The latest crop of recruits will continue some proud traditions when they don the Brisbane Lions Guernsey for the first time.
Some of the Club’s most famous numbers have been handed down to new owners – including jumpers previously worn Lions Hall of Famers Kevin Murray, Paul Roos, Nigel Lappin, Bernie Quinlan, and John Murphy.
Lions.com.au takes a look back at some of the more notable players who have worn the guernsey numbers recently inherited by the new recruits.
You can also check out a comprehensive list of each number’s history here
#1
KEVIN MURRAY
Fitzroy (1955-64, 1967-74)
Club Games: 333
Club Goals: 51
A Brownlow Medallist and nine-time Best and Fairest winner with Fitzroy, Murray stands as one of only two official ‘Hall of Fame Legends’ of the Club together with Haydn Bunton. Nicknamed ‘Bulldog’, Murray was never the most elegant or poised of footballers but had enough pace, judgement, athleticism and toughness to make him one of the most revered players in AFL history. He captained Fitzroy for eight seasons, captain-coached them in 1963 and 1964 before heading West where he captain-coached East Perth in 1965 and 1966. Murray was a veritable stalwart of the interstate scene donning the ‘Big V’ jumper 24 times and representing Western Australia on six occasions. He won the Brownlow Medal in 1969 at the ripe old age of 31 having previously finished second twice and third once. In 2002 he was placed on a half back flank and selected as captain in Fitzroy's official 'Team of the Century'. Four years later East Perth selected him as ruck-rover in their official 'Team of the Century'.
*played 166 games in the #2 Guernsey from 1955-64
PAUL ROOS
Fitzroy (1982-94)
Club Games: 269
Club Goals: 270
An imposing key position player at either end of the ground, Paul Roos enjoyed a spectacularly successful 17-season career at the top level. He made his VFL debut with Fitzroy as a wingman in 1982, but it was when moved to centre half-back that he truly blossomed. Roos was a warm pre-count favourite for the 1986 Brownlow Medal but ultimately finished second. During his stellar career, he picked up five Fitzroy Best and Fairest awards, was a seven-time All Australian and represented Victoria on 14 occasions. He moved to Sydney at the end of 1994 to play out the remaining years of his career.
*played 87 games and kicked 19 goals for Sydney from 1995-98.
MARK MICKAN
Brisbane Bears (1987-90)
Club Games: 48
Club Goals: 26
Mark Mickan built his reputation with West Adelaide before being drafted to the newly formed Bears in 1987. He was immediately installed as the Bears’ inaugural Captain, and went on to lead the Brisbane-based Club for three years. He later moved back to his home State and rediscovered his best form – winning the Crows’ inaugural Best and Fairest award.
*played 37 games and kicked 12 goals with Adelaide from 1991-93
BRAD BOYD
Fitzroy (1992-96)
Brisbane Lions (1997-99)
Club Games: 85
Club Goals: 57
A talented junior footballer, Brad Boyd started with Collingwood’s U19s and Reserves, but was traded to Fitzroy in 1992. He went on to show great talent and leadership qualities with the Lions, and was appointed Club Captain at just 22 years of age. He tackled the role admirably and managed to play quality football which earned him selection in the Victorian State side (in 1994 and 1995) and Fitzroy’s Best and Fairest award in 1995. At the end of 1996, he was one of eight Fitzroy players chosen to join the newly merged Brisbane Lions. But ongoing injury troubles – caused from playing injured for so long at Fitzroy – prematurely ended his career in 1999. He will be forever remembered as Fitzroy’s last Captain.
*played 35 games in the #34 Guernsey 1992-94
*played 15 games in the #9 Guernsey 1997-99
RICHARD CHAMPION
Brisbane Bears (1991-96)
Brisbane Lions (1997-2000)
Club Games: 183
Club Goals: 80
Champion was a no fuss full-back who represented the Club for a decade from 1991-2000. He began his career with the Bears as a pinch-hitting key position forward or defender and was often used as a makeshift forward with success. He was named on the interchange bench in the Brisbane Lions’ Team of the Decade in 2006.
#4
ROSS THORNTON
Fitzroy (1980-89)
Club Games: 146
Club Goals: 26
Ross Thornton originally tried out at Fitzroy in the mid 1970s but was turned away so he played for VFA club Prahran. He was eventually signed by the Lions and soon found his niche in the back pocket. He played 146 games (including six finals) throughout his 10-year career with the Lions and won a Club Best and Fairest in 1984. He later coached Prahran and was an assistant coach at Fitzroy.
