Almanac Teams: Players better known for other pursuits
This week’s side is based on AFL Players that are best known for another pursuit.
I have once again based the majority of the side from players who played, or their other pursuit was from 1980s. On the others list I have added some test cricketers pre-1980 as thought they would come up as examples
In my eyes majority of the starting 22 are not best known as AFL footballers but their other pursuits. While those listed in the others list while doing well in the other pursuits most are still probably best known as AFL footballers (hope this makes sense). I have not done football commentators as really; I would say they got their role because of their football deeds. There is one exception to this in the side. Reality TV performers were covered a few weeks ago and I have not done players that are AFL players managers or owned a pub/coffee shop but have done a prominent restaurant owner.
Please feel free to add any player I have forgotten from before or after the 1980s.
FB: Robert Hickmott (Melb) Craig Moller (Freo) Max Walker (Melb)
CHB: Bruce Abernathy (NM/Coll/Adel) Brett Stephens (Fitz) Jamie Cooper (Fitz)
C: Damian Drum (Geel) Mordecai Bromberg (St.K) Bill Mildenhall (St.K)
CHF: Dwayne Russell (Geel) Ryan Fitzgerald (Syd/Adel) Jamie Siddons (Syd)
FF: Robert Dickson (Haw) Darren Bennett (Melb) Simon O’Donnell (St.K)
Ruck: Michael Byrne (Melb/Haw) Paul Dimattina (WB) Tony Armstrong (Adel/Syd/Coll)
Interchange: Tom Couch (Melb), Ben Graham (Geel), Karmichael Hunt (GCS), Alan Obst (NM)
Emergencies: Geoff Allardice (Melb), Alex Carey (GWS)
Coach: Denis Pagan (NM/Carl)
Robert Hickmott
2 games Melbourne (1990)
Hickmott is best known as a stable trainer for Lloyd Williams and has trained two Melbourne Cup Winners; 2012 with Green Moon and 2016 with Almandin.
Craig Moller
1 game Fremantle (2013)
Moller has played in the NBL for the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United and is currently playing for Oliver Wurberg in Germany. Moller played for Australia in 2019 and was in the Boomers’ world cup qualifying squad in 2022.
Max Walker
85 games Melbourne (1967-1972)
Walker made his first class cricket debut in 1969 and test on 29 December 1972. Walker was a fast bowler who played 34 tests for 138 wickets at average of 27. He became a media personality post cricket firstly for the ABC and the World of Sport. Walker was prominent on Channel 9’s Wide World of Sports for over a decade and also commentated cricket and hosted the Sunday Footy Show. Walker wrote 14 books with great titles such as ‘How to Hypnotise Chooks’ and ‘How to Kiss a Crocodile’.
Bruce Abernathy
112 games North Melbourne/Collingwood/Adelaide (1982-1986, 1991-1992)
Abernathy started his career as a boundary rider at Channel 7 before he became the sports newsreader at Channel 7 Adelaide in the 1990s.
Fitzroy’s Brett Stephens [Source: Author]
Brett Stephens
133 games Fitzroy (1987-1993)
Stephens was a fitness coach for Pete Sampras for several years when he was world number one and also married Zimbabwean tennis player Cara Black.
Jamie Cooper
26 games Fitzroy (1984-1987)
Cooper is best known as an artist who has painted several AFL club teams of the century and other pieces (I personally have his 2019-2020 Richmond back to back painting). Cooper has also had his commissioned by the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees of the MLB as well as Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
Damian Drum
63 games Geelong (1982-1989), coach of Fremantle (1999-2001)
Drum was a National Party MP in Victorian politics from 2002-2014 and at times served as Minister for Sports and Veteran Affairs. From 2016-2022 Drum was Federal National Party MP in the Turnbull/Morrison governments.
Mordecai Bromberg
34 games St Kilda (1978-1981)
Bromberg is a judge of the Federal Court of Australia since 2009.
St Kilda’s Bill Mildenhall [Source: Author]
Bill Mildenhall
77 games St Kilda (1974-1982)
Mildenhall was an NBL referee from 1979-2011 and holds the record for most games and most times crowned NBL referee of the year. He also officiated at the 1992 and 2000 Olympics.
Dwayne Russell
50 games Geelong (1987-1991)
While Russell is best known for his calling of football, he didn’t get into the media based on his football legacy with many not knowing he played for Geelong. Russell started as a journalist at The Age in 1997 and after football finished, he has worked as a caller for K-Rock, 3LO, 3AW and now works for Fox Footy and SEN.
