Gavin Wanganeen may not had enjoyed the euphoria of SA aboriginal championships victory in the Grand Final at Kilburn Oval on Sunday, but his magic is still plain to see.
Gavin Wanganeen – body on the line
It is now 21 years since he won the Brownlow Medal – a decade since he was involved in his second AFL premiership with the Power in 2004.
Gavin – The rubber man – Wanganeen takes a big mark over Reece Hocking
It was back in 1990 when a teenage Wanganeen exploded onto the SANFL stage and played in a premiership with the Port Adelaide Magpies.
Gav Wanganeen kicks a important goal in the semi
Now 41 – Wanganeen still has the special talent – that makes you want to come to the footy.
Gav Wanganeen kicks
The titles also included Aaron and Alwyn Davey, Daniel Moltop, Graham Johncock, Eddie Sansbury (Player of the carnival) Harry Miller, Nathan Krakouer and Elijah Ware.
Gav Wanganeen – one hander
Close to 1000 games of AFL in that lot.
Gav Wanganeen – handball
Gav Wanganeen celebrates a critical goal with Elijah Ware
Images – Peter Argent – copyright
They can not be used in any way or form without my express written permission.
Balanced. Skillful. Courageous. Big game player. Out-and-out champion.
Gavin Wanganeen is in my favourite three Port players with Craig Bradley and Time Evans. First time I saw him play, he was 15 in Port’s reserves. The next year he burst on to the SANFL playing with a poise and maturity way beyond his years.
Despite all his AFL heroics, a passage of play in the 1990 SANFL Grand Final stands out. Early in the third quarter…
The ball spills from a marking contest. Arch-villain Scott Salisbury swoops on the loose ball. Wanganeen is right on him. Forces the error. Salisbury fumbles. Loses possession. Wanganeen toe-pokes the Ross Faulker. Hits the jets. Speeds away. Scoops up the pill. And, on his non-preferred left, calmly slots it through. Goal.
A 17 year-old kid should not be capable of such genius. The fact he made Salisbury look like an absolute goose was icing on the cake. With hundreds and thousands on top.
FWIW, I recently saw Wanganeen with Graham Johncock at the Central Markets food court. Wangas still looked pretty fit. But Stiffy has been in a good paddock since retirement…