2014 Round 27, Half time.

11th September Birthdays.

 

   Bruce Doull 1950, Scott Thornton 1982.

 PLAYER OF THE DAY. Simon Wiggins, born 11th September 1982.

Simon was on Carltons senior list from 2001 to 2010, but his 116 games came from '01-'09.  In those matches he kicked 36 goals used mainly in defence.

After playing 18 games in 2002 he had a number of years which saw him sidelined with various injuries and it took 7 years for him to reach 100 games. 

Though he was a dashing back-man, he was moved onto the wing at one stage and in fact when the team were struggling he was moved all over the ground to help out. 

Simon was a member of the clubs pre season Premiership teams in 2005 and 2007.

Source: The Encyclopaedia Of AFL Footballers.

Commentators.

Gerard Healey was a star from early in his career when he played for Melbourne. He was with the club from 1979 to 1985 in 130 games for 189 goals, roaming around the forward line.

His first appearance for Victoria was in 1982 and he was Melbournes Best and Fairest in 1984.

When Sydney came calling with a big cheque book he was lured to the Swans and spent 5 seasons there (1986-’90) and played 81 games for 87 goals.

During his time there he won the Best and Fairest from 1986-1988 and was the Brownlow Medalist in 1988.

 

Alastair Lynch moved from Fitzroy to Brisbane before the merger that saw them gain a number of other Lions players.

He was with Fitzroy from 1988 to 1993 and gave them great service in 120 games, kicking 173 goals. Whilst there he won the Best and Fairest in 1993 and was also an   All Australian.

His 11 seasons at Brisbane, interrupted by a much publicised bout of CFS, reaped 186 games, 460 goals and 3 Premierships.

 

Andrew Welsh was an Essendon player from 2002 to 2011 and played 162 games, kicking 32 goals.

Always giving his all he was a popular club man and was renowned for his easy going attitude to the game.

He was identified by his ability to quell the effectiveness of just about any opponent and his skill in moving the ball out of defence.

Source: The Encyclopaedia Of AFL Footballers. 

Lights Out At VFL Park!

VFL Park was the leagues big hope of the future, so much so that in the late 1970’s they installed a lighting system at the cost of $1 million.

Then, when the switch was thrown for the first game under the lights, they didn’t work.

The match between Fitzroy and North Melbourne on 18^th May 1977 was delayed for 55 minutes due to an electrical problem.  All the power had to be cut off and the crowd became restless, jeering and slow hand clapping.

When play finally got underway it saw Fitzroy run out winners by 34 points.

Source: Our Game by Jim Main.
 

Alan Didak.

To say that Alan was a true servant of the Collingwood Football Club would be an understatement.

He was one of those people who was an inspiration to his team mates and seemed to be able to lift them at crucial times, even when used sparingly in his last few years.

 

 

From 2002 to 2013 he played 218 games for the Magpies and kicked 274 goals, even when he had time out due to an irregular heartbeat.

During his time at the club he was leading goal kicker in 2010, Best and Fairest in 2006, a Premiership player in 2010 and 2 time All Australian.

Source: The Encyclopaedia Of AFL Footballers.