Geelong greats, Hawks champion, SA legends inducted into Australian Football Hall of Fame
Seven pioneers of the game were inducted by the AFL on Tuesday evening.
Published by
Mitch Keating
A trio of modern-day greats, South Australian football legends and a commentary pioneer were all inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening.
Hawthorn champion and coach Sam Mitchell was the first of seven to be inducted, with Geelong triple premiership pairing Corey Enright and Jimmy Bartel also earning the honour for their impact on the game in the hoops.
South Australian football royalty in Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams, Norwood legend Michael Aish and triple premiership ruckman Tom Leahy were also inducted.
Broadcast legend Bruce McAvaney was inducted for his unrivalled influence on the sport from outside the boundary line, with McAvaney having called the game for over 40 years.
"I'm pleased to be able to celebrate tonight and recognise the tremendous achievements of the 2023 inductees," AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder.
"Their contribution to football is outstanding and each of the seven inductees alongside their family and friends should be immensely proud."
Goyder confirmed on Tuesday night that St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt was backed for an induction this year, however instead will be welcomed to next year's ceremony due to commitments overseas with his family.
2023 Australian Football Hall of Fame inductees
Michael Aish
307 games for Norwood 1979-93, 449 goals
15 games for SA (Captain 1986 and 1989)
Magarey Medal 1981
2x Premierships 1982 1984
3x All Australian 1983 1984 1986 (dual state-matches per year era)
377 games for 377 goals comprising West Adelaide (1976-78, 65 games, 37 goals), Port Adelaide (1979-80 and 1990-92, 111 games, 104 goals), Collingwood (1981-86, 135 games, 178 goals) and Brisbane Lions (1987-90, 66 games, 58 goals). Also six games for Windsor-Zillmere (1988).
Eight games for SA, one game for Victoria, one game for Queensland.
Premierships 1979, 1980, 1990, 1992 (all with Port Adelaide). Also 1988 QAFL premiership.
Collingwood Best and Fairest 1981, 1985
All Australian 1980 (carnival) and 2004 (AFL premiership coach)
Collingwood Leading Goalkicker 1984
Collingwood Captain 1983-86
Coached Glenelg (SANFL) 1993-94, 45 games for 22 wins, one draw, 22 losses
Coached Port Adelaide (AFL) 1999-2010, 256 games for 142 wins, two draws, 112 losses.