Australian Football Hall of Fame
Encyclopedia
The Australian Football Hall of Fame was established in 1996, the Centenary year of the Australian Football League
, to help recognise the contributions made to the sport of Australian rules football
by players, umpires, media personalities, coaches and administrators. It was initially established with 136 inductees. As of 2008, this figure has grown to 219, including 22 "Legends". While those involved in the game from its inception in 1859 are theoretically eligible, very few outside of the major leagues – the Australian Football League (VFL/AFL), the Victorian Football League
(VFA/VFL), the West Australian Football League
(WAFL) and the South Australian National Football League
(SANFL) – have been recognised to date.
The following excerpt from the official Hall of Fame website highlights the main criteria used by the committee in selecting inductees to the Hall of Fame:
(chairman), Dennis Commetti, Matt Finnis, Jim Main
, David Parkin
, Tim Lane, Tom Reynolds, Leigh Whicker and Shane McCurry (secretary).
who played the whole of his career in the SANFL. Being named as a "Legend" of the Australian Football Hall of Fame is the highest honour which can be bestowed onto an Australian footballer.
The Hall of Fame was established in 1996 with 12 initial "Legends". These were: Ron Barassi
, Haydn Bunton Senior, Roy Cazaly
, John Coleman, Jack Dyer
, Polly Farmer, Leigh Matthews
, John Nicholls, Bob Pratt
, Dick Reynolds
, Bob Skilton
and Ted Whitten
(see above list for further details).
The following have been promoted to the status of "Legend" since 1996: Ian Stewart
(1997), Gordon Coventry
(1998), Peter Hudson
(1999),
Kevin Bartlett (2000), Barrie Robran
(2001), Bill Hutchison (2003), Jock McHale
(2005), Darrel Baldock
(2006), Norm Smith
(2007), Alex Jesaulenko
(2008) and Kevin Murray (2010).
CEO Brian Cook
accepted his induction on his behalf.
. The initial selection committee was made up of 11 Victorians, one South Australian and one Western Australian, with the current selection committee being made up of six Victorians, two Western Australia
ns and one South Australia
n. Of the 136 inaugural inductees into the Hall of Fame, 116 played substantial parts of their careers in Victoria, with eleven of the twelve "Legends" from Victoria.
in Melbourne, Australia, the AFL Hall of Fame and Sensation is a place where merchandise was purchased and a massive array of activities were available. It provided video details of all clubs from their beginnings and biographies on all members of the Hall Of Fame. Advertising for the building was mainly done by Matthew Lloyd
.
Activities included:
It closed in 2008 with much of its collection incorporated into the larger National Sports Museum
, located within the Melbourne Cricket Ground
.
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
, to help recognise the contributions made to the sport of Australian rules football
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
by players, umpires, media personalities, coaches and administrators. It was initially established with 136 inductees. As of 2008, this figure has grown to 219, including 22 "Legends". While those involved in the game from its inception in 1859 are theoretically eligible, very few outside of the major leagues – the Australian Football League (VFL/AFL), the Victorian Football League
Victorian Football League
The Victorian Football League which evolved from the former Victorian Football Association , taking its new name as from the 1996 season, is the premier Australian rules football league in Victoria The Victorian Football League (VFL) which evolved from the former Victorian Football Association...
(VFA/VFL), the West Australian Football League
West Australian Football League
The West Australian Football League is an Australian rules football league based in Perth, Western Australia. The WAFL is the second-most popular in the state, behind the nation-wide Australian Football League...
(WAFL) and the South Australian National Football League
South Australian National Football League
The South Australian National Football League is an Australian rules football league based in the Australian state of South Australia. It is also the governing body for the sport of Australian rules football in South Australia....
(SANFL) – have been recognised to date.
Selection criteria
A committee considers candidates on the basis of their ability, integrity, sportsmanship and character. While the number of games played, coached or umpired, or years of service in the case of administrators and media representatives, is a consideration, it alone does not determine eligibility. Players must be retired from the game for at least three years before they become eligible for induction, while coaches, umpires, administrators and media representatives are eligible immediately upon retirement. The committee considers candidates from all the states and territories of Australia and from all Australian Football competitions within Australia.The following excerpt from the official Hall of Fame website highlights the main criteria used by the committee in selecting inductees to the Hall of Fame:
- The Committee shall consider a candidate's outstanding service and overall contribution to the game of Australian Football in determining a candidate's eligibility for induction into the Hall of Fame.
