Shane Woewodin
Encyclopedia
Shane Woewodin was an Australian rules football
player who played 200 games with the Melbourne
and Collingwood
Football Clubs. He was the recipient of the Brownlow Medal
in 2000.
as a teenager was made his debut for the seniors of East Fremantle
in the WAFL
in 1995. In 1997, he was picked up by Melbourne
in the pre-season draft.
The highlight of Woewodin's career remains his 2000 Brownlow Medal
victory, in which he capped off a solid season, finishing ahead of Bulldog
Scott West
in the votes. Woewodin also played in the losing Grand Final team against Essendon
that year.
2001 saw Woewodin suffer the infamous "Brownlow Blues", struggling through injury and poor form as the Demons slid outside the final eight.
as they felt he was underperforming given that he became one of the highest paid AFL footballers at the end of the 2000 season. Woewodin held general discussions with Collingwood initially, but the media speculated that he was keen to remain at Melbourne and ultimately would accept a reduced salary. However, Woewodin was traded to Collingwood for a first round draft pick (which Melbourne would use on South Australian half back/midfielder Daniel Bell
).
In the days and weeks following his trade, it was revealed that Melbourne approached Woewodin at the end of the season with the view of negotiating a salary reduction. It was rumoured that Woewodin offered to reduce his $500,000 per year contract by approximately $50,000 per year. However, Melbourne officials publicly stated that, specific figures aside, it was clear that Woewodin would never agree to the (substantial) reduction they had in mind. Accordingly, they entered into confidential negotiations with Collingwood. As part of the trade, it was believed that Melbourne would pay approximately $320,000 of Woewodin's salary in his first year at Collingwood and Collingwood would pay the balance of $180,000. In the second year, Melbourne and Collingwood were to pay his salary in equal shares and in his third year, Collingwood would shoulder most of his salary, thereby creating room in Melbourne's salary cap. All this was unbeknownst to Woewodin, who seemed to believe that the renegotiation of his contract had simply stalled, but both parties would ultimately agree to new terms. In fact, in the days prior to the draft, Woewodin went on a holidays to Mauritius
as he assumed that he would be playing for Melbourne in 2003.
Woewodin was informed of his trade to Collingwood while still on holiday and was understandably shattered to have been moved on without any significant warning. A verbal war of words between Woewodin and Melbourne coach Neale Daniher
, in particular, continued until the Melbourne-Collingwood Queen's Birthday match of 2003. After publicly stating he hoped the Pies would "smash" his old side, Woewodin got his revenge, picking up 22 touches in the Pies' 52-point victory. It would be the only time Collingwood beat them during his three-year stint at the club.
Woewodin's finest hour for the club arose in the round seven victory over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, a night best remembered for Chris Tarrant
's goal after the siren
to clinch victory. Woewodin's hard running across the ground ensured that his 25-possessions and two goals earned him three of his 12 Brownlow votes for the winter. From there Woewodin enjoyed a steady first season at Collingwood, as the Pies continued on from their stellar 2002 form to once again meet the Brisbane Lions
in the Grand Final. Despite kicking the opening goal of the match, Woewodin was quiet on the day – as were a number of his teammates – and the Lions ran out convincing 50-point winners. Prior to this game, he had stated to the press that he thought Neale Daniher
getting rid of him was a blessing in disguise and that he was happy that he was going to play in a premiership this time, rather than a grand final.
As Collingwood slid from contention in 2004 Woewodin enjoyed his best season in black and white, finishing 2nd in the Copeland Trophy
, however the following seasion saw Woewodin fall out of favour. With Collingwood winning a mere five games, the club's selection committee opted to pursue a youth policy, which saw the likes of Woewodin, whose lack of leg speed saw him unable to dominate the midfield as he once had, Andrew Williams and, to a lesser extent, Matthew Lokan
, ushered out of the side. He was dropped to the club's VFL
affiliate Williamstown on a number of occasions, and at the end of the season, was delisted.
revealing his disbelief and frustration at not being picked up when realistically, he could have played for another 3 or 4 seasons. Eventually he could only manage to play for 2 seasons in the lower-ranked WAFL.
