Dane Swan, Jason Akermanis, Wayne Carey make list of greatest cameos in local footy
FROM the King Wayne Carey to the clown prince Brendan Fevola, AFL stars have drawn big crowds to local footy grounds across Melbourne. Here’s the 10 most memorable cameos from ex-AFL players in community clashes.
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THEY’RE big names and they have drawn big crowds to local footy grounds across Victoria.
Wayne Carey, Jason Akermanis, Barry Hall and Dane Swan are among the ex-AFL stars who have made cameo appearances for suburban clubs, making an impact on and off the field.
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However, none can compete with the Brendan Fevola roadshow, which has taken in several clubs around Victoria and included a record-shattering game for Tasmanian side New Norfolk.
While most players are paid handsomely for their time, clubs have also enjoyed a positive financial result and the subsequent attention which comes with a high-profile signing.
THE TOP 10 CAMEO APPEARANCES BY EX-AFL STARS IN LOCAL FOOTY
1. Wayne Carey (Maribyrnong Park, 2011)
The comeback of the ex-North Melbourne and Adelaide forward nicknamed ‘The King’ made headlines across the country. Wearing the no. 20 jumper, Carey only lasted until just before quarter-time when he tore a calf during the Lions’ Essendon District Football League clash with Avondale Heights. Most of the bumper crowd moved on about halftime when it was clear Carey would not return, however he did thrill them with a snap on his left which sailed through 13 minutes into his debut. Maribyrnong Park reported about 4000 people attended the game and the club made $7200 from a lunch before the game and $1150 when Carey’s jumper was auctioned off.
What they said:
“It’s a little bit disappointing that people have come out to watch and I couldn’t play the whole game, but that’s footy and I’ve got no control over that. At least I kicked a goal.’’ — Wayne Carey
2. Barry Hall (The Basin, 2017)
Big, Bad Barry Hall’s one-off appearance for Eastern Football League club The Basin was unforgettable for many reasons. Hall kicked four goals in a solid outing, including the first major of his side’s match against Heathmont. The biggest highlight of the day came when one spectator launched himself over the fence and ran towards Hall wearing only his socks. Hall could only laugh as security kept the streaker away from him in pictures which went viral the next day.
What they said:
“Barry made the most of the limited opportunities we gave him and he is certainly a very good footballer.” — Former The Basin coach Scott Homewood
3. Brendan Fevola (Donvale, 2015)
Who could forget Brendan Fevola being offered a sip of Jim Beam during his cameo for Eastern Football League outfit Donvale? The former Carlton and Brisbane Lions spearhead happily obliged when offered a drink from fans behind the fence, before returning to the goalsquare and resuming his playing duties. If you thought that might have harmed his performance, you were wrong. Fev still kicked seven goals despite Donvale being beaten by Glen Waverley Hawks.
What they said:
“In terms of what we expect from him on the day there are three things — one that he enjoys himself, two that he mixes with as many kids as possible and three that he kicks a few goals.” — Donvale president John Giles
4. Dane Swan (Westmeadows, 2018)
Dane Swan’s return to his junior club wasn’t quite a cameo, with the Brownlow medallist granted permission to play two games earlier this year in the Essendon District Football League. Swan was almost stopped from pulling on the boots for the Tigers due to an insurance payout he received when injury ended his AFL career. But he won a late reprieve and had 24 disposals against Tullamarine. Westmeadows had planned for a record crowd and about 4000 turned up to watch Swan, while his comeback featured on television news and The Footy Show.
What they said:
“It was awesome to come down and give something back to a club where it all started for me.” — Dane Swan
5. Barry Hall (Pearcedale, 2017)
A second entry for the ex-St Kilda, Sydney and Western Bulldogs power forward, who turned out for Pearcedale on Good Friday last year. Hall’s appearance could hardly have been scripted better as he booted his eighth goal with 30 seconds on the clock to earn the Dales a five-point win over Frankston Bombers. Hall was happy to indulge the crowd throughout the match, high-fiving young fans and posing for photos for more than an hour afterwards.