*played 15 in the #49 Guernsey in 1980
STEPHEN PAXMAN
Fitzroy (1991-96)
Club Games: 102
Club Goals: 18
Stephen Paxman was recruited by the Lions in 1991 and played full-back for six seasons during one of the Club’s most difficult times. He played in Fitzroy’s final game against Fremantle at Subiaco in Round 22 of 1996 before being picked up by Port Adelaide at the beginning of 1997.
*played 138 games and kicked 20 goals for Port Adelaide from 1997-2003
JOHN GASTEV
Brisbane Bears (1989-94)
Club Games: 113
Club Goals: 41
In 1987, John Gastev was recruited from West Perth to become he was a member of West Coast's inaugural VFL squad before he was somewhat surprisingly released to Brisbane in 1989. Gastev played his best football with the Bears, winning Club Best and Fairest awards in 1989 and 1992 and establishing a reputation as one of the toughest and most courageous on-ballers in the game. Renowned for his hard attack on the football, and his unflinching valour under enemy fire, Gastev was a firm favourite among Brisbane's fans and one of the Club's most important players during its formative years. He also represented Western Australia on two occasions in State of Origin.
*played 19 games in the #45 Guernsey in 1989
*played 30 games and kicked 31 goals for West Coast from 1987-88
CRAIG McRAE
Brisbane Bears (1995-96)
Brisbane Lions (1997-2004)
Club Games: 195
Club Goals: 232
The pint-sized forward affectionately known as ‘Flea’ was drafted from Glenelg in South Australia at the end of 1994. He became renowned for his knack of kicking goals from beyond the fifty metre line, his crumbing ability and ferocious forward-line tackling pressure. The respected goalsneak was an important member of the Lions’ hat-trick of premierships and retired from professional football after the Club’s 2004 Grand Final loss to Port Adelaide.
#5
JACK COOPER
Fitzroy (1907-15)
Club Games: 136
Club Goals: 8
A vigorous and extremely determined defender, Jack Cooper was a stalwart with Fitzroy for nine seasons. The highlight of his career was probably the 1913 Challenge Final against St Kilda, when Cooper was adjudged best afield in the Roys’ 13-point win. Cooper left the game at the end of the 1915 season when he enlisted in the armed services. He was later killed in action.
*played 67 games before guernsey numbers were introduced in 1912
HORRIE JENKIN
Fitzroy (1916-28)
Club Games: 168
Club Goals: 22
After playing initially as a full forward, Fitzroy's Horrie Jenkin developed into a combative and highly resilient defender. He played at full-forward in the Maroons' 1916 Challenge Final win against Carlton and went on to be one of the team’s best players in the 1922 Premiership team playing at full-back. He won the Club’s Best & Fairest award in 1926.
*played 89 games in the #4 guernsey from 1923-28
TONY ONGARELLO
Fitzroy (1952-60)
Club Games: 131
Club Goals: 247
A master of the old place-kick, Tony Ongarello kicked 50 goals in his debut season and went on to lead Fitzroy’s goal-kicking on three occasions. He was a brilliant mark, but a much-maligned kick at goal which led to him spending some time at centre half-back throughout his career.
*played 19 games in the #31 Guernsey in 1952
JOHN MURPHY
Fitzroy (1967-77)
Club Games: 214
Club Goals: 326
John Murphy was without doubt one of the greatest players in the history of the Fitzroy Football Club. He was a tough and ferocious centreman who won five Fitzroy Best & Fairest awards and captained the Club from 1973 to 1977. He was discarded by the Club at the end of 1977 and went on to play for South Melbourne and North Melbourne. Acknowledged as one of the game's most damaging and valuable performers, Murphy was duly named in the centre of Fitzroy’s ‘Team of the Century’.
*played 23 games and kicked 40 goals for South Melbourne from 1978-79
*played nine games and kicked eight goals for North Melbourne in 1980
BERNIE QUINLAN
Fitzroy (1978-86)
Club Games: 189
Club Goals: 576
A superb kick and powerful mark, Bernie 'Superboot' Quinlan was one of the VFL's most exciting key position forwards of the 1970s and 80s. After an impressive career with Footscray, Quinlan crossed to Fitzroy where he produced the best and most consistent form of his career. He kicked over 100 goals in both 1983 and 1984 but the highlight of his illustrious career came in 1981 when he tied for the Brownlow Medal with South Melbourne's Barry Round at the age of 30. In 2002, Quinlan was duly named as the centre half-forward of Fitzroy's official 'Team of the Century'.