Ryan Fitzgerald
18 games Sydney/Adelaide (1999-2002)
While Fitzgerald appeared in my reality star side after an appearance on Big Brother in 2004, it is after this that his career has really kicked off. Commonly known as Fitzy, he worked in breakfast radio in Adelaide in 2005 before he moved to Sydney in 2010, he joined Wippa where he has done breakfast radio since with an afternoon syndication show around Australia. Fitzgerald is also a regular on The Front Bar.
Sydney’s Jamie Siddons [Source: Author]
Jamie Siddons
2 games Sydney (1984)
Siddons is probably most recognised as the best cricketer since 1980 not to play test cricket for Australia. Siddons toured Pakistan in 1988 and played one ODI where he made 32 runs. Siddons played 160 Sheffield Shield games for a then record 11,587 runs for Victoria and South Australia; he also captained South Australia to a Shield win. Later he coached Bangladesh from 2007-2011.
Robert Dickson
19 games Hawthorn/Brisbane (1988-1991)
Dickson appeared on and won the first edition of Australian Survivor. Robert along with his brother Peter are best known for his documentaries and AFL Films that were commissioned by the AFL in “The Passion to Play” and “The Essence of the Game” which was released for the 150 year anniversary of Australian Rules.
Darren Bennett
78 games West Coast/Melbourne (1987-1993)
Bennett is a two time leading goalkicker for Melbourne, but he is best known for his career in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers as a punter from 1994-2003 and the Minnesota Vikings from 2004-2005. Bennett made the All Pro First Team in 1995 and 2000, NFL 1990s team of the decade and is in the San Diego Hall of Fame.
Simon O’Donnell
24 games St Kilda (1982-1983)
O’Donnell played six tests for Australia for 206 runs and six wickets. It’s as a one day cricketer O’Donnell is best known for playing 87 games averaging 25 as a big hitting all rounder and 28 with the ball. O’Donnell was a member of the 1987 World Cup victory and has hit the largest six at the MCG. He also worked a lot in the media and is prominent owner of racehorses, coming second as a part owner in the 2008 Melbourne Cup.
Melbourne’s Michael Byrne [Source: Author]
Michael Byrne
167 games Melbourne/Hawthorn/Sydney (1977-1989)
Byrne has worked as a skills coach in Rugby Union with Scotland 2003-2005, New Zealand 2005-2015, Australia 2016-2020 and in 2021 was appointed head coach of the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby.
Paul Dimattina
131 games Western Bulldogs (1995-2003)
Dimattina, like his father, is part of the hospitality industry and is prominent owner of two restaurants in Lygon Street, one in Melbourne’s CBD, one in Southbank and two on the Gold Coast.
Tony Armstrong
35 games Adelaide/Sydney/Collingwood (2010-2015)
Armstrong started on the ABC presenting sports news on ABC Radio and then appeared on ABC News and Offsiders. Armstrong has been on ABC TV News Breakfast since 2021 and in 2022 won the Graham Kennedy Logie for most popular new talent.
Tom Couch
3 games Melbourne (2012)
Son of Brownlow Medallist Paul, Couch has been a trainer for American tennis player Danielle Collins who was runner up to Ash Barty in the 2022 Australian Open.
Ben Graham
219 games Geelong (1993-2004)
Graham played in the NFL as a punter with the New York Jets from 2005-2008, New Orleans Saints in 2008, Arizona Cardinals in 2008-2011 and Detroit Lions in 2011-2012. Graham played in a Superbowl in 2008.
Karmichael Hunt
44 games Gold Coast (2011-2014)
Hunt is best known as an NRL player for the Brisbane Broncos in 128 games from 2004-2009 and then rugby union player in France for Biarritz Olympique in 2009-2010 and post-footy at the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs.
Alan Obst
5 games North Melbourne (2008-2009)
Obst now works as a full time physio on tour for former world number one tennis player Victoria Azarenka
Geoff Allardice
Emergency for Melbourne in the 1987 Finals
Allardice played 14 games of cricket for Victoria and is currently the CEO of the ICC
Alex Carey
Carey was inaugural captain of the GWS Giants Under 18 TAC Cup side in 2010 and he is Australia’s current wicketkeeper who has played 22 tests for 932 runs including one century.
Coach: Denis Pagan
North Melbourne coach (1993-2002) including 1996 and 1999 premierships, Carlton coach (2003-2007)
Pagan is now a horse trainer and trained the winner of the 2020 VRC Derby Jukebox Johnny.
