Australian rules football

:Australian Rules redirects here. For the movie, see Australian Rules (film).

Australian Football Hall of Fame

For the centenary of the VFL/AFL in 1996, a Hall of Fame was established. That year 136 identities were inducted, including 100 players, 10 coaches, 10 umpires, 10 administrators and 6 media representatives.

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The selections have caused some controversy, partly because of the predominance of VFL players at the expense of those who played in other leagues, in the years before there was a national competition. Gary Ablett's induction was deferred for several years until 2005 due to a controversy associated with the death of a young woman acquaintance shortly after his retirement, which was felt to be likely to bring the Hall into disrepute.

Related Topics:
Gary Ablett - 2005

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The elite Legend status was bestowed on 12 members of the Hall of Fame in 1996; seven other football identities have subsequently received this honour.

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The original legends (in alphabetical order) are:

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• Ron Barassi Junior
• Haydn Bunton Senior
• Roy Cazaly
• John Coleman
• Jack Dyer
• Graham "Polly" Farmer
• Leigh Matthews
• John Nicholls
• Bob Pratt
• Dick Reynolds
• Bob Skilton
• Ted Whitten Senior

Later additions:

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• Ian Stewart (later in 1997)
• Gordon Coventry (1998)
• Peter Hudson (1999)
• Kevin Bartlett (2000)
• Barrie Robran (2001)
• Bill Hutchison (2003)
• Jock McHale (2005)