- Without limiting clause 5.1, the Committee may consider a candidate's individual record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship and character.
- The number of football games played, coached or umpired or the years of service provided shall only be a consideration and shall not be determinative in assessing a candidate's eligibility.
- A player, coach, umpire, administrator or media representative involved at any level of Australian Football may be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame.
- Candidates shall be adjudged on the basis of their overall contribution to Australian Football, as opposed to one specific aspect.
Selection committee
The selection committee for the Hall of Fame is currently made up of Mike FitzpatrickMike Fitzpatrick
Michael G. "Mike" Fitzpatrick is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party. He was reelected to Congress in 2010, and previously represented the district from 2005 to 2007, but lost to Patrick Murphy in 2006....
(chairman), Dennis Commetti, Matt Finnis, Jim Main
Jim Main
Jim Main is a sports journalist from Australia. He is known especially for his coverage of Australian rules football.He studied law at the University of Melbourne and later graduated from La Trobe University with a bachelor of arts degree....
, David Parkin
David Parkin
David Parkin is a former Australian rules footballer and four-time premiership coach.- Pre-football career :He attended Melbourne High School and during his time there, was the school vice-captain and captain of football....
, Tim Lane, Tom Reynolds, Leigh Whicker and Shane McCurry (secretary).
Inductees
For a full list of inductees into the Hall of Fame, see List of Australian Football Hall of Fame inductees.Legends
The Legends category is reserved for those who are deemed to have had a positive impact on the game of Australian rules. The title of Legend is intended to be bestowed on no more than 10% of the total inductees of the Hall of Fame (the actual percentage of "Legends" to total inductees is currently 10.05%). All "Legends" enshrined to date represent former players of the VFL/AFL, with the exception of Barrie RobranBarrie Robran
Barrie Charles Robran MBE is a former Australian rules footballer in the South Australian National Football League , widely acknowledged as a champion in his sport....
who played the whole of his career in the SANFL. Being named as a "Legend" of the Australian Football Hall of Fame is the highest honour which can be bestowed onto an Australian footballer.
The Hall of Fame was established in 1996 with 12 initial "Legends". These were: Ron Barassi
Ron Barassi
Ronald Dale Barassi, Jr AM is a former Australian rules football player and coach. During a long and decorated career, Barassi has been one of the most important figures in the history of Australian football. His father, Ron Barassi, Sr., was the first Australian footballer killed at Tobruk during...
, Haydn Bunton Senior, Roy Cazaly
Roy Cazaly
Roy Cazaly was an Australian rules football player famous for his high marks and ruck work, which gave rise to the phrase "Up There Cazaly".-Early life/career:...
, John Coleman, Jack Dyer
Jack Dyer
John Raymond Dyer Sr. OAM , always known as Jack Dyer, was one of the colossal figures of Australian rules football during two distinct careers, firstly as a player and coach of the Richmond Football Club in the Victorian Football League between 1931 and 1952, and later in the broadcast media for...
, Polly Farmer, Leigh Matthews
Leigh Matthews
Leigh Raymond "Lethal Leigh" Matthews AM is a former player and coach of Australian rules football. He played for Hawthorn in the Victorian Football League from 1969 to 1985, coached Collingwood from 1986–1995, and coached the Brisbane Lions from 1999 to 2008...
, John Nicholls, Bob Pratt
Bob Pratt
Harold Robert "Bob" Pratt was a former Australian rules footballer from Mitcham, Victoria.Pratt played with South Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League from 1930–1939 and again in 1946, and with the Coburg Football Club in the Victorian Football Association from 1940 to 1941...
, Dick Reynolds
Dick Reynolds
Richard Sylvannus 'Dick' Reynolds was an Australian rules footballer and coach who represented Essendon and Victoria with great distinction....
, Bob Skilton
Bob Skilton
Robert John "Bob" Skilton was an Australian rules football player who played as a rover for South Melbourne and Victoria between 1956 and 1971....
and Ted Whitten
Ted Whitten
Edward James "EJ" Whitten was an Australian rules football player and media personality. He played a then-record 321 Victorian Football League games for the Footscray Football Club between 1951 and 1970...
(see above list for further details).
The following have been promoted to the status of "Legend" since 1996: Ian Stewart
Ian Stewart (Australian rules footballer)
Ian Harlow Stewart , son of Aldo Liberale Cervi and Anita Cervi who separated three years after his birth, is a former Australian rules footballer with Hobart in the Tasmanian Football League , and in the Victorian Football League with St Kilda and Richmond...
