After the first post, People who tried a VFL/AFL career before becoming famous for something totally different on September 1 on various forums and on Facebook I have updated and expanded the list to what you see below.
Some entries are missing information and some may actually be inaccurate or even incorrect. If you have the missing information for a certain player, I’d love for you to provide it.
Of course, if you can think of any others who tried a VFL, WAFL, SANFL, Tassie, VFA or ACT career in the Under 19’s, Reserves or Seniors teams over the years career before becoming famous for something totally different, let us know!
So far, I have these, from all clubs.
Can you think of any others?
VFL Seniors:
Simon O’Donnell (cricket), St.Kilda 1982-83, 24 games
Max Walker (cricket), Melbourne, 1967-72, 85 games and North Hobart in TFL
Jamie Siddons (cricket), Sydney 1984, 2 games
Don Chipp (politician), Fitzroy 1947, 3 games
Lindsay Fox (trucking businessman), St.K 1959-1961, 20 games
Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald (radio host), Sydney/Adelaide, 1999-2002, 18 games
Bill Lang (boxer), Richmond, 1908-09, 14 games
Nick Jewell (cricket for Victoria), Richmond, 1997, 1 game (son of Tony Jewell).
Darren Bennett (WCE, Melbourne AFL) - American NFL player, most for the San Diego Chargers he is regarded as one of the greatest players of the 1990s and a member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. He is the most successful Australian to play NFL in the US.
Stephen Patterson (Collingwood 1995–2000, 96 games) played SANFL for Norwood, then for Collingwood. He was Mayor of the City of Holdfast Bay in Adelaide in 2014 and is now the Minister for Trade and Investment in the South Australian Liberal Government.
Graeme John former CEO of Australia Post played for South Melbourne late 60s/ early 70s. And coached in 73/74. Player, Coach & President at South and AFL Board member - he went on to be CEO at TNT Transport and Australia Post.
Brian Dixon (Melbourne 1954–1968, 252 games as a player, North Melbourne coach 1971 and 1972) In 1972, Dixon was promoted to the new Victorian Liberal ministry as a MP. He variously served in several portfolios including Youth, Sport and Recreation, Housing and Aboriginal affairs. His best-remembered achievement was introducing Norm and the iconic Life. Be in It. program in 1975.
Bill Mildenhall (St.Kilda 1974–79, 1981–82, 77 games) Mildenhall refereed in the NBL between 1979 and 2011, and also officiated in the 1992 Barcelona and 2000 Sydney Olympics including the 2000 men's final at Sydney Olympics. In 2005, Mildenhall became the NBL league record of officiating in 802 matches. He also holds the record for being awarded "NBL Referee of the Year" on the most occasions.
Alan Stretton (St.Kilda 1946-47, 16 games) After Cyclone Tracy decimated Darwin in 1974 Stretton played a major part in helping the city get back on its feet. Stretton was head of the National Disasters Organisation and by this stage was also a Major General in the Australian Army. Between 1975 and 1979, when there were two categories for The Australian of the Year, Stretton was a recipient of this honour in 1975.
Laurie Morgan (2 Equestrian Gold Medals at 1960 Rome Olympics), Fitzroy 1937-39, 34 games
John Watts (Radio broadcaster & TV personality), Geelong 1963-65, 52 games (including 1963 Premiership), East Perth Premiership player 1956, 1958 and 1959.
Keith Miller (Australian Test Cricketer), St Kilda, 1940-1942 & 1946, 50 games
Brett Stephens (Fitzroy 133 games 1987-93) Became fitness coach of Pete Sampras & Mark Philippoussis.
Treva McGregor (Fitzroy 1966–71, 47 games) is the last VFL/AFL footballer to win the Stawell Gift. He ran 2nd in 1970 before returning in 1971 to win it.
Matthew Liptak (Adelaide 1991–1999, 116 games) is an Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in sports injuries and joint replacement, particularly involving the knee and hip.
Justice Simon Whelan of the Coodabeen Champions
Alex Keath (played 7 games for Victoria in State cricket) before turning to football first for Adelaide and now the Bulldogs. He is the last person to play AFL and state cricket.
Ray Groom was a Minister in the Fraser Government and later Premier of Tasmania. He had a decent career at Melbourne. Ray Groom former tassie premier (Melbourne early 60s). Ray Groom: 92 games for Melbourne 1963-8 (didn't play in the '64 GF); Tasmanian Premier, 1992-6. Also served in the Fraser Ministry in two positions but left Federal politics in '84.
John Winneke Hawthorn Premiership ruckman 1961 had a distinguished legal career culminating in senior judicial appointments, QC and judge and legal eagle for the horrible religious cult The Family. Of course, Sir Henry, John’s father was Governor ofA Victoria.
Des Bethke (Sth. Melb.) was town clerk of Melbourne City Council, i.e. the most senior local government adminisrator in Victoria. He features in Jan Courtin’s book.
Mac Holten (Collingwood,1940s and later Wangaratta) was a Minister for a term in the Gorton/McMahon Governments. I’m sure that John’s Wangaratta correspondent has written about him, but I can’t locate it in the KBHill archive.
Stephen Jurica (Richmond 1995-97, 18 games) is now a Barrister specialising in Commercial Law, Property, Planning and Sports Law at Lennon's List Barristers Melbourne. He also works today as a AFL Match Review Officer.
Warren Ralph (Carlton 1984-86, 21 games, 72 goals). Played 123 games and kicked 564 goals for Claremont between 1980-1983, 1987 &1989. Won Claremont premierships: 1981, 1987, 1989 and was WAFL leading goalkicker: 1981, 1982, 1983. Just prior to his first game with Glenelg in the SANFL in 1988, Ralph won over $880,000 in the X-Lotto lottery. Ironically, he joined Glenelg after refusing to take a 60% pay cut from Claremont, with his two-year contract at Glenelg being $40,000.
Bill Cannon (St.Kilda, 1975, 1 game) became a journalist/news/sport producer at Channel 7 Melbourne between 1987-2000 and a Producer at Fox Footy in Melbourne from 2002 to the present day.
Chris Stone (St.Kilda 1978-1981, 23 games) successful businessman in Europe and married to Belgium Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes. Last VFL player to wear goggles while playing.
