The Australian Football Hall of Fame, established in 1996 during the centenary year of the AFL, serves to honour the outstanding contributions made to Australian rules football by players, umpires, coaches, administrators, and media personalities.
Starting with 136 inductees, the Hall has grown to include more than 300 members, including 32 "Legends" who represent the pinnacle of excellence in the sport.
Despite the extensive and esteemed list of inductees, several noteworthy players have yet to be recognised with the honour. Here we highlight six exceptional footballers who, despite their remarkable achievements and impact on the game, remain conspicuously absent from the Hall of Fame.
These players appeared to demonstrate the worthy skill, leadership, and dedication throughout their careers and for some, their exclusion is a point of contention, anticipation or misfortune within the football community.
In this piece we will explore the careers of these six deserving individuals who still await their place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
4. Tony Modra
Tony Modra, a name synonymous with spectacular marking and prolific goal-kicking, etched his legacy as one of Australian football's most electrifying full-forwards.
His journey from humble beginnings in South Australia to becoming a revered figure in the AFL details an undeniable case for Hall of Fame induction, for his individual achievements and the unforgettable moments he brought to the sport.
His journey began with West Adelaide in the SANFL, where his goal-kicking prowess first started turning heads. Elevation to the Adelaide Crows in the AFL allowed his talents to shine on the national stage.
Modra's AFL debut came in 1992, but it was the following season that he announced his arrival in a big way. Modra seized the full-forward position and dazzled the league in 1993, kicking 10 goals in the opening round against Richmond and finishing the season with 129 goals, becoming the first and only Adelaide player to surpass 100 goals in a season.
His ability to soar above packs and take breathtaking marks earned him the nickname "Godra," and his flair for the spectacular quickly made him a football icon.
The pinnacle of Modra's career came in 1997 when he won the Coleman Medal and earned All-Australian honours. A devastating ACL injury in the preliminary final that year kept him from playing in Adelaide's inaugural premiership and heartbreakingly hindered his availability for the following year's flag also, though his contribution to the success is immensely recognised.
Further accolades include his five consecutive Adelaide leading goal-kicker awards from 1993 to 1997 and being named in the Adelaide Team of the Decade as full-forward.
His aerial talent was rewarded with three Mark of the Year awards in 1993, 1997, and 2000, cementing his status as one of the game's great showmen.
His move to Fremantle in 1999 brought new challenges, but he continued to shine, setting a club record with 71 goals in his first season and eventually taking his career tally to 588 goals from just 165 games.