*played 177 games and kicked 241 goals for Footscray from 1969-77
#13
KEVIN WRIGHT
Fitzroy (1952-61)
Club Games: 140
Club Goals: 160
Kevin Wright played 140 games for Fitzroy between 1952 and 1961 during which time he twice led the Club goal-kicking – in 1959 (with 43 goals) and 1960 (with 36 goals). He played predominantly in defence in the early stages of his career where he was regarded as somewhat of a spare-parts man before a successful move forward. He played in three finals games and was a member of Fitzroy’s 1959 Night Premiership team.
ALEX RUSCUKLIC
Fitzroy (1966-74)
Club Games: 108
Club Goals: 189
Born in Germany, the multi-lingual Alex Ruscuklic’s arrival at Fitzroy in 1966 was surrounded by controversy after the Latrobe Valley League (where he played with Morwell) refused to sanction his transfer to the VFL. With uninhibited determination and a spectacular aerial ability he became a popular figure among the Fitzroy faithful. However, he repeatedly locked horns with Club officials and was hastily transferred to Carlton at the start of the 1974 season where he saw out the remainder of what was to be his final season in the VFL. Throughout his career with Fitzroy, Ruscukic was twice the Club’s leading goal-kicker and finished only five votes short of St Kilda’ Ian Stewart in the 1971 Brownlow Medal count.
*played 18 games in the #24 Guernsey from 1966-67
*played 19 games in the #12 Guernsey in 1968
*played 21 games for Carlton in 1974
WARWICK IRWIN
Fitzroy (1970-80, 1983)
Club Games: 213
Club Goals: 228
Lightly built Warwick Irwin was a prominent rover for Fitzroy during the 1970s and early 1980s. Irwin was a regular Victorian representative and achieved the Club’s highest individual honour when he won Fitzroy's Best & Fairest award in 1975. He became a high-priced Collingwood recruit but was sacked a year later when struck down by injury. He returned home to Fitzroy for one final season in 1983 before finishing his football career in the VFL with Port Melbourne.
*played 206 games in the #7 guernsey from 1970-80
*played 16 games and kicked 16 goals for Collingwood in 1981
BERNIE HARRIS
Fitzroy (1984-86)
Brisbane Bears (1987-90)
Club Games: 102
Club Goals: 118
Bernie Harris commenced his VFL career with Fitzroy in 1984 and quickly made a name for himself as a clever rover with an ability to find the goals. He booted 46 goals in 60 games with Fitzroy from 1984-86 before moving to Queensland where he became a key figure in the inaugural Brisbane Bears team in 1987. After only seven senior matches with the struggling Bears side of 1990, Harris moved to St Kilda mid-season where he played out the final five matches of his football career.
*played five games for St Kilda in 1990
BRETT VOSS
Brisbane Lions (1997-2000)
Club Games: 35
Club Goals: 11
The younger brother of Michael, Brett joined the Lions from local club Morningside and was used in a grab-bag of different roles during his four senior seasons. He preferred to play at half-back or the middle, but the prevalence of Lions players who could handle those roles meant his chances were limited. At the end of 2000, Voss’ lack of opportunities saw him sign with St Kilda, where he remained for the rest of his AFL career.
*played 135 games and kicked 56 goals for St Kilda from 2001-07
MARTIN PIKE
Fitzroy (1995-96)
Brisbane Lions (2001-2005)
Club Games: 142
Club Goals: 82
Journeyman Martin Pike spent the first two seasons of his AFL career with Melbourne before he was traded to Fitzroy at the end of 1994. He rapidly developed into a consistent performer for the Club during a period of poor on-field performance. The hard-running half back won Fitzroy’s final Best & Fairest award in 1996 before being drafted to North Melbourne following the merger. After 81 games with his third AFL club, Pike moved to Brisbane in 2001 where he was an immediate part of three successive premiership winning teams. Pike played in his sixth AFL Grand Final in 2004 – albeit a losing one – and remained at the Club until he retired in 2005.
*played 36 games and kicked 15 goals in the #8 Guernsey from 1995-96
*played 24 games and kicked 25 goals for Melbourne from 1993-94
*played 81 games and kicked 19 goals for North Melbourne from 1997-2000
#18
FRANK CURCIO
Fitzroy (1932-36, 1938-43, 1945-48)
Club Games: 249
Club Goals: 17
Ruckman/defender Frank Curcio played 249 games for Fitzroy between 1932 and 1948 – missing the 1937 season to play the violin and the 1944 season due to military service. He captained Fitzroy for fours years from 1938-1941. Curcio was the first Fitzroy player to reach 200 games and remained the Club’s games record holder for 23 years until Kevin Murray passed him. The Lions’ 200-game honour board is named in his honour.