Robert Hickmott (Melbourne 1990-91, 2 games), Melbourne Cup winning trainer (Green Moon in 2012 and Almandin in 2016) and Lloyd Williams private trainer. Hickmott also played in the 1990 Reserves Grand Final for Melbourne vs Carlton.
Ben Buckley (North Melbourne 1986-1993, 74 games) Captained North Melbourne Under 19’s in 1996, vice captain for Nth Melb senior team in 1990-92. AFL General Manager (1999–2006), FFA CEO (2006–2012), Executive Director in Foxtel and Chairman of North Melbourne.
Jim Wilkinson. Played 15 games for South Melbourne between 1970 -1972 before returning to Hobart where he played footy and cricket for Sandy Bay, including some first class cricket. He went on to a career in the media and Parliament for sometime. Still practices as a lawyer.
Andrew Demetriou (1981-88 North Melbourne and Hawthorn, 106 games), CEO of the AFL between 2003 and 2014. Demetriou has interests in factories in Brazil and India which manufacture dental products and exports them to 70 markets, including Australia.
Glen Coleman (Fitzroy, Sydney, Footscray 1980-1993, 194 games) With Footscray teammate Scott Wynd, started a garbage disposal business that they sold for a reported $25 million AUD.
Brett Montgomery (Footscray & Port Adelaide 1997-2007, 204 games) captained the under-19s Victorian cricket team and in 1992 and 1993 he played club cricket in the Durham League and Middlesex League in England.
Barry Ion (Radio personality in Adelaide, Sydney & Melbourne) – Footscray, 1961-65, 40 games
Brad Green (Melbourne 2000-2012, 254 games) captained the Australian under-15 cricket team in 1995 and trialled with Manchester United spending a month at Old Trafford in 1996 as a 15-year-old he trained with Walsall, a lower division English club.
Mike Fitzpatrick (Carlton, 1975-1983, 150 games) won a flag at Subiaco in 1973 and 3 at Carlton (1979, 1981, 1982), former company director for Rio Tinto, Telstra, Chair of AFL Commission, Victorian Funds Management Corporation & Australian Sports Commission. Rhodes Scholar.
Shannon Hurn (WCE 2006-, 278 games) played Under 19’s cricket for Australia during the 2004-05 season alongside Usman Khawaja, Matthew Wade, Aaron Finch.
Adrian Barich (WCE, 1987–1992, 47 games) played AFL and NRL for Western Reds. Since 1995 Barich has been a TV sports reporter and presenter with Channel 7 Perth. In 2010 Barich won the coveted Geoff Christian Medal for the best football journalist in WA.
Ray Biffin (Melbourne 1968–1979, 170 games) played first class cricket for Tasmania in 1967.
Craig Bradley (Carlton 1986–2002, 375 games) missed the last half of the 1983 SANFL season (he won Ports B & F in 1982 aged 18) for Port Adelaide to tour England with the Australian Under 19s cricket team. He played a couple of first class games with SA and district cricket for the Melbourne Cricket Club between 1988-1992.
Saverio Rocca and Ben Graham also deserve mentions after building decent NFL careers
Earl Spalding played state cricket for WA
Graeme Watson (Melbourne 1964-65, 18 games) was an emergency in the 1964 Melbourne premiership side. An all-round cricketer for Victoria, he gained an Australian green cap when touring South Africa in 1966-67 making a 50 on debut. Later, he played cricket for WA & NSW, getting a recall to the Australian team.
Todd Breman (WCE/Rich, 1989-1993, 52 games) also played 10 Shield games for WA in 1985/86.
Peter Bedford (Sth Melb & Carlton 1968-1978, 186 games), played 39 matches for Victoria between 1966–67 and 1972-73.
Bruce Duperouzel (St.Kilda & Footscray 1974-1984, 250 games), played five first-class cricket matches for WA in 1971.
Robert 'Bob' Cockerell (Footscray, 1971-72, 21 games), Partner of KordaMentha - investigation of the most complex and serious fraud, corruption and drug matters in Australia.
Scott Wade (Hawthorn 1981-83, 12 games). Tassie AFL CEO and former Commonwealth Bank Manager, Tasssie career: 282 senior games and played in 3 premiership teams at Clarence. Father of cricketer Mathew Wade.
Geoff Cayzer (St.Kilda 1967 & 1971, 4 games) played seniors for St.Kilda as a ruckman owns Cayzer Real Estate in Melbourne.
Justin Madden, Victorian State Minister
Darrel Baldock was a State Minister in the ALP in the Tasmanian Parliament for 15 years between 1972-1987. Resigned to go over and coach St Kilda.
John Rombotis (Fitzroy/Port Adelaide/Richmond 1995-2000, 48 games). 1,000th player to play for Richmond, now a Real Estate mogul.
Brian Cook (Melbourne, 1977, 4 games). Played for Box Hill in the VFA, Melbourne (4 games), Subiaco and East Perth and coached East Perth to two premierships in the reserves in 1981 and 1983. In 1986 he took over as senior coach at Ainslie in the ACTFL. He was the CEO of West Coast for 9 years and has been CEO of Geelong for 21 years.
Craig Ellis (Footscray & Melbourne, 1994-2002, 122 games). Cult Australian bikini brand Triangl was founded in 2012 by Erin Deering and Craig Ellis and Ms Deering was ranked on last year's Rich List with an estimated worth of $35 million.
Joel Bowden (Richmond 1996–2009, 265 games) Former Union Leader, Bowden was elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly at the 2020 Johnston by-election, representing the Australian Labor Party (ALP).
Don Pyke (WCE, 1989–1996, 132 games and Adelaide coach 2016–2019) also extremely wealthy, has his finger in the pie of the Norwegian Oil reserves after forming a business with two Norwegian guys to do seismic data which helped in oil and gas exploration before selling the business. Coaching just a bit of a hobby. Don also represented WA under-19 cricket team in 2 matches at the 1987–88 Australian Under-19 Championships, playing alongside Brendan Julian. Dad Frank Pyke played for East Perth (1959-1966, 1972-1973, 130 games) before he went to the US and became a world renown sports scientist and educator and was famous with the rehabilitation of Dennis Lillee's cricket career after a serious back injury. Don was born in the US.