What they said:
“I’ve never seen a bloke kick the ball so straight.’’ — Pearcedale coach Leigh Stewart said.
6. Jason Akermanis (Aberfeldie, 2011 and 2012)
The Brisbane Lions premiership hero first played for Aberfeldie in 2011, featuring in a win and helping the club sell out a 200-seat luncheon. Akermanis’ presence also brought in a crowd of about 4000 to Clifton Park. Akermanis, who was living close to Aberfeldie’s ground, returned again for another game the following season. Reports suggested he had about 15 disposals in his first match and performed his trademark handstand post-game.
What they said:
“The service was really slick so you’d be surprised how different the ball movement gets and you can run a lot faster.’’ — Jason Akermanis
7. Anthony Koutoufides (Deer Park, 2012)
More than 3000 spectators packed into John McLeod Oval to watch the ex-Carlton star play for Deer Park in the Western Region Football League against St Albans. Koutoufides was 39 at the time, but displayed his quality with the first goal of the match and finished with two majors. He had also played for Moonee Valley, North Bendigo and Sydenham that season before turning out for the Lions in a two-point loss.
What they said:
“It was probably the biggest the crowd I’ve seen at Deer Park, without a doubt.” — Deer Park president Mark McGoldrick.
8. Brendan Fevola (Sandown Cobras, 2015)
You could take your pick of the goalscoring feats Brendan Fevola has pulled off for local clubs since his AFL career wrapped up. But it’s hard to go past Fevola’s eight-goal effort while playing for Sandown in the Southern Football League. Fevola was struggling with back problems and battling to walk but was still the matchwinner as the Cobras claimed their first victory of the season. Five of his majors came during a second-term blitz and few at Sandown will forget the day Fev came to town to inspire a famous win.
What they said:
“I struggled pretty much all day but when a club puts on a day like today you’ve got to get out here and suck it up.” — Brendan Fevola
9. Brian Lake (Templestowe, 2016)
The Norm Smith medallist and three-time premiership player was playing full-time with WRFL club Caroline Springs when he featured for Templestowe in a one-off game. The Dockers claimed a crushing 90-point win over The Basin in the clash and Lake iced a strong showing with a goal on the final siren.
What they said:
“I really enjoy local footy, I always loved playing in Darwin with the Bulldogs or down in Tassie with Hawthorn.” — Brian Lake
10. Campbell Brown (Lower Plenty, 2014)
The ex-Gold Coast and Hawthorn hard man had only recently bought a house in nearby Hurstbridge when he turned out for Lower Plenty in a derby fixture against its rival Montmorency. While he had only planned to feature once, Brown ended up playing three matches for the Bears and kicking five goals in 2014. A large crowd was in attendance for Brown’s debut in Lower Plenty colours and he did not disappoint, booting two goals as the Bears held off a late charge from Montmorency to triumph by 10 points.
What they said:
“You meet great guys who have a real passion for the game and love playing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Lower Plenty could be my new local club.” — Campbell Brown
One that never happened … Ben Cousins to Romsey
Talk persisted for weeks Cousins was set to play in the Riddell District Football League for Romsey in 2011, with suggestions the club was planning to fly its star recruit in by helicopter. But injuries are said to have scuppered the plans. Reports before the mooted appearance suggested the club would hire about 60 security staff and erect scaffolding to manage an increased media presence.
And one from the cricket field … Jonathan Brown to Yarraville Club
Jonathan Brown was a handy junior cricketer in Warrnambool before he decided to focus on his football career. Brown showed off his talents for Victorian Turf Cricket Association club Yarraville Club during the 2016-17 season, taking a wicket with his fifth ball bowling left-arm pace. Brown thought it was the first time he had rolled the arm over since troubling former Australian captain Ricky Ponting on The Footy Show with a short ball.
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