JOHN BLAKEY
Fitzroy (1985-92)
Club Games: 135
Club Goals: 38
John Blakey was recruited by Fitzroy from local region East Doncaster and became a useful wingman/flanker over eight seasons with the Club. The wiry yet durable flanker was lured to North Melbourne during Fitzroy’s troubled years where he spent ten years and played a further 224 games – including the 1996 and 1999 premierships. He eventually retired at age 36 after being awarded AFL Life Membership.
*played four games in the #54 Guernsey in 1985
*played 224 games and kicked 72 goals with North Melbourne from 1993-2002
CRAIG LAMBERT
Brisbane Bears / Lions (1994-2000
Club Games: 96
Club Goals: 27
Craig Lambert began his senior career with VFA club Dandenong before joining Richmond in 1988. He made a name for himself as a tough, hard running and highly creative midfielder who used the handball to great effect to open up the play. He was almost a lone shining light in the Tigers’ struggling sides in the late 80s and early 90s and won the club’s Best & Fairest award in 1991. After 123 games with Richmond, he reluctantly transferred to Brisbane and won the Club’s Best & Fairest award in his first season. In 96 games across seven seasons, Lambert proved a superb contributor for the Bears/Lions and became widely regarded as one of the most damaging on-ballers in the competition. He was a driving force behind the Bears’ first Preliminary Final appearance in 1996 and was honoured with All-Australian selection that same year. Niggling injuries forced Lambert into retirement at the end of 2000, but he remained with the Club in the following seasons as an Assistant Coach.
* played 123 games and kicked 53 goals with Richmond from 1988-93
#25
EDDIE HART
Fitzroy (1941, 44, 46-51)
Club Games: 98
Club Goals: 323
A natural forward, Eddie Hart was lightning fast on the lead, a safe mark and accurate kick. His pace off the mark made him a nightmare for full-backs, while his safe chest marking also made him an excellent wet-weather player. His career was restricted by war service and injury after making his debut at 17. The left-footer showed that he was force when he returned from the war and kicked 17 goals in one match for Fitzroy’s reserves. His best in the seniors was a nine goal effort against Essendon in 1947. He led Fitzroy’s goal-kicking from 1947-51, and represented Victoria in 1948 and 1949. He went out in style, kicking seven of his side’s eight goals in his final VFL game.
*played 5 games in the #9 guernsey in 1941
*played 1 game in the #37 guernsey in 1944
MATTHEW CAMPBELL
Brisbane Bears (1987-93)
Club Games: 79
Club Goals: 28
Recruited from North Adelaide, Campbell was part of the Bears’ inaugural VFL squad and made a name for himself as a dashing wingman. He represented Australia as the goal-keeper in exhibition Test matches against Ireland in 1987 and 1990. Since his retirement, he has gone on to become a popular AFL commentator and is currently an ambassador for TAB Sportsbet.
#26
ROY MILLEN
Fitzroy (1913-23)
Club Games: 117
Club Goals: 9
Rowland ‘Roy’ Millen joined Fitzroy in 1913 and enjoyed 11 seasons with the Club playing primarily as a wingman or in the centre. He was best afield in Fitzroy’s premiership team in 1916 and participated in their losing Grand Final side the following year. He retired at the end of 1923 and went on to officiate as a field umpire for one senior VFL match in 1929.
*played one senior match before guernsey numbers were introduced in 1914
*played 17 matches in the #29 Guernsey in 1914
KEITH STACKPOLE
Fitzroy (1939-44)
Club Games: 84
Club Goals: 203
After 34 VFL games and 26 goals for the Magpies, Keith Stackpole crossed to Fitzroy where he really came into his own as the Club's second rover alongside Brownlow Medallist Allan Ruthven. Stackpole went on to play a further five and-a-half seasons with the Maroons. His final match was the Club’s 1944 Grand Final, when he contributed a couple of goals to the Roys' 15-point win over Richmond.
*played 34 matches and kicked 26 goals with Collingwood from 1935-39
RODNEY EADE
Brisbane Bears (1988-90)
Club Games: 30
Club Goals: 3
Rodney Eade played 229 games in 12 seasons with Hawthorn. Wearing the number 26 jumper previously made famous by fellow Tasmanian great Peter Hudson, he went on to play oin four premierships with the Hawks. Eade joined the Bears in 1988 but found himself stymied by injuries and was only able to add a further 30 senior games over his final three seasons in the VFL.