Murray Thompson (Richmond, 1973–1976, 14 games) Thompson was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1982, and set up his own suburban legal practice, working as a solicitor before entering politics in 1992. He served on the Liberal frontbench in a range of portfolios in opposition, between December 2002 and February 2008. He was the member for Sandringham for 26 years.
Jamie Cooper (Fitzroy 1984-87, 30 games) played about 30 odd games for Fitzroy.Cooper is best known for his painting career, and became internationally known for his large-scale historical "dream scene" sporting portraits, featuring a team's star players (all AFL clubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid) from throughout different eras, all depicted in their prime of their careers.
Rob Dickson (19 games for Hawthorn and Brisbane 1988-1991) was an award-winning film director (The Passion to Play, Shane Crawford Exposed and The Essence of The Game) and the winner of the first edition of the reality game show Australian Survivor in 2002.
David Muir (Fremantle 1995-96, 20 games) Was on WCE list in 1993 and North Melbourne’s list in 1994 but didn't play a senior game before playing for Fremantle. After retiring from football, Muir became a big-wave surfer and stand up paddle surfing and competed in the Stand-Up World tour, finishing each year between 2010 and 2012 in the top twenty, with eighth place in 2010 his best overall result.
David Polkinghorne (Hawthorn, 1975–1984, 164 games) played in two premierships (1976 & 1978) with Hawthorn is one of the top civil engineers in the world. He was responsible for the building of the Friendship Bridge which linked Laos and Thailand. He was also project manager on the new Parliament house.
Greame Wilson played 14 games at South Melb 1974-76 and later became Australia’s High Commissioner to South Africa and was the head of the RAMSI mission in the Solomon Islands.
Mark Gamble (St.Kilda 1986-88, 35 games) was a judge of the County Court played for St Kilda in the ’80’s (and was known to say bitterly in later times that he was always made to stand Plugger at training).
Michael Roberts (St.Kilda, Richmond, Fitzroy, 1978-87, 91 games) TV sports/football journalist and reporter with the Nine Network and Triple M and model on the TV quiz show Sale of the Century.
Barry Perry (Collingwood 1961, 2 games). He began working in the Victorian Ombudsman’s office in 1974, shortly after the creation of the role. He ended up serving as Victoria’s Ombudsman from 1994 until he suffered a severe stroke.
Wayne Carroll (South Melbourne 1979-85, 56 games). Cousin of Dennis Carroll he won the VFL Mark of the Year award in 1984. The last few decades he's been a handy race horse trainer in Wagga Wagga.
Daniel Gorringe (Gold Coast & Carlton 2011-2017, 26 games). Gorringe appeared in Channel 7's Big Brother Australia 2020 reboot where he finished runner up in the competition. At the time he was a Twitter sensation and now has a writing role with Sportsbet.
Trent Nichols, played with Richmond, West Coast and North Melb was a TV presenter/newsreader on WIN Television in Tasmania for a number of years.
David Rodan (Richmond, Port Adelaide, Melbourne 2002-2013, 185 games), AFL goal umpire from 2017 on
Geoff Parker (Essendon 1987-89, 3 games), Victorian and South Australian Shield cricketer who also captained Australia Under 19's to the Youth World Cup in 1988. He is currently the head recruiting manager for AFL club Port Adelaide.
Mordecai "Mordy" Bromberg (St.Kilda 1978-81, 34 games) is an Australian judge who was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia in 2009. He was previously a senior barrister.
Nick Gill (Adelaide, 2007-09, 16 games). Spent time on lists with Melbourne (2001) & North Melbourne (2003) but didn't play any games. Moved into radio in Adelaide; last known to have been with Triple M in Newcastle.
Garry Baker (Footscray, Melbourne, Sydney, 1972-1983, 147 games). Used to host a radio show in Hobart on the old Triple-T FM called "Drop, Kick and Punt" and also owned/owns a chain of restaurants in Hobart.
Jordan Banninster (Essendon & Carlton 2001-2009, 67 games), AFL field umpire 2010-2016.
Darrel Baldock (St K/East D'Port/Latrobe/New Norfolk)
Gil Langley won a best and fairest for Sturt, played a few games for Essendon during the war, Test cricket and then retired to become state MP for Unley for thirty years.
Ken Bennett, rover in the 1958 Collingwood premiership was national secretary of the Labor Party.
John Devine was a Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly at the same time as Darrel Baldock, in the period between their VFL playing careers and their coaching stints.
Karmichael Hunt & Israel Folau, NRL players played for the Gold Coast & GWS.
Luke Ball & Jimmy Bartel played in the 2000/01 Under 17 Victorian Cricket Team
Mark Bairstow, Bill Barrott, Darrel Baldock and Denis Pagan are all horse trainers
Reserves:
Shane Warne (cricket), St.Kilda, 1988, 1 game and a full season in Saints U19’s.
Dennis Cometti (football commentator), West Perth 1967-1971 38 games, 70 goals, Footscray, 1971, 4 games
Graeme Richmond (Richmond administrator), Richmond, 1952-53
Mike Willesee (TV host), South Melbourne, 1964, 8 games
Tony Wilson (author), Hawthorn, 1990-92
Brad Hodge (cricket), Melbourne, 1994, 1 game
James Tomkins (Oarsome Foursome Rower), Melbourne, 1989, 7 games. 200cms. Was in Hawthorn Under 19’s squad in 1984 and played for Carey Grammar as a schoolkid.
Colin Ridgway (Dallas Cowboys NFL 1965), Carl, 1955
Rodney Hogg (cricket), Collingwood, 1970, 3 games in the reserves + 8 games in Under 19’s in 1970
Geoff Walsh (Collingwood General Manager), Collingwood, 1973-75, 55 games
David Morgan (former CEO of Westpac), Richmond, 1967
Graeme Sampieri (bookmaker), 1958 Hawks Reserves Premiership player
Harry Beitzel (3KZ, 3AW, 3AK, ABC VFL Commentator) Played in Fitzroy Under 19’s in 1944 and 3 games for the Fitzroy reserves in 1945 as an 18-year old. Was a VFL umpire between 1948-1960 in which he officiated in 182 senior games (including the 1955 Grand Final). He also umpired 21 country Grand Finals.