On the Queen's Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood on 12 June 2006, Shane Woewodin did a prematch lap of honour in an open top car with his children to celebrate his distinguished career with both sides. In an interview he gave prior to the game, he continued to signal his intent to return to the AFL in 2007 and was doing "all the right things" with East Fremantle in an attempt to catch the eye of recruiting staff. Woewodin added that he did not have a manager at this point in time, but was hopeful of selection if he simply nominated himself for the draft. However, he was again overlooked by the draft, due to his age (31).
It was rumoured that Woewodin was asked to play in the annual E. J. Whitten Legends Game
with all the other past players, but refused – apparently because he felt that it would completely ruin his chances of being drafted in 2007. This is despite the fact that Paul Salmon
made a comeback to the AFL after playing in the Legends Game in the year following his first retirement.
in the WAFL
, his original club.
In May 2006, after a 37-possession performance for Western Australia against South Australia, Woewodin again reiterated his desire to return to AFL level. Again he was not selected.
He retired at the end of the 2007 WAFL season.
He was named coach of East Fremantle for 2008.
.
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...
player who played 200 games with the Melbourne
Melbourne Football Club
The Melbourne Football Club, nicknamed The Demons, is an Australian rules football club playing in the Australian Football League , based in Melbourne, Victoria....
and Collingwood
Collingwood Football Club
The Collingwood Football Club, nicknamed The Magpies, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League...
Football Clubs. He was the recipient of the Brownlow Medal
Brownlow Medal
The Chas Brownlow Trophy, better known as the Brownlow Medal , is awarded to the "fairest and best" player in the Australian Football League during the regular season as determined by votes cast by the officiating field umpires after each game...
in 2000.
Early career
Woewodin played the majority of his junior career at the Lynwood Ferndale Junior Football Club predominantly as a Centre Half Forward. LFJFC was a part of the East Fremantle recruiting zone. Shane attended Kent Street Senior High SchoolKent Street Senior High School
Kent Street Senior High School is a government high school located in the suburb of Kensington, Western Australia. Over 50 percent of students attending Kent Street live in neighbouring or other school districts...
as a teenager was made his debut for the seniors of East Fremantle
East Fremantle Football Club
The East Fremantle Football Club, nicknamed the Sharks, is an Australian rules football club playing in the West Australian Football League . The team's home ground is East Fremantle Oval...
in the WAFL
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...
in 1995. In 1997, he was picked up by Melbourne
Melbourne Football Club
The Melbourne Football Club, nicknamed The Demons, is an Australian rules football club playing in the Australian Football League , based in Melbourne, Victoria....
in the pre-season draft.
Melbourne Demons
He had a fine start to his career, playing more than 100 consecutive games from his debut.The highlight of Woewodin's career remains his 2000 Brownlow Medal
Brownlow Medal
The Chas Brownlow Trophy, better known as the Brownlow Medal , is awarded to the "fairest and best" player in the Australian Football League during the regular season as determined by votes cast by the officiating field umpires after each game...
victory, in which he capped off a solid season, finishing ahead of Bulldog
Western Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs are an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League . The club is based at the Whitten Oval in West Footscray, an inner-western suburb of Melbourne...
Scott West
Scott West
Scott West is a former Australian rules football player who played for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League...
in the votes. Woewodin also played in the losing Grand Final team against Essendon
Essendon Football Club
The Essendon Football Club, nicknamed The Bombers, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League...
that year.
2001 saw Woewodin suffer the infamous "Brownlow Blues", struggling through injury and poor form as the Demons slid outside the final eight.