*played 229 matches and kicked 46 goals with Hawthorn from 1976-87
CRAIG BOLTON
Brisbane Lions (2000-02)
Club Games: 29
Club Goals: 10
A classy utility originally from Eastlake in NSW, Bolton struggled with injuries in his first two seasons with the Lions and was unlucky to miss the breakthrough 2001 premiership side. He was named as an emergency for the 2002 Grand Final, before deciding to move to Sydney in search of greater senior opportunities. He became an accomplished member at the Swans – where he was an All Australian, premiership player and Club Co-Captain.
*played 145 games and kicked 15 goals with Sydney from 2003-08
#27
TOMMY CORRIGAN
Fitzroy (1922-28)
Club Games: 107
Club Goals: 13
Tommy Corrigan was recruited by Fitzroy as and 18 year-old defender. He played 15 matches and was fortunate enough to feature in the Club’s 1922 premiership win against Collingwood in his debut season. He played in the losing Grand Final side of 1923 in only his second season and remained a consistent player for Fitzroy until he retired at the end of 1928.
*played 12 matches in the #33 Guernsey in 1922
MICKEY SHARP
Fitzroy (1932-41)
Club Games: 104
Club Goals: 90
Standing at only 173cm tall, Mickey Sharp was a quick and elusive half forward who had a number of eye-catching displays over his 10-year career with Fitzroy. After managing only 17 matches in his first three seasons with the Club, Sharp made a name for himself in 1935 by kicking 20 goals and earning seven Brownlow Medal votes. He played in a relatively unsuccessful era for the Club and was unfortunate never to be able to experience a VFL finals match.
*played four matches in the #24 Guernsey in 1932
NOEL JARVIS
Fitzroy (1944-52)
Club Games: 159
Club Goals: 31
Noel Jarvis was a creative wingman who gave Fitzroy great service in 159 VFL games between 1944 and 1952. In his debut season, he played on a wing in the 1944 Grand Final when the Roys overcame Richmond to secure their last ever premiership. Highly regarded by team-mates and opponents alike, Jarvis represented the VFL at the 1947 Hobart Carnival and again during his final league season in 1952.
RAY SLOCUM
Fitzroy (1957-65)
Club Games: 121
Club Goals: 47
Ray Slocum had been a member of Fitzroy’s 1956 Under 19 premiership team coached by Len Smith before going on to play 121 senior games for the Club between 1957 and 1965. He played in two finals games in 1960 and was a member of Fitzroy’s 1959 Night Premiership team. He played predominantly on the wing and later went on to coach Fitzroy’s reserves side.
*played five matches in the #36 Guernsey in 1957
GRAEME ALLAN
Fitzroy (1975-80)
Club Games: 87
Club Goals: 97
Graeme ‘Gubby’ Allan was a skilful and clever centreman/utility who started his football career with VFA club Sunshine. He played 87 matches for Fitzroy – including the Club’s record-breaking 190-point win over Melbourne in 1979 – and represented Victoria in the State of Origin. He later moved to Collingwood where he remained as a key administrator even after his playing career. He subsequently took the Football Manager’s position at the Brisbane Lions and presided over three straight premiership wins from 2001-2003. More recently he has taken up the Football Manager post at the AFL’s newest franchise in Greater Western Sydney. Allan was inducted as a Lions Life Member at the end of 2013.
* played 54 matches and kicked 29 goals for Collingwood from 1981-86
CLARK KEATING
Brisbane Bears (1995-96)
Brisbane Lions (1997-2006)
Club Games: 139
Club Goals: 83
Clark ‘Crackers’ Keating was a high quality ruckman and occasional forward from the Gold Coast who was limited to only 139 matches in 12 seasons with the Club due to injury. Such is the measure of a quality player, Keating was a noted big-game performer. He was a key member in the Club’s hat-trick of premierships from 2001-03 and was among the team’s best in each Grand Final. He was inducted as a Life Member of the Club after announcing his retirement at the end of the 2006 season.
#28
MAURIE HEARN
Fitzroy (1934-37, 1939-44)
Club Games: 128
Club Goals: 87
After struggling to get a senior game at South Melbourne, Maurie Hearn went on to build a long and honourable career with Fitzroy. He spent four years with the Club before taking a year off in 1938 to go to sea and got as far as Scotland. He eventually returned and was best afield in the Lions’ 1944 premiership win.