Others
Most of these are better known for their football but have also become known in another field.
The following cricketers all from prior to the 1980s who played Test cricket and in the VFL/AFL.
Warwick Armstrong
16 games South Melbourne (1898-1900)
50 tests as an All Rounder for 2,863 runs and 87 wickets from 1902-1921, captain in 25 tests.
Sam Loxton
41 games St Kilda (1942-1946)
12 Tests as an all rounder for 554 runs and 8 wickets. Loxton was a 1948 Invincible.
Keith Miller
50 games St Kilda (1940-1946)
Considered Australia’s finest all rounder in 55 Tests with 2958 runs and 170 wickets, Miller was also a member of the 1948 Invincibles.
Laurie Nash
99 games South Melbourne (1933-1937)
Nash was a fast bowler with 2 Tests and ten wickets with one test in 1932 and his second in 1937.
There would be more domestic cricketers, but I have done players and two coaches involved since 1980.
Craig Bradley
375 games Carlton (1986-2002)
Four games for Victoria in 1989-1990 as a middle order bat, he made 124 runs at 18 with a top score of 46.
Todd Breman
48 games West Coast/Richmond (1989-1993)
10 matches for WA as an all-rounder from 1986-1987 with 203 runs at 18 and 22 wickets at 30.
Michael Clark
1 game Fremantle (1999)
Son of former Australian fast bowler Wayne, he played 17 games for WA from 2002-2004 and took 48 wickets at 28.
Harry Frei
6 games Footscray (1973)
37 games for Queensland from 1982-1986 with 91 wickets at 38.
Nick Jewell
1 game Richmond (1997)
62 games for Victoria from 2002-2010 with 4,014 runs at 38.
Alex Keath
99 games Adelaide/Western Bulldogs (2017- )
Seven games for Victoria as an All Rounder with 174 runs at 18 and 4 wickets at 18
Geoff Parker
3 games Essendon (1987-1989)
37 matches for Victoria and South Australia for 1,616 runs at 27 from 1985-1999
John Scholes
30 games North Melbourne (1967-1971)
62 games for Victoria for 3,201 at 31 from 1968-1982. Coach of Victoria from 1998-2003.
Earl Spalding
211 games Melbourne/Carlton from (1987-1997)
Four games for WA in 1984-1985 where he took 12 wickets at 26.
Les Stillman
27 games Essendon/Footscray (1967-1971)
28 games for Victoria and South Australia for 1,299 runs at 25 from 1970-1978. Coached SA and Victoria which included Victoria’s 1990-1991 Shield victory.
Mark Bairstow
146 games Geelong (1987-1994)
Horse trainer in Victoria and won group races in the JRA Cup and Easter Cup.
Hayden Ballantyne
171 games Fremantle (2009-2019)
Horse trainer in Perth who had a runner in Group 1 Winterbottom.
Glenn Bartlett
4 games West Coast (1987)
Melbourne Football Club President from 2013-2020.
Mark Blicavs
229 games Geelong (2013- )
Blicavs was a steeplechaser who just missed selection for 2012 Olympics.
Dean Brogan
193 games Port Adelaide/GWS (2000-2013)
NBL Basketballer for Adelaide and Newcastle from 1996-1999 and won a championship with Adelaide in 1998.
Shane Crothers
4 games Geelong (1994-1995)
Played in the NBL for Geelong 1991-1992.
David Fanning
14 games Collingwood (1995-1996)
Played in the NBL for Cairns in 1993.
Hugh Greenwood
116 games Adelaide/Gold Coast/North Melbourne (2017- )
Played in the NBL for Perth in 2015.
Mark Lisle
37 games North Melbourne (1984-1989)
Played in the NBL for Nunawading in 1983
Jack Magden
49 games Collingwood (2018-2022)
Played in the NBL for Cairns in 2016-2017.
Michael Parsons
25 games Sydney (1988-1990)
Played in the NBL for Launceston and West Adelaide from 1981-1985.
Ben Buckley
74 games North Melbourne (1986-1993)
CEO of Football Australia between 2006-2012.
Warwick Capper
124 games Sydney/Brisbane (1983-1991)
Former singer, Meter Maid, comedian, stop-go sign operator, adult movie entertainer, escort and political candidate.
Shane Crawford
305 games Hawthorn (1993-2008)
Musical theatre actor in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Neale Daniher
82 games Essendon (1979-1990)
The face of the fundraising for Freeze MND in Australia.
