NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame: Tony Lockett, Paul Kelly among nine legends inducted

Nine legends have been inducted into the NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame as they took centre stage after Wayne Carey was blocked from becoming the 10th.

24/08/1998 PIRATE: Melbourne v Sydney Swans. MCG. Tony Lockett kicks for goal. He booted four go move to 102 for the season.

Greats of the AFL including Paul Kelly and Tony Lockett are among nine of NSW’s greatest contributors to Aussie rules who have been elevated as Legends during the inaugural NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame gala dinner at the SCG.

In March, 100 people ranging from players and coaches to administrators, umpires and media personalities were officially inducted into the Hall of Fame.

During the black tie gala dinner on Friday night, nine of that group were awarded Legend status as a result of their “outstanding service and overall contribution to the game”.

Wayne Carey was set to be the 10th Legend of the group before AFL CEO Andrew Dillon stepped in to stop his elevation.

Tony Lockett boots a goal for the Swans.

Kelly and Lockett were celebrated alongside former Sydney Swans chairman Richard Colless, Terry Daniher, Jack Dean, Haydn Bunton, Ralph Robertson, Harry J Hedger MBE and Jim Phelan.

“It’s important for people to understand NSW has played Australian rules football for more than 140 years,” Tiffany Robertson, the head of AFL NSW/ACT said.

“There have been countless talented players and committed volunteers who have built a strong culture and rich history for the code throughout the state.

“The Hall of Fame is a testament to all those people who have given so much. Congratulations to everyone who was recognised this evening.”

Swans captain Paul Kelly in 1999 at the SCG.

The night also recognised remarkable members of the community footy scene, including Maurice Goolagong who became known as the “Park footy Plugger” after he became the first player to kick 1,000 goals in the Black Diamond competition.

There were also plenty of reunions to be had, including members of both the Swans’ 2005 and 2012 premiership sides. John Longmire was also in attendance, alongside current members of his coaching staff Brett Kirk and Jarrad and Mark McVeigh, ahead of Saturday’s Sydney Derby against the Giants.

Still in their relative infancy, the Giants heralded one major inductee with Amanda Farrugia included as one of the first locally grown stars to play for GWS in the AFLW.

“Amanda is one of the real pioneers of women’s football in New South Wales and her induction into the inaugural NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame is certainly warranted,” Giants CEO David Matthews said.

Originally published as NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame: Tony Lockett, Paul Kelly among nine legends inducted