*played 79 games in the #23 guernsey from 1939-44
*played eight games and kicked four goals for South Melbourne from 1932-34
ROD CARTER
Fitzroy (1974-79)
Club Games: 76
Club Goals: 0
Originally recruited from Banyule, Rod Carter began his career with Fitzroy playing predominantly as a full-back and centre half-back. He said in later years that he had been bad-tempered and lacked discipline during his six seasons with the Lions. He eventually moved to South Melbourne in 1980 where he became a champion stalwart in defence. His only goal in 293 league games was against Melbourne at the SCG in 1986.
*played 26 games in the #40 guernsey from 1974-75
*played 217 games and kicked one goal for South Melbourne from 1980-90
LES PARISH
Fitzroy (1980-85)
Club Games: 87
Club Goals: 52
Les Parish was initially rejected by North Melbourne as a youngster before becoming a fine player for the Lions. Hailing from Yarrawonga, he was a tough ruck-rover and utility who found plenty of the ball. His toughness was displayed when he fractured vertebrae in his neck during a training drill, but was back in action five weeks later. He was ultimately cleared to Melbourne due to salary cap restrictions.
*played three games in the #45 guernsey in 1980
*played seven games and kicked five goals with Melbourne in 1985
ROSS LYON
Fitzroy (1985-94)
Brisbane Bears (1995)
Club Games: 129
Club Goals: 112
Brutal, honest and uncompromising, Ross Lyon played the game straight down the line. Despite being a highly skilled half forward, he was probably best known for his ‘tough tactics’ which often landed him in trouble with the AFL’s Tribunal. He moved to Brisbane as a prize recruit in 1995, but was limited to only two matches with the then Bears due to injury. He became the Senior Coach of St Kilda at the end of 2006.
*played 127 matches in the #29 guernsey from 1985-94
DARREN ‘DOC’ WHEILDON
Fitzroy (1989-94)
Club Games: 70
Club Goals: 160
Chosen well down the order in the 1987 National Draft, Darren Wheildon proved a wonderful servant for Fitzroy. He was a flamboyant player in attack who could out-mark bigger opponents and had a knack of producing miraculous passages of play. While very popular at Fitzroy, he often stretched the patience of officials and the coach with his on-field and off-field indiscretions. His career ended at Essendon in 1996 when he was knocked over by a car outside a King Street nightclub.
*played six games in the #50 guernsey in 1989
*played 57 games in the #12 guernsey from 1991-94
STEPHEN PAXMAN
Fitzroy (1991-96)
Club Games: 102
Club Goals: 18
Stephen Paxman was recruited by the Lions in 1991 and played full-back for six seasons during one of the Club’s most difficult times. He played in Fitzroy’s final game against Fremantle at Subiaco in Round 22 of 1996 before being picked up by Port Adelaide at the beginning of 1997 and won the Power’s Best & Fairest award in 1999.
*played 86 games in the #4 guernsey from 1992-96
*played 138 games and kicked 20 goals for Port Adelaide from 1997-2003
TROY SELWOOD
Brisbane Lions (2003-10)
Club Games: 75
Club Goals: 11
Troy Selwood had to wait more than two years before making his senior debut with the Lions, but he quickly established himself as a courageous and versatile midfielder. Persistent injuries limited him to just 75 matches in eight seasons with the Club, but his value on and off the field was immense. Selwood – who has three brothers still playing in the AFL – disregarded his own personal safety when competing on the field and on more than one occasion came off the field with concussion. His commitment could never be questioned, but his continued injury concerns ultimately cut short his promising AFL career.
#34
DOUG SEARL
Fitzroy (1968-76)
Club Games: 131
Club Goals: 170
Doug Searl began his VFL career with Collingwood in 1966 but struggled during his time with the Magpies. Early in the 1968 season, he crossed to Fitzroy where he led the Club’s goal-kicking tally in his first two seasons. In 1970, he was trialed at centre half-back and proved to be an immediate success. He played the majority of his final six VFL seasons in defence before eventually retiring at the end of 1976. He later enjoyed a highly successful coaching career both at Under 19s level and with Port Melbourne in 1991 and 1992.
*played 59 games in the #4 Guernsey from 1973-76
GRANT LAWRIE
Fitzroy (1978-88)
Club Games: 151
Club Goals: 56
Grant Lawrie earned the nickname ‘Sticks’ because of his slight build – but this did not stop him from filling the demanding centre half back position at times throughout his career. He began his career on the half-forward flank in 1978 and played a total of 11 seasons with Fitzroy. He represented the Club in four finals series and was a member of the ‘Big V’ State of Origin side in 1983. He finished his career with the Club in 1988 and joined Box Hill in the VFA before returning to the AFL in 1990 for one more season with St Kilda.
