Many players go on to have successful and long careers in the AFL, but a portion of players have their careers cut short. Some are star players who just didn't get a good crack to show what they have, or succumbed to the nasty history and role that injuries play in the game.
We take a look at 10 of the most notable names who had their promising careers end prematurely.
Have some other players in mind? Share in the comments below.
5. Darren Millane
One of Collingwood's all-time greats, despite having his career tragically cut short, Darren Millane was a star.
Playing between 1984 and 1991, Millane played 147 games and kicked 78 goals.
In 1987, he found his place on the wing and became known for his toughness and attitude toward the game, becoming a fan favourite. He capped the year off, winning the club's best and fairest award.
Hitting his peak in 1990, the Pies' premiership year, Millane won the AFLPA MVP award, now named the Leigh Matthews Trophy, and was selected in the AFL Team of the Year. He also came second in Collingwood's best and fairest. It was his finals series however, that became well recognised.
Prior to the finals series, Millane broke his thumb but continued to play with pain-killers. In the Grand Final, he had 24 touches and famously threw the ball in the air after the final siren. The Magpies had broken a 32-year premiership drought.
In 1991, Millane tragically died in a car accident while intoxicated.
Millane wore number 42, which has since been retired at the club, and he is a member of Collingwood's Team of the Century.
There's no telling what more he could have achieved, as he was just 26, in his peak.