Trevor O'Hoy, ex CEO of Fosters Group, North Melbourne Board member) played on the wing for 3 years with the St Kilda reserves team (1972-74) and was runner-up for the Gardiner Medal in 1973. His teammates at the Saints included Mick Malthouse and Grant Thomas.
Shayne Bennett played under 19’s for North Adelaide in 1990 and Collingwood Under 19’s (13 games, 45 goals in 1991 including an 11-goal haul vs Carlton) and Collingwood reserves (13 games, 12 goals in 1991). Played in Collingwood’s Under 19’s 1991 Grand Final team vs North Melbourne. Left for the US aged 19 in 1992. Went on to become a Major League Baseball pitcher in the USA for the Montreal Expos 1996-2000. His brother, Peter played 293 games & kicked 320 goals for North Adelaide between 1983-1995.
Under 19’s:
Brad Robinson (Australian Crawl) Hawthorn, 1976
Lindsay Gaze (basketball), Melbourne, 1955
Jamie Cox (Tasmanian cricket captain), Essendon 1987, seniors for Glenelg (SANFL)
Ray “Slug” Jordon (football commentator & coach of VFL & reserves teams), Richmond, 1953-55. Wicketkeeper for Victoria
Sam Pang (comedian and TV host), Collingwood, 1991, 6 games
Richard Pratt (businessman, Visy owner), Carlton, 1953 (won 1953 Morrish Medal)
Ahmed Fahour (former CEO of Australia Post) played at half-back flank for 2 games in the Carlton’s Under-19 team in 1985 with Geoff Southby as coach. He said that he gave up his football ambitions because he couldn’t match his contemporary Stephen Silvagni in the under 19s. Fahour served on the Carlton Board as a director between 2007-2015.
Jeff Browne (Former Head of Channel 9 & lawyer), Collingwood, 1972. Brother of Pies player Murray Browne (Collingwood & Fitzroy 1981-86, 53 games).
David Buttifant (Collingwood’s sport science director), Collingwood, 1983. David also played 2 games for Richmond seniors in 1987
Chris Brent (son of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs) played for the Fitzroy Under 19's in 1981 alongside Paul Roos and Gary Pert. He kicked 91 goals for the 1981 season (his only season), a Lions' Under 19's record which placed him 2nd in the competitions Under 19's goal kicking behind Melbourne's David Cordner who kicked 111.
Brett Hartin Richmond U/19s in 1991, finished 11th in the 1991 B & F. Member of The Puppetry of the Penis from 1998.
Clinton Casey, (Businessman, ex-President of Richmond FC), played Under 19's at Essendon in 1978.
Peter Cameron played Richmond U19s in 1969 and umpired 306 AFL matches between 1977 and 1993
Keith Schlieger (The Block), Played for Victoria in the AFL Under 16's Schoolboys team and Under 19's for North Melbourne. Played district cricket for Nth Melb too. Now is the foreman on the TV show The Block.
Others:
Gil McLachlan, AFL chief once trailed with Carlton and was on their supplementary list in 1996-97.
Eddie McGuire, Collingwood President once trailed with Nth Melbourne U-19’s in 1982.
Mitch Marsh (Australian Test cricket) played for Western Australia at the 2008 AFL Under 18 Championships at full forward alongside Nic Naitanui, Chris Yarran, Stephen Hill, Michael Walters, Daniel Rich, Mitch Duncan, Neville Jetta, Anthony Morabito, Clancee Pearce, Matt de Boer and cousin Brad Sheppard.
Alex Carey (ODI cricket) captained & won GWS’s B & F the year before they joined the AFL.
Travis Fimmel (Vikings actor ‘Ragnar’), was recruited to St.Kilda in 1997 but badly broke his leg while training and never played a Under 19's or reserve game.
Mark Robinson, Chief Herald Sun football writer, played mostly Under 19's and reserves football for Sandhurst (plus a few senior games) in the Bendigo League between 1986-1993 plus West Preston and North Old Boys in Brunswick. Robinson played in the midfield, centre-half forward and full forward. He actually won the 1987 Bendigo League Reserves B & F and played in a Premiership team for Sandhurst Reserves in 1992.
Darren Lockyer (NRL), Lockyer started playing Aussie rules for Springwood in Brisbane, finishing runner-up in the best and fairest award in his first season when he was 6. The following season he won the club's best and fairest award by 17 votes. He only switched to Rugby League at age 9 when his family relocated to Roma.
Travis Martin-Beynon (‘Candyman’ and FreeChoice tobacco empire heir). Beynon played for Southport in QLD had a standout 1989 Teal Cup carnival. He was drafted to North Melbourne as pick #4 in the 1989 pre-season VFL draft and did a pre-season at North Melbourne but suffered a debilitating back injury and didn't play any senior games. He spent 1990 on the North Melbourne list and was traded to the Brisbane Bears in 1991 where he also didn't play any senior games.
Mark Taylor (Australian Cricket Captain) played Under 17’s Teal Cup for NSW (his football club was Parramatta) in 1981 and played in the same team as Hawks player James Morrissey and Collingwood player Paul Hawke.
Patty Mills (basketball) was a very good junior footballer. Mills was invited to train with the Sydney Swans 2004 but Mills declined.
Nathan Chapman (78 games for Brisbane & Hawthorn 1993-2000) - Was a rookie at NFL team Green Bay Packers and went on to form a company, Prokick which is the pathway to the NFL for aspiring Aussie punters.
Ben Simmons (NBA Basketball) was a very good junior footballer playing for Keilor Under 14s.
Mike Codd won the Mulrooney Medal (the ACT Brownlow) in 1962. He was a senior public servant in the Hawke years, serving as secretary of Prime Minister’s & Cabinet Department – so virtually the top banana.
Lleyton Hewitt (Lleyton’s dad Glynn played for Rich reserves in 1973-74, got a flag in 73, his uncle Darryl played for St.K seniors in 1981-82) was a moderately skilled junior footballer.
Anthony Hudson played for Fitzroy Reds where they were the Uni Reds in the VAFA. The Uni Reds back then would have been in lower grades back then.
Tom Trbojević was in Sydney Swans Academy as a 12-year old before choosing the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL.
Kalyn Ponga at 13 was placed in the Brisbane Lions Talent Academy after being spotted at a representative Rugby NRL match where he was considered an outstanding prospect. He went onto play in the NRL for Newcastle Knights & North Queensland Cowboys.