*played nine games in the #48 Guernsey in 1978
*played 44 games in the #3 Guernsey from 1980-82
*played 17 games for St Kilda in 1990
BRAD BOYD
Fitzroy (1992-96)
Brisbane Lions (1997-99)
Club Games: 85
Club Goals: 57
A talented junior footballer, Brad Boyd started with Collingwood’s U19s and Reserves, but was traded to Fitzroy in 1992. He went on to show great talent and leadership qualities with the Lions, and was appointed Club Captain at just 22 years of age. He tackled the role admirably and managed to play quality football which earned him selection in the Victorian State side (in 1994 and 1995) and Fitzroy’s Best and Fairest award in 1995. At the end of 1996, he was one of eight Fitzroy players chosen to join the newly merged Brisbane Lions. But ongoing injury troubles – caused from playing injured for so long at Fitzroy – prematurely ended his career in 1999. He will be forever remembered as Fitzroy’s last Captain.
*played 35 games in the #1 Guernsey from 1995-96
*played 15 games in the #9 Guernsey from 1997-99
#39
WARWICK CAPPER
Brisbane Bears (1988-90)
Club Games: 34
Club Goals: 71
One of the game’s most flamboyant full-forward, Capper was recruited from Oakleigh and became well known for his tight shorts, white boots, and blond hair, but was also a seriously good player. He had a freakish marking ability that helped him top the Swans’ goal-kicking in each season from 1984-87. He even cracked the ‘ton’ in 1987 when he finished with 103 goals for the season. He crossed to the Bears as a high profile recruit in 1988, but had limited success. He returned to Sydney for one final season in 1991.
*played 90 games and kicked 317 goals for Sydney 1983-87 and 1991
DAMIAN BOURKE
Brisbane Bears (1993-95)
Club Games: 22
Club Goals: 4
A big-hearted ruckman who was recruited from local club St Joseph’s, Bourke’s early career was hampered by knee injuries, but he went on to Captain Geelong for three seasons – including the 1989 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn. He moved to Brisbane in the twilight of his career, where he managed a further 22 matches. His son, Jordon, was drafted to the Lions’ rookie list at the end of 2012.
*played 13 games in the #30 guernsey from 1994-95
*played 102 games and kicked 15 goals for Geelong from 1983-92
JOSH DRUMMOND
Brisbane Lions (2005-12)
Club Games: 94
Club Goals: 35
A local Queensland from the Sunshine Coast, Drummond proved one of the great success stories of the AFL rookie list. Despite waiting longer than most for his chance to play AFL, he soon got an opportunity and made an immediate impact. His raking left-boot quickly became recognized as one of the best in the League, and he proved lethal across half-back and occasionally up forward. Injuries unfortunately curtailed much of Drummond’s influence, and he was forced to retire prematurely at the end of 2012 due to chronic back and hamstring complaints. He was a terrific player whose body probably never enabled him to reach his full potential.
#40
ROD CARTER
Fitzroy (1974-79)
Club Games: 76
Club Goals: 0
Originally recruited from Banyule, Rod Carter began his career with Fitzroy playing predominantly as a full-back and centre half-back. He said in later years that he had been bad-tempered and lacked discipline during his six seasons with the Lions. He eventually moved to South Melbourne in 1980 where he became a champion stalwart in defence. His only goal in 293 league games was against Melbourne at the SCG in 1986.
*played 50 games in the #28 guernsey from 1976-79
*played 217 games and kicked one goal for South Melbourne from 1980-90
SCOTT CLAYTON
Fitzroy (1981-90)
Club Games: 160
Club Goals: 23
At a time when the concept of the role was still being defined, Scott Clayton was in many respects the quintessential tagger. He played his early football with Hobart before commencing a VFL career with Fitzroy in 1981. Tough and relentless, Clayton played a variety of roles, but was most commonly assigned the job of tagging a key member of the opposition. During the 1980s, Clayton performed this function as well as anyone in the game. His final season in 1990 was arguably his best – taking home the Club’s Best & Fairest award. Clayton later became the Brisbane Bears Victorian-based manager before moving into recruiting roles with the Lions and Western Bulldogs. He now heads up the national recruiting for the Gold Coast SUNS.