Josh Hall
7 games Gold Coast (2012-2015)
World Youth Bronze Medallist in High Jump and listed NRL player for Penrith from 2016-2017.
Israel Folau
13 games GWS (2012)
NRL player for Melbourne and Brisbane from 2007-2010 and rugby player for the NSW Waratahs from 2013-2019.
Mark Jackson
82 games Melbourne/St Kilda/Geelong (1981-1986)
Had a Number 2 single ‘I’m an Individual’ in 1985 and was an actor in the American tv show The Highwayman.
Tadhg Kenneally
197 games Sydney (2001-2011)
Is the only player to win both an AFL premiership and a GAA All-Ireland Final.
Justin Madden
332 games Carlton/Essendon (1980-1996)
Victoria state parliament member from 1999-2014, he held ministerial roles in Planning and Sport & Recreation.
Laurie Morgan
34 games Fitzroy (1937-1939)
Only AFL player to win an Olympic gold medal, at the 1960 Rome Olympics Morgan won gold in individual and team equestrian events.
Stephen Patterson
96 games Collingwood (1995-2000)
State Member in South Australia currently and was Minister for Trade and Investment in the previous government.
Mike Pyke
110 games Sydney (2009-2015)
20 games for Canada in Rugby Union from 2004-2008.
Michael Roberts
91 games St.Kilda/Richmond/Fitzroy (1978-1987)
Was a model on Sale of the Century.
Saverio Rocca
257 games Collingwood/North Melbourne (1992-2006)
NFL punter for Philadelphia 2007-2010 and Washington from 2011-2013.
Arryn Siposs
28 games St Kilda (2011-2015)
NFL punter for Philadelphia from 2022-
Chris Stone
23 games St Kilda (1978-1981)
Husband of former Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes
Todd Viney
233 games Melbourne (1987-1999)
Brief coach of Mark Philippoussis in 1996 but contrary to legend never beat or even played Boris Becker in tennis.
Tim Watson
307 games Essendon (1977-1994)
Channel 7 sports newsreader since 2015.
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Thanks Rodney,
Sheeds must take a lot of the credit for steering young Alex Carey in the right direction. I’m sure Jonny Bairstow wishes he had pursued his AFL dreams.
Also, didn’t young Eddie McGuire AM try out with the North Melbourne under 19s.
Thanks Rodney. I think Wayne ‘Moose’ Henwood became a lawyer, a few players have gone on to be player managers such as Alex McDonald and Craig Kelly built a big business in that field and is now CEO of the Pies. Nathan Chapman became an NFL kicker then formed his own business in Australia developing future talent.
Matthew Liptak (Crows) is now a leading orthopaedic surgeon. Pre AFL it was common for players to also pursue professional careers. Tony “Doc” Clarkson Sturt SANFL premiership and State ruckman from the 1960’s became a kidney physician.
Politicians – Ray Groom (Melbourne & Tasmanian Premier & Federal Minister); Justin Madden. Ken Bennet who played in Collingwood’s 1958 flag was Deputy Secretary of the Federal ALP in the 1980’s during the Hawke years.
Speaking of Hawke – Neil Hawke (Port Adelaide, West Torrens and East Perth key forward) and Australian test opening bowler (27 tests in 1960’s) is easily the most talented Australian all round sportsman that I’ve seen in 60 years.
Great topic and love the list. A flick through various on-line footy sites and history books always reveals some fascinating characters.
One is front of mind today – the late Raymond Jones – one of Australia’s finest architects. He played for Collingwood a long time ago. When chatting to me he was talking about playing in a game on the King’s Birthday holiday. That’s how long ago it was. He died in September last year.
LazyDave’s story about him on the Almanac site is worth a look.
what a list!
I thought of Elysse Perry.
Top scored for Aust in the ODI earlier in the week.
FIFA world cup starting on Thursday. The same E Perry scored for the Matildas in the 2011 FIFA world cup v Sweden. Do we still remember her as a round ball footballer?
Superstar.
Thanks Dan I believe Eddie did play Under 19 at North. I did leave the list at players that just played seniors but happy to hear of notables in other pursuits that just played reserves or Under 19s
Thanks Ian Chapman is one I missed. Off the top of my head I think Jurica, Nick Holland and even Benny Gale were lawyers. While other footy managers include Scott Lucas, Adam Ramanauskas ,Brett Deledio, Liam Pickering, Marty Pask and of course Ricky Nixon
Thanks Peter Matthew Liptak is a really good one in my era that I forgot, also Tom Swift who quit to pursue medical studies. Couple of NT Tiger politicians I did miss since 1980 are Maurice Rioli and Joel Bowden. The other one I think of is Neal Tresize.