Some entries are missing information and some may actually be inaccurate or even incorrect. If you have the missing information for a certain player, I’d love for you to provide it.
Of course, if you can think of any others who tried a VFL, WAFL, SANFL, Tassie, VFA or ACT career in the Under 19’s, Reserves or Seniors teams over the years career before becoming famous for something totally different, let us know!
So far, I have these, from all clubs.
Can you think of any others?
VFL Seniors:
Simon O’Donnell (cricket), St.Kilda 1982-83, 24 games
Max Walker (cricket), Melbourne, 1967-72, 85 games and North Hobart in TFL
Jamie Siddons (cricket), Sydney 1984, 2 games
Don Chipp (politician), Fitzroy 1947, 3 games
Lindsay Fox (trucking businessman), St.K 1959-1961, 20 games
Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald (radio host), Sydney/Adelaide, 1999-2002, 18 games
Bill Lang (boxer), Richmond, 1908-09, 14 games
Nick Jewell (cricket for Victoria), Richmond, 1997, 1 game (son of Tony Jewell).
Darren Bennett (WCE, Melbourne AFL) - American NFL player, most for the San Diego Chargers he is regarded as one of the greatest players of the 1990s and a member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. He is the most successful Australian to play NFL in the US.
Stephen Patterson (Collingwood 1995–2000, 96 games) played SANFL for Norwood, then for Collingwood. He was Mayor of the City of Holdfast Bay in Adelaide in 2014 and is now the Minister for Trade and Investment in the South Australian Liberal Government.
Graeme John former CEO of Australia Post played for South Melbourne late 60s/ early 70s. And coached in 73/74. Player, Coach & President at South and AFL Board member - he went on to be CEO at TNT Transport and Australia Post.
Brian Dixon (Melbourne 1954–1968, 252 games as a player, North Melbourne coach 1971 and 1972) In 1972, Dixon was promoted to the new Victorian Liberal ministry as a MP. He variously served in several portfolios including Youth, Sport and Recreation, Housing and Aboriginal affairs. His best-remembered achievement was introducing Norm and the iconic Life. Be in It. program in 1975.
Bill Mildenhall (St.Kilda 1974–79, 1981–82, 77 games) Mildenhall refereed in the NBL between 1979 and 2011, and also officiated in the 1992 Barcelona and 2000 Sydney Olympics including the 2000 men's final at Sydney Olympics. In 2005, Mildenhall became the NBL league record of officiating in 802 matches. He also holds the record for being awarded "NBL Referee of the Year" on the most occasions.
Alan Stretton (St.Kilda 1946-47, 16 games) After Cyclone Tracy decimated Darwin in 1974 Stretton played a major part in helping the city get back on its feet. Stretton was head of the National Disasters Organisation and by this stage was also a Major General in the Australian Army. Between 1975 and 1979, when there were two categories for The Australian of the Year, Stretton was a recipient of this honour in 1975.
Laurie Morgan (2 Equestrian Gold Medals at 1960 Rome Olympics), Fitzroy 1937-39, 34 games
John Watts (Radio broadcaster & TV personality), Geelong 1963-65, 52 games (including 1963 Premiership), East Perth Premiership player 1956, 1958 and 1959.
Keith Miller (Australian Test Cricketer), St Kilda, 1940-1942 & 1946, 50 games
Brett Stephens (Fitzroy 133 games 1987-93) Became fitness coach of Pete Sampras & Mark Philippoussis.
Treva McGregor (Fitzroy 1966–71, 47 games) is the last VFL/AFL footballer to win the Stawell Gift. He ran 2nd in 1970 before returning in 1971 to win it.
Matthew Liptak (Adelaide 1991–1999, 116 games) is an Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in sports injuries and joint replacement, particularly involving the knee and hip.
Justice Simon Whelan of the Coodabeen Champions
Alex Keath (played 7 games for Victoria in State cricket) before turning to football first for Adelaide and now the Bulldogs. He is the last person to play AFL and state cricket.
Ray Groom was a Minister in the Fraser Government and later Premier of Tasmania. He had a decent career at Melbourne. Ray Groom former tassie premier (Melbourne early 60s). Ray Groom: 92 games for Melbourne 1963-8 (didn't play in the '64 GF); Tasmanian Premier, 1992-6. Also served in the Fraser Ministry in two positions but left Federal politics in '84.
John Winneke Hawthorn Premiership ruckman 1961 had a distinguished legal career culminating in senior judicial appointments, QC and judge and legal eagle for the horrible religious cult The Family. Of course, Sir Henry, John’s father was Governor ofA Victoria.
Des Bethke (Sth. Melb.) was town clerk of Melbourne City Council, i.e. the most senior local government adminisrator in Victoria. He features in Jan Courtin’s book.
Mac Holten (Collingwood,1940s and later Wangaratta) was a Minister for a term in the Gorton/McMahon Governments. I’m sure that John’s Wangaratta correspondent has written about him, but I can’t locate it in the KBHill archive.
Stephen Jurica (Richmond 1995-97, 18 games) is now a Barrister specialising in Commercial Law, Property, Planning and Sports Law at Lennon's List Barristers Melbourne. He also works today as a AFL Match Review Officer.
Warren Ralph (Carlton 1984-86, 21 games, 72 goals). Played 123 games and kicked 564 goals for Claremont between 1980-1983, 1987 &1989. Won Claremont premierships: 1981, 1987, 1989 and was WAFL leading goalkicker: 1981, 1982, 1983. Just prior to his first game with Glenelg in the SANFL in 1988, Ralph won over $880,000 in the X-Lotto lottery. Ironically, he joined Glenelg after refusing to take a 60% pay cut from Claremont, with his two-year contract at Glenelg being $40,000.
Bill Cannon (St.Kilda, 1975, 1 game) became a journalist/news/sport producer at Channel 7 Melbourne between 1987-2000 and a Producer at Fox Footy in Melbourne from 2002 to the present day.
Chris Stone (St.Kilda 1978-1981, 23 games) successful businessman in Europe and married to Belgium Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes. Last VFL player to wear goggles while playing.