Collingwood
In the aftermath of the 2002 season, in which Woewodin improved on his 2001 but was still unable to recapture his Brownlow winning 2000 form, Melbourne sought to trade Woewodin to CollingwoodCollingwood Football Club
The Collingwood Football Club, nicknamed The Magpies, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League...
as they felt he was underperforming given that he became one of the highest paid AFL footballers at the end of the 2000 season. Woewodin held general discussions with Collingwood initially, but the media speculated that he was keen to remain at Melbourne and ultimately would accept a reduced salary. However, Woewodin was traded to Collingwood for a first round draft pick (which Melbourne would use on South Australian half back/midfielder Daniel Bell
Daniel Bell (Australian rules footballer)
Daniel Bell is an Australian rules footballer who played for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League .He was originally from the town of Kingston SE, South Australia....
).
In the days and weeks following his trade, it was revealed that Melbourne approached Woewodin at the end of the season with the view of negotiating a salary reduction. It was rumoured that Woewodin offered to reduce his $500,000 per year contract by approximately $50,000 per year. However, Melbourne officials publicly stated that, specific figures aside, it was clear that Woewodin would never agree to the (substantial) reduction they had in mind. Accordingly, they entered into confidential negotiations with Collingwood. As part of the trade, it was believed that Melbourne would pay approximately $320,000 of Woewodin's salary in his first year at Collingwood and Collingwood would pay the balance of $180,000. In the second year, Melbourne and Collingwood were to pay his salary in equal shares and in his third year, Collingwood would shoulder most of his salary, thereby creating room in Melbourne's salary cap. All this was unbeknownst to Woewodin, who seemed to believe that the renegotiation of his contract had simply stalled, but both parties would ultimately agree to new terms. In fact, in the days prior to the draft, Woewodin went on a holidays to Mauritius
Mauritius
Mauritius , officially the Republic of Mauritius is an island nation off the southeast coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about east of Madagascar...
as he assumed that he would be playing for Melbourne in 2003.
Woewodin was informed of his trade to Collingwood while still on holiday and was understandably shattered to have been moved on without any significant warning. A verbal war of words between Woewodin and Melbourne coach Neale Daniher
Neale Daniher
Neale Francis Daniher is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League . Neale was also an Assistant Coach to the Essendon and Fremantle Football Clubs and the Coach of the Victorian State Team and the Melbourne Football Club...
, in particular, continued until the Melbourne-Collingwood Queen's Birthday match of 2003. After publicly stating he hoped the Pies would "smash" his old side, Woewodin got his revenge, picking up 22 touches in the Pies' 52-point victory. It would be the only time Collingwood beat them during his three-year stint at the club.
Woewodin's finest hour for the club arose in the round seven victory over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, a night best remembered for Chris Tarrant
Chris Tarrant (footballer)
Chris Tarrant is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Collingwood Football Club, and has also played for the Fremantle Football Club. He announced at the end of the 2010 AFL season that he would return to Melbourne for personal reasons and would not extend his contract with Fremantle...
's goal after the siren
After the siren kicks in Australian rules football
In Australian rules football, if a player takes a mark or is awarded a free kick before or as the siren sounds, the player is allowed to take the kick...
to clinch victory. Woewodin's hard running across the ground ensured that his 25-possessions and two goals earned him three of his 12 Brownlow votes for the winter. From there Woewodin enjoyed a steady first season at Collingwood, as the Pies continued on from their stellar 2002 form to once again meet the Brisbane Lions
Brisbane Lions
The Brisbane Lions is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League . The club is based in Brisbane, Queensland. The club was formed from the merger of the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Lions in 1996...
in the Grand Final. Despite kicking the opening goal of the match, Woewodin was quiet on the day – as were a number of his teammates – and the Lions ran out convincing 50-point winners. Prior to this game, he had stated to the press that he thought Neale Daniher
Neale Daniher
Neale Francis Daniher is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League . Neale was also an Assistant Coach to the Essendon and Fremantle Football Clubs and the Coach of the Victorian State Team and the Melbourne Football Club...
getting rid of him was a blessing in disguise and that he was happy that he was going to play in a premiership this time, rather than a grand final.