Thanks John for your kind words, I love this sight and will read lazydave story tonight.
Thanks Russel Elysse Perry is a great one for a cricket theme in summer.
Aussies – Nathan Bracken as a politican, Brett Lee as Bollywood singer/actor for example
Rest of World would have Imran Khan
The most prominent historical cricketer is Reverend David Sheppard who played 22 tests for England between 1950 and 1963 as an opening batsman – averaging 37.8 with 3 centuries. He later became Bishop of Liverpool and was very socially active – particularly in the anti apartheid campaigns. In retirement he became a Life Peer sitting in the House of Lords as a Labor member.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sheppard
Which brings up Pastor Doug Nicholls (Fitzroy) who became Governor of South Australia. Pastor Peter Wiebusch (Sturt SANFL). I play golf in Perth with the son of Ken Melville – Melbourne’s centreman in their 1955 & 56 flags under Norm Smith. He gave up VFL to go to London and further his studies as a Presbyterian minister. Cost him a few more flags in a dominant era for the Demons. His son tells me he had a long career in the Ammos on his return to Australia. Any other members of the cloth in different faiths?
Re Paul Dimattina (Dima’s) restaurants, the one in the CBD was Society, top of Bourke. I was a regular when I worked down the block. For out of state travellers, it was a Melbourne must. Food and wine top notch and the clientele a sight to see, pollies rubbing elbows with underground figures, here and there a celeb and usually an eccentric raconteur with a rambling tale to tell. Society closed down a few years ago and Dima headed to South Melbourne to Lamaro’s, a place I have rolled out of more than once or twice.
Spalding also played indoor cricket and you’d call a sickie if you had to play against him.
Jacko was an “actor”. Can the word/meaning be stretched that far?
Love your work on this and Almanacer contributions.
Cheers
Some notable Reserves players over the years-
Shane Warne of course- 2 games for St Kilda
Mike Willesee- TV journalist, was an emergency for South Melbourne I believe.
James Tomkins- of the Oarsome Foursome was on Melbourne’s list but not sure if he played a game.
Thanks Peter Sir Doug Nicholls is a great one, while before 1980 I should have still mentioned him as being governor is as high pursuit. Rev David would make an international team definitely. Thank You
Thanks for your kind words Rick. I didn’t eat at Society but have at Dimattinas. Great meal.
Thanks Dan they are great names in Reserves. I have James Tomkins coming up in a Draft side later on.
Another good team Rodney, you keep them coming.
I noticed Harry Frei. I did a team of Germanic footballers a few years back. Harry Frei was in it, being one of the very few German born players to appear at the highest level. His cricketing highlight must have been his explosive 57 for Queensland against the touring English in 1982-83.
Going back a few decades prior to the 1980’s I’ll offer the name of a Melbourne half forward flanker Keith William ‘Bluey’ Truscott who certainly made a name for himself in another field that being a fighter pilot in the RAAF.
Truscott played 44 games, kicked 33 goals and played in the 1939 & 1940 premiership teams. With the RAAF’s 452 Squadron he flew Spitfires in the European theatre claiming 11 kills. Truscott was promoted to Squadron Leader, returning to Australia in 1942. He played one more game for Melbourne on his return before serving with 75 Squadron RAAF in New Guinea. Tragically he was killed of the Westralian coast in a training mishap.
Truscott’s war record was certainly meritorious. He was an Ace finishing with a war record of 16 kills, with another 3 probables. Certainly he lived an action packed short life.
Glen!
Thanks Glen, I have an ABC cricket book that mentions Frei a chance to play for Australia in early 1980s. I th think from memory Alan McGilvray had him in his team as best left handed available as a bowler ahead of Mike Whitney.
Truscott is a great story. The fact Melbourne name their Best & Fairest shows you how highly regarded he is.
I think Dr Roy Park deserves a mention, Dr, test cricketer, Victorian cricket selector after footy career with University and Melbourne.
Unfortunately Robert Dickson was killed in a car accident. He went to Ringwood High School, a couple of years behind me. A man of faith as I understand.
Thanks Noelmc
I did forget Roy Park, that is a good get
Dickson was a sad loss unfortunately