Robert Hickmott (Melbourne 1990-91, 2 games), Melbourne Cup winning trainer (Green Moon in 2012 and Almandin in 2016) and Lloyd Williams private trainer. Hickmott also played in the 1990 Reserves Grand Final for Melbourne vs Carlton.
Ben Buckley (North Melbourne 1986-1993, 74 games) Captained North Melbourne Under 19’s in 1996, vice captain for Nth Melb senior team in 1990-92. AFL General Manager (1999–2006), FFA CEO (2006–2012), Executive Director in Foxtel and Chairman of North Melbourne.
Jim Wilkinson. Played 15 games for South Melbourne between 1970 -1972 before returning to Hobart where he played footy and cricket for Sandy Bay, including some first class cricket. He went on to a career in the media and Parliament for sometime. Still practices as a lawyer.
Andrew Demetriou (1981-88 North Melbourne and Hawthorn, 106 games), CEO of the AFL between 2003 and 2014. Demetriou has interests in factories in Brazil and India which manufacture dental products and exports them to 70 markets, including Australia.
Glen Coleman (Fitzroy, Sydney, Footscray 1980-1993, 194 games) With Footscray teammate Scott Wynd, started a garbage disposal business that they sold for a reported $25 million AUD.
Brett Montgomery (Footscray & Port Adelaide 1997-2007, 204 games) captained the under-19s Victorian cricket team and in 1992 and 1993 he played club cricket in the Durham League and Middlesex League in England.
Barry Ion (Radio personality in Adelaide, Sydney & Melbourne) – Footscray, 1961-65, 40 games
Brad Green (Melbourne 2000-2012, 254 games) captained the Australian under-15 cricket team in 1995 and trialled with Manchester United spending a month at Old Trafford in 1996 as a 15-year-old he trained with Walsall, a lower division English club.
Mike Fitzpatrick (Carlton, 1975-1983, 150 games) won a flag at Subiaco in 1973 and 3 at Carlton (1979, 1981, 1982), former company director for Rio Tinto, Telstra, Chair of AFL Commission, Victorian Funds Management Corporation & Australian Sports Commission. Rhodes Scholar.
Shannon Hurn (WCE 2006-, 278 games) played Under 19’s cricket for Australia during the 2004-05 season alongside Usman Khawaja, Matthew Wade, Aaron Finch.
Adrian Barich (WCE, 1987–1992, 47 games) played AFL and NRL for Western Reds. Since 1995 Barich has been a TV sports reporter and presenter with Channel 7 Perth. In 2010 Barich won the coveted Geoff Christian Medal for the best football journalist in WA.
Ray Biffin (Melbourne 1968–1979, 170 games) played first class cricket for Tasmania in 1967.
Craig Bradley (Carlton 1986–2002, 375 games) missed the last half of the 1983 SANFL season (he won Ports B & F in 1982 aged 18) for Port Adelaide to tour England with the Australian Under 19s cricket team. He played a couple of first class games with SA and district cricket for the Melbourne Cricket Club between 1988-1992.
Saverio Rocca and Ben Graham also deserve mentions after building decent NFL careers
Earl Spalding played state cricket for WA
Graeme Watson (Melbourne 1964-65, 18 games) was an emergency in the 1964 Melbourne premiership side. An all-round cricketer for Victoria, he gained an Australian green cap when touring South Africa in 1966-67 making a 50 on debut. Later, he played cricket for WA & NSW, getting a recall to the Australian team.
Todd Breman (WCE/Rich, 1989-1993, 52 games) also played 10 Shield games for WA in 1985/86.
Peter Bedford (Sth Melb & Carlton 1968-1978, 186 games), played 39 matches for Victoria between 1966–67 and 1972-73.
Bruce Duperouzel (St.Kilda & Footscray 1974-1984, 250 games), played five first-class cricket matches for WA in 1971.
Robert 'Bob' Cockerell (Footscray, 1971-72, 21 games), Partner of KordaMentha - investigation of the most complex and serious fraud, corruption and drug matters in Australia.
Scott Wade (Hawthorn 1981-83, 12 games). Tassie AFL CEO and former Commonwealth Bank Manager, Tasssie career: 282 senior games and played in 3 premiership teams at Clarence. Father of cricketer Mathew Wade.
Geoff Cayzer (St.Kilda 1967 & 1971, 4 games) played seniors for St.Kilda as a ruckman owns Cayzer Real Estate in Melbourne.
Justin Madden, Victorian State Minister
Darrel Baldock was a State Minister in the ALP in the Tasmanian Parliament for 15 years between 1972-1987. Resigned to go over and coach St Kilda.
John Rombotis (Fitzroy/Port Adelaide/Richmond 1995-2000, 48 games). 1,000th player to play for Richmond, now a Real Estate mogul.
Brian Cook (Melbourne, 1977, 4 games). Played for Box Hill in the VFA, Melbourne (4 games), Subiaco and East Perth and coached East Perth to two premierships in the reserves in 1981 and 1983. In 1986 he took over as senior coach at Ainslie in the ACTFL. He was the CEO of West Coast for 9 years and has been CEO of Geelong for 21 years.
Craig Ellis (Footscray & Melbourne, 1994-2002, 122 games). Cult Australian bikini brand Triangl was founded in 2012 by Erin Deering and Craig Ellis and Ms Deering was ranked on last year's Rich List with an estimated worth of $35 million.
Joel Bowden (Richmond 1996–2009, 265 games) Former Union Leader, Bowden was elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly at the 2020 Johnston by-election, representing the Australian Labor Party (ALP).
Don Pyke (WCE, 1989–1996, 132 games and Adelaide coach 2016–2019) also extremely wealthy, has his finger in the pie of the Norwegian Oil reserves after forming a business with two Norwegian guys to do seismic data which helped in oil and gas exploration before selling the business. Coaching just a bit of a hobby. Don also represented WA under-19 cricket team in 2 matches at the 1987–88 Australian Under-19 Championships, playing alongside Brendan Julian. Dad Frank Pyke played for East Perth (1959-1966, 1972-1973, 130 games) before he went to the US and became a world renown sports scientist and educator and was famous with the rehabilitation of Dennis Lillee's cricket career after a serious back injury. Don was born in the US.