SHANE CLAYTON
Fitzroy (1996)
Brisbane Lions (1997-98)
Club Games: 18
Club Goals: 1
A lightly built winger and utility, Shane Clayton – the son of former umpire Ian Clayton – was a member of Fitzroy’s final season and was one of the eight players selected to join the merged Brisbane Lions at the end of 1996. He managed just five senior games in two seasons with the Lions before moving to North Melbourne where he carved out solid AFL career until he was delisted at the end of 2004.
*played 99 matches and kicked 51 goals with North Melbourne from 1999-2004
NIALL McKEEVER
Brisbane Lions (2010-13)
Club Games: 22
Club Goals: 2
Hailing from Portglenone in Ireland - about 30 minutes north of Belfast – McKeever began playing Gaelic football before being spotted by AFL recruiters in 2009. After a brief training stint with Richmond, he moved to Brisbane and was picked up by the Club via the 2009 Rookie Draft. He height and athleticism made him an exciting prospect, and after a year spent learning the new code with the Lions Reserves, he eventually got an opportunity at senior level. McKeever went on to play 22 senior games in four seasons with the Club.
#44
RICHARD OSBORNE
Fitzroy (1982-92)
Club Games: 187
Club Goals: 411
Richard Osborne was a formidable key position forward who played 17 VFL/AFL seasons with four clubs throughout his career. The most notable 11 years of his career were undoubtedly those spent with Fitzroy from 1982-92. He played 187 games and led the Club’s goal-kicking on three occasions. A fan favourite, his finest individual performance came in 1989 against Melbourne when he booted a career-best 11 goals. He left Fitzroy at the end of 1992 to join Sydney before moving to Footscray and finally Collingwood – the team he had supported as a child. Throughout his stellar career, Osborne represented Victoria seven times. He was also named on the interchange bench in Fitzroy’s official Team of the Century announced in 2002.
*played 16 matches and kicked 39 goals with Sydney in 1993
*played 51 matches and kicked 98 goals with Footscray from 1994-96
*played 29 matches and kicked 26 goals with Collingwood from 1997-98
NIGEL LAPPIN
Brisbane Bears (1994-96)
Brisbane Lions (1997-2008)
Club Games: 279
Club Goals: 174
Recruited from country Victoria, Nigel Lappin carved out a spectacular 279-game, 15-year career with the Club. The quietly spoken boy from Chiltern made an immediate impact in the AFL, playing 17 matches in his debut season – predominantly on the wing. He was the perfect package – with good size, speed, skills and work-rate that would eventually help him become one of the game’s greatest midfielders. Lappin finished Runner-up in the Club’s Best & Fairest award in 1997 – the first of four career podium finishes in the Club Champion award. He was a member of the famed ‘fab-four’ together with team-mates Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and Simon Black who together helped form one of the most formidable midfields in the AFL. He helped lead the team to three consecutive premiership from 2001-03 and was one of the team’s best players in each of them. He won the hotly contested Club Champion award in 2004, was selected four times in the AFL’s All-Australian team, represented Australia in the International Rules Series and was named Co-Captain of the Club for his final two seasons. He bowed out of the game at the end of 2008 after injury had limited him to only 22 matches in his last three seasons. He remains regarded as one of the Club’s greatest ever players.
#47
BRIAN BARCLAY
Fitzroy (1957-62)
Club Games: 61
Club Goals: 9
Recruited from Williamstown in Victoria, Brian Barclay was a serviceable defender for the Lions throughout his six-year VFL career. His finest season was in 1960 when he played 20 games including the Club’s Semi Final win against Melbourne and the Preliminary Final loss to Collingwood.
*played 56 games in the #31 Guernsey from 1958-62
RENATO SERAFINI
Fitzroy (1971-77)
Club Games: 81
Club Goals: 117
The brother of Laurie Serafini, Renato was a high-leaping full-forward recruited from Assumption College who had freakish skills. He topped Fitzroy’s goal-kicking in 1975 with 34 goals and finished with a career total of 117 goals from 81 matches. He managed only one match in 1977 before he was transferred mid-season to Carlton where he played a further seven games in two seasons. He later played with VFA clubs Frankston and Coburg.
*played 7 games and kicked 6 goals for Carlton from 1977-78
*played 79 games in the #10 Guernsey from 1972-77
GRAHAM OSBORNE
Fitzroy (1984-89)
Club Games: 37
Club Goals: 8
Brother of champion Fitzroy full-forward Richard Osborne, Graham was recruited from Preston and went on to play 37 senior matches and kick eight goals throughout his six-year career. Unlike brother, Graham played predominantly in the midfield and averaged a career-best 18.5 disposals in 1986.
*played 36 games in the #19 Guernsey from 1985-1989