(1997), Gordon Coventry
Gordon Coventry
Gordon "Nuts" Coventry was an Australian rules footballer who played for Collingwood Football Club in the Victorian Football League . With 1,299 goals over 18 seasons, Coventry remains one of the greatest full forwards the game has ever seen...
(1998), Peter Hudson
Peter Hudson
Peter John Hudson AM is a former Australian Rules Football player, considered one of the greatest full-forwards in the game's history....
(1999),
Kevin Bartlett (2000), Barrie Robran
Barrie Robran
Barrie Charles Robran MBE is a former Australian rules footballer in the South Australian National Football League , widely acknowledged as a champion in his sport....
(2001), Bill Hutchison (2003), Jock McHale
Jock McHale
James Francis "Jock" McHale, was an Australian rules football player and coach for the Collingwood Football Club in the Victorian Football League in a marathon career that extended from 1903 to 1949....
(2005), Darrel Baldock
Darrel Baldock
Darrel John Baldock , commonly nicknamed "The Doc" and "Mr Magic", was an Australian rules football player and state politician who in 1966 was the first captain of a premiership-winning St Kilda Football Club. Baldock was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame as a "Legend"...
(2006), Norm Smith
Norm Smith
Norman Walter "Norm" Smith was an Australian rules football player and coach in the Victorian Football League. After 200 games as a player with Melbourne and Fitzroy, Smith began a twenty year coaching career, including a fifteen year stint at Melbourne...
(2007), Alex Jesaulenko
Alex Jesaulenko
Alex 'Jezza' Jesaulenko MBE is a former Australian rules footballer and coach. He is regarded as one of the game's greatest-ever players and is an official Legend of the Australian Football Hall of Fame...
(2008) and Kevin Murray (2010).
Induction ceremony
Every year there is a special Hall of Fame dinner to announce and welcome the new inductees to the Hall of Fame.Controversy
Gary Ablett's induction was deferred until 2005 due to a controversy associated with the death of a young female acquaintance due to an illegal drug overdose shortly after his retirement, which was felt to be likely to bring the Hall of Fame into disrepute. When he was inducted in 2005, Gary Ablett did not attend the dinner and GeelongGeelong Football Club
The Geelong Football Club, nicknamed The Cats, is a professional Australian rules football club, named after and based in the city of Geelong, playing in the Australian Football League . The club has been the VFL/AFL premiers nine times, with a record equalling 3 in the AFL era. Geelong has also...
CEO Brian Cook
Brian Cook (football administrator)
Brian Cook is a former Australian rules football player who is now administrator, currently Chief executive officer of the Geelong Football Club.-Playing and coaching career:...
accepted his induction on his behalf.
Criticism
The Hall of Fame has been criticised by football writers and historians for being heavily biased towards figures from VictoriaVictoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. The initial selection committee was made up of 11 Victorians, one South Australian and one Western Australian, with the current selection committee being made up of six Victorians, two Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
ns and one South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
n. Of the 136 inaugural inductees into the Hall of Fame, 116 played substantial parts of their careers in Victoria, with eleven of the twelve "Legends" from Victoria.
AFL World
AFL World (formerly Hall of Fame and Sensation), was located at Queen Victoria VillageQueen Victoria Village
Queen Victoria Village, generally known as QV Village or just QV, is a precinct in the central business district of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia...
in Melbourne, Australia, the AFL Hall of Fame and Sensation is a place where merchandise was purchased and a massive array of activities were available. It provided video details of all clubs from their beginnings and biographies on all members of the Hall Of Fame. Advertising for the building was mainly done by Matthew Lloyd
Matthew Lloyd
Matthew James Lloyd is a former Australian rules footballer who played for and was the captain of the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League...
.
Activities included:
- A guided tour of simulations allowing you to experience playing as a footballer
- A Simulation that allows you to kick (or miss) a significant goal in footballing history
- Do your own commentary for a selected goal
- The Handball challenge
It closed in 2008 with much of its collection incorporated into the larger National Sports Museum
National Sports Museum
The National Sports Museum is a museum dedicated to Australian sport and is located within the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. It features exhibitions and galleries of items related mainly to Australian Rules Football, Cricket, the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the Sport...
, located within the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is an Australian sports stadium located in Yarra Park, Melbourne and is home to the Melbourne Cricket Club. It is the tenth largest stadium in the world, the largest in Australia, the largest stadium for playing cricket, and holds the world record for the highest light...
.