Murray Thompson (Richmond, 1973–1976, 14 games) Thompson was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 1982, and set up his own suburban legal practice, working as a solicitor before entering politics in 1992. He served on the Liberal frontbench in a range of portfolios in opposition, between December 2002 and February 2008. He was the member for Sandringham for 26 years.
Jamie Cooper (Fitzroy 1984-87, 30 games) played about 30 odd games for Fitzroy.Cooper is best known for his painting career, and became internationally known for his large-scale historical "dream scene" sporting portraits, featuring a team's star players (all AFL clubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid) from throughout different eras, all depicted in their prime of their careers.
Rob Dickson (19 games for Hawthorn and Brisbane 1988-1991) was an award-winning film director (The Passion to Play, Shane Crawford Exposed and The Essence of The Game) and the winner of the first edition of the reality game show Australian Survivor in 2002.
David Muir (Fremantle 1995-96, 20 games) Was on WCE list in 1993 and North Melbourne’s list in 1994 but didn't play a senior game before playing for Fremantle. After retiring from football, Muir became a big-wave surfer and stand up paddle surfing and competed in the Stand-Up World tour, finishing each year between 2010 and 2012 in the top twenty, with eighth place in 2010 his best overall result.
David Polkinghorne (Hawthorn, 1975–1984, 164 games) played in two premierships (1976 & 1978) with Hawthorn is one of the top civil engineers in the world. He was responsible for the building of the Friendship Bridge which linked Laos and Thailand. He was also project manager on the new Parliament house.
Greame Wilson played 14 games at South Melb 1974-76 and later became Australia’s High Commissioner to South Africa and was the head of the RAMSI mission in the Solomon Islands.
Mark Gamble (St.Kilda 1986-88, 35 games) was a judge of the County Court played for St Kilda in the ’80’s (and was known to say bitterly in later times that he was always made to stand Plugger at training).
Michael Roberts (St.Kilda, Richmond, Fitzroy, 1978-87, 91 games) TV sports/football journalist and reporter with the Nine Network and Triple M and model on the TV quiz show Sale of the Century.
Barry Perry (Collingwood 1961, 2 games). He began working in the Victorian Ombudsman’s office in 1974, shortly after the creation of the role. He ended up serving as Victoria’s Ombudsman from 1994 until he suffered a severe stroke.
Wayne Carroll (South Melbourne 1979-85, 56 games). Cousin of Dennis Carroll he won the VFL Mark of the Year award in 1984. The last few decades he's been a handy race horse trainer in Wagga Wagga.
Daniel Gorringe (Gold Coast & Carlton 2011-2017, 26 games). Gorringe appeared in Channel 7's Big Brother Australia 2020 reboot where he finished runner up in the competition. At the time he was a Twitter sensation and now has a writing role with Sportsbet.
Trent Nichols, played with Richmond, West Coast and North Melb was a TV presenter/newsreader on WIN Television in Tasmania for a number of years.
David Rodan (Richmond, Port Adelaide, Melbourne 2002-2013, 185 games), AFL goal umpire from 2017 on
Geoff Parker (Essendon 1987-89, 3 games), Victorian and South Australian Shield cricketer who also captained Australia Under 19's to the Youth World Cup in 1988. He is currently the head recruiting manager for AFL club Port Adelaide.
Mordecai "Mordy" Bromberg (St.Kilda 1978-81, 34 games) is an Australian judge who was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia in 2009. He was previously a senior barrister.
Nick Gill (Adelaide, 2007-09, 16 games). Spent time on lists with Melbourne (2001) & North Melbourne (2003) but didn't play any games. Moved into radio in Adelaide; last known to have been with Triple M in Newcastle.
Garry Baker (Footscray, Melbourne, Sydney, 1972-1983, 147 games). Used to host a radio show in Hobart on the old Triple-T FM called "Drop, Kick and Punt" and also owned/owns a chain of restaurants in Hobart.
Jordan Banninster (Essendon & Carlton 2001-2009, 67 games), AFL field umpire 2010-2016.
Darrel Baldock (St K/East D'Port/Latrobe/New Norfolk)
Gil Langley won a best and fairest for Sturt, played a few games for Essendon during the war, Test cricket and then retired to become state MP for Unley for thirty years.
Ken Bennett, rover in the 1958 Collingwood premiership was national secretary of the Labor Party.
John Devine was a Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly at the same time as Darrel Baldock, in the period between their VFL playing careers and their coaching stints.
Karmichael Hunt & Israel Folau, NRL players played for the Gold Coast & GWS.
Luke Ball & Jimmy Bartel played in the 2000/01 Under 17 Victorian Cricket Team
Mark Bairstow, Bill Barrott, Darrel Baldock and Denis Pagan are all horse trainers
Reserves:
Shane Warne (cricket), St.Kilda, 1988, 1 game and a full season in Saints U19’s.
Dennis Cometti (football commentator), West Perth 1967-1971 38 games, 70 goals, Footscray, 1971, 4 games
Graeme Richmond (Richmond administrator), Richmond, 1952-53
Mike Willesee (TV host), South Melbourne, 1964, 8 games
Tony Wilson (author), Hawthorn, 1990-92
Brad Hodge (cricket), Melbourne, 1994, 1 game
James Tomkins (Oarsome Foursome Rower), Melbourne, 1989, 7 games. 200cms. Was in Hawthorn Under 19’s squad in 1984 and played for Carey Grammar as a schoolkid.
Colin Ridgway (Dallas Cowboys NFL 1965), Carl, 1955
Rodney Hogg (cricket), Collingwood, 1970, 3 games in the reserves + 8 games in Under 19’s in 1970
Geoff Walsh (Collingwood General Manager), Collingwood, 1973-75, 55 games
David Morgan (former CEO of Westpac), Richmond, 1967
Graeme Sampieri (bookmaker), 1958 Hawks Reserves Premiership player
Harry Beitzel (3KZ, 3AW, 3AK, ABC VFL Commentator) Played in Fitzroy Under 19’s in 1944 and 3 games for the Fitzroy reserves in 1945 as an 18-year old. Was a VFL umpire between 1948-1960 in which he officiated in 182 senior games (including the 1955 Grand Final). He also umpired 21 country Grand Finals.
Trevor O'Hoy, ex CEO of Fosters Group, North Melbourne Board member) played on the wing for 3 years with the St Kilda reserves team (1972-74) and was runner-up for the Gardiner Medal in 1973. His teammates at the Saints included Mick Malthouse and Grant Thomas.