As Collingwood slid from contention in 2004 Woewodin enjoyed his best season in black and white, finishing 2nd in the Copeland Trophy
Copeland Trophy
The E.W. Copeland Trophy is an Australian rules football award given by the Collingwood Football Club to the player adjudged Best and Fairest for Collingwood during the year....
, however the following seasion saw Woewodin fall out of favour. With Collingwood winning a mere five games, the club's selection committee opted to pursue a youth policy, which saw the likes of Woewodin, whose lack of leg speed saw him unable to dominate the midfield as he once had, Andrew Williams and, to a lesser extent, Matthew Lokan
Matthew Lokan
Matthew Lokan is an Australian rules footballer who has played for Collingwood Football Club.Matthew was drafted at an age of 20 in the 2002 AFL Draft at No.70 overall in a 5th round selection. His age seemed a worry to supporters, but also his talent, which in the year drafted, he had played for...
, ushered out of the side. He was dropped to the club's VFL
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...
affiliate Williamstown on a number of occasions, and at the end of the season, was delisted.
Post-AFL career
Woewodin hoped to be picked up in the pre-season draft to extend his career beyond 2006 (he expressed interest in re-joining Melbourne), but was eventually overlooked by all clubs in the draft. He gave a candid interview on SEN 1116SEN 1116
SEN 1116 , the acronym standing for Sports Entertainment Network, is a commercial AM radio station based in Melbourne, Australia, operating on 1116 kHz...
revealing his disbelief and frustration at not being picked up when realistically, he could have played for another 3 or 4 seasons. Eventually he could only manage to play for 2 seasons in the lower-ranked WAFL.
On the Queen's Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood on 12 June 2006, Shane Woewodin did a prematch lap of honour in an open top car with his children to celebrate his distinguished career with both sides. In an interview he gave prior to the game, he continued to signal his intent to return to the AFL in 2007 and was doing "all the right things" with East Fremantle in an attempt to catch the eye of recruiting staff. Woewodin added that he did not have a manager at this point in time, but was hopeful of selection if he simply nominated himself for the draft. However, he was again overlooked by the draft, due to his age (31).
It was rumoured that Woewodin was asked to play in the annual E. J. Whitten Legends Game
E. J. Whitten Legends Game
The E. J. Whitten Legends Game is an annual charity Australian rules football All-star game, where retired star players are reunited, along with selected non-footballing celebrities, in a State of Origin interstate game, between Victoria and the All Stars .-History:E. J...
with all the other past players, but refused – apparently because he felt that it would completely ruin his chances of being drafted in 2007. This is despite the fact that Paul Salmon
Paul Salmon
Paul Salmon is a former Australian rules footballer. Recruited from North Ringwood, the 206 cm Salmon was, at the time, along with Carlton's Justin Madden, the tallest man to play AFL football...
made a comeback to the AFL after playing in the Legends Game in the year following his first retirement.
East Fremantle
Woewodin finished his career playing for East FremantleEast Fremantle Football Club
The East Fremantle Football Club, nicknamed the Sharks, is an Australian rules football club playing in the West Australian Football League . The team's home ground is East Fremantle Oval...
in the WAFL
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...
, his original club.
In May 2006, after a 37-possession performance for Western Australia against South Australia, Woewodin again reiterated his desire to return to AFL level. Again he was not selected.
He retired at the end of the 2007 WAFL season.
He was named coach of East Fremantle for 2008.
Brisbane Lions
In October 2010, Woewodin announced that he had signed a two-year deal as the midfield coach for AFL club Brisbane LionsBrisbane Lions
The Brisbane Lions is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League . The club is based in Brisbane, Queensland. The club was formed from the merger of the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Lions in 1996...
.