricks: I can make a straw disappear in my hands

Who had/has the best haircut in AFL history: Toby McLean Unique person you follow on Twitter or Instagram: Alex Keath At which store would you like to max out your credit card: Any board game shop What are three things left on your bucket list: Visit Croatia, design my own property, fly an airplane Do you have a dog: Partner has a Golden Retriever named Wilson First concert you attended: Breath of Life Something about you we wouldn’t know: I’m handy with a Diabolo Favourite holiday destination: Ireland Favourite movie: Rush Hour

Favourite TV series: Stranger Things Favourite band or musician: Khalid Favourite carb: Pasta First meal after the season has ended: Chinese (honey chicken) Who inspires you: My family (mum dad, sisters) and partner What non-football accomplishment are you most proud of: Almost finishing my advanced diploma of building design

AFL.com.au

AR06 p58-63 Player Profiles.indd 63

AFL RECORD

22/4/20 4:51 pm