Shayne Bennett played under 19’s for North Adelaide in 1990 and Collingwood Under 19’s (13 games, 45 goals in 1991 including an 11-goal haul vs Carlton) and Collingwood reserves (13 games, 12 goals in 1991). Played in Collingwood’s Under 19’s 1991 Grand Final team vs North Melbourne. Left for the US aged 19 in 1992. Went on to become a Major League Baseball pitcher in the USA for the Montreal Expos 1996-2000. His brother, Peter played 293 games & kicked 320 goals for North Adelaide between 1983-1995.
Under 19’s:
Brad Robinson (Australian Crawl) Hawthorn, 1976
Lindsay Gaze (basketball), Melbourne, 1955
Jamie Cox (Tasmanian cricket captain), Essendon 1987, seniors for Glenelg (SANFL)
Ray “Slug” Jordon (football commentator & coach of VFL & reserves teams), Richmond, 1953-55. Wicketkeeper for Victoria
Sam Pang (comedian and TV host), Collingwood, 1991, 6 games
Richard Pratt (businessman, Visy owner), Carlton, 1953 (won 1953 Morrish Medal)
Ahmed Fahour (former CEO of Australia Post) played at half-back flank for 2 games in the Carlton’s Under-19 team in 1985 with Geoff Southby as coach. He said that he gave up his football ambitions because he couldn’t match his contemporary Stephen Silvagni in the under 19s. Fahour served on the Carlton Board as a director between 2007-2015.
Jeff Browne (Former Head of Channel 9 & lawyer), Collingwood, 1972. Brother of Pies player Murray Browne (Collingwood & Fitzroy 1981-86, 53 games).
David Buttifant (Collingwood’s sport science director), Collingwood, 1983. David also played 2 games for Richmond seniors in 1987
Chris Brent (son of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs) played for the Fitzroy Under 19's in 1981 alongside Paul Roos and Gary Pert. He kicked 91 goals for the 1981 season (his only season), a Lions' Under 19's record which placed him 2nd in the competitions Under 19's goal kicking behind Melbourne's David Cordner who kicked 111.
Brett Hartin Richmond U/19s in 1991, finished 11th in the 1991 B & F. Member of The Puppetry of the Penis from 1998.
Clinton Casey, (Businessman, ex-President of Richmond FC), played Under 19's at Essendon in 1978.
Peter Cameron played Richmond U19s in 1969 and umpired 306 AFL matches between 1977 and 1993
Keith Schlieger (The Block), Played for Victoria in the AFL Under 16's Schoolboys team and Under 19's for North Melbourne. Played district cricket for Nth Melb too. Now is the foreman on the TV show The Block.
Others:
Gil McLachlan, AFL chief once trailed with Carlton and was on their supplementary list in 1996-97.
Eddie McGuire, Collingwood President once trailed with Nth Melbourne U-19’s in 1982.
Mitch Marsh (Australian Test cricket) played for Western Australia at the 2008 AFL Under 18 Championships at full forward alongside Nic Naitanui, Chris Yarran, Stephen Hill, Michael Walters, Daniel Rich, Mitch Duncan, Neville Jetta, Anthony Morabito, Clancee Pearce, Matt de Boer and cousin Brad Sheppard.
Alex Carey (ODI cricket) captained & won GWS’s B & F the year before they joined the AFL.
Travis Fimmel (Vikings actor ‘Ragnar’), was recruited to St.Kilda in 1997 but badly broke his leg while training and never played a Under 19's or reserve game.
Mark Robinson, Chief Herald Sun football writer, played mostly Under 19's and reserves football for Sandhurst (plus a few senior games) in the Bendigo League between 1986-1993 plus West Preston and North Old Boys in Brunswick. Robinson played in the midfield, centre-half forward and full forward. He actually won the 1987 Bendigo League Reserves B & F and played in a Premiership team for Sandhurst Reserves in 1992.
Darren Lockyer (NRL), Lockyer started playing Aussie rules for Springwood in Brisbane, finishing runner-up in the best and fairest award in his first season when he was 6. The following season he won the club's best and fairest award by 17 votes. He only switched to Rugby League at age 9 when his family relocated to Roma.
Travis Martin-Beynon (‘Candyman’ and FreeChoice tobacco empire heir). Beynon played for Southport in QLD had a standout 1989 Teal Cup carnival. He was drafted to North Melbourne as pick #4 in the 1989 pre-season VFL draft and did a pre-season at North Melbourne but suffered a debilitating back injury and didn't play any senior games. He spent 1990 on the North Melbourne list and was traded to the Brisbane Bears in 1991 where he also didn't play any senior games.
Mark Taylor (Australian Cricket Captain) played Under 17’s Teal Cup for NSW (his football club was Parramatta) in 1981 and played in the same team as Hawks player James Morrissey and Collingwood player Paul Hawke.
Patty Mills (basketball) was a very good junior footballer. Mills was invited to train with the Sydney Swans 2004 but Mills declined.
Nathan Chapman (78 games for Brisbane & Hawthorn 1993-2000) - Was a rookie at NFL team Green Bay Packers and went on to form a company, Prokick which is the pathway to the NFL for aspiring Aussie punters.
Ben Simmons (NBA Basketball) was a very good junior footballer playing for Keilor Under 14s.
Mike Codd won the Mulrooney Medal (the ACT Brownlow) in 1962. He was a senior public servant in the Hawke years, serving as secretary of Prime Minister’s & Cabinet Department – so virtually the top banana.
Lleyton Hewitt (Lleyton’s dad Glynn played for Rich reserves in 1973-74, got a flag in 73, his uncle Darryl played for St.K seniors in 1981-82) was a moderately skilled junior footballer.
Anthony Hudson played for Fitzroy Reds where they were the Uni Reds in the VAFA. The Uni Reds back then would have been in lower grades back then.
Tom Trbojević was in Sydney Swans Academy as a 12-year old before choosing the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL.
Kalyn Ponga at 13 was placed in the Brisbane Lions Talent Academy after being spotted at a representative Rugby NRL match where he was considered an outstanding prospect. He went onto play in the NRL for Newcastle Knights & North Queensland Cowboys.
