Life’s pretty being Pink for AFL’s latest cult hero

Some stumbling blocks tested his patience, but Roos cult hero Toby Pink insists he never lost belief he’d crack the AFL after pulling off a rags-to-riches story that’s left rival forwards trembling in his wake.

Toby Pink of the Kangaroos celebrates their win over Carlton with fans last week. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Toby Pink could have been forgiven for thinking his AFL dream simply wasn’t meant to be.

But after some setbacks, some completely out of his control, the key defender has become North Melbourne’s cult hero before their clash with Hawthorn at Launceston on Saturday.

The 26-year-old has attracted deserved praise this week after holding three of the AFL’s best forwards - West Coast’s Oscar Allen, Fremantles Josh Treacy and Carlton’s Charlie Curnow - goalless his past three games.

When the Roos played the Hawks at UTAS Stadium in the final round of last year, the reliable redhead actually played up forward and was largely helpless as Hawthorn booked a finals spot with a ruthless 124-point belting.

This time around he’ll be charged with stopping them as one of the AFL’s form defenders for the resurgent Roos.

“We don’t want to lose like that any more, and we know if we bring what we have the last six weeks we can be in this game, and win it for sure,” Pink told his masthead.

Josh Treacy of the Dockers is tackled by Toby Pink. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“It was a weird one. I think they wanted me to play forward this year again, but through pre season there was injuries in key backs and I started playing there to fill that spot.

“I went alright down there so they left me there the start of the year. I’ve kept playing consistent footy, so I’m cemented down there I feel.”

Pink was taken by Sydney with the final pick of the 2016 rookie draft, but didn’t play an AFL game in three years at the Swans.

He signed with North Melbourne’s VFL team in 2020, only for that season to be scrapped due to Covid.

Toby Pink celebrating Glenelg’s 2023 flag. Picture: Matt Loxton

Hailing from the tiny South Australian town Tantanoola, Pink then played three SANFL seasons with Glenelg. He featured in their 2023 flag, and was named at fullback in the league’s team of the year.

Just before that finals campaign the Roos came knocking with a one year deal, and a chance to play for a club that had been ripped from him four years earlier had finally arrived.

He played 15 games last year, triggering a one-year extension for this season.

Toby Pink takes a big mark against Carlton. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“In the Covid year I basically did a pre-season for nothing,” Pink said.

“I got a job labouring through the club (Swans) which I spent the whole year doing, which sucked.

“It was bad timing with Covid, but you can’t do much about it. I stuck to it, I always had that dream of getting back onto a list.”

Pink is still unsigned for next year, but it seems inevitable he will remain at Arden St given his terrific form.

He insisted having to prove himself at AFL level every year hasn’t been stressful. He’s just grateful to get another shot.

Toby Pink marks during a 2019 pre season game with Sydney. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)

“Four years on, I thought time was getting away from me. I was hoping there was another chance, and it was a surprise after four years out of the system, but I still had that determination and dream,” he said.

“I take it as it comes. I’ve only ever got one year deals, so I’m pretty used to it.

“I don’t feel too much pressure from it, I’m a pretty easy-going guy and I attack everything 100 per cent no matter want, and usually the contracts come.

“There’s been some good games (from me) lately, but it comes off team defence and getting the support from my teammates.

“A few older boys are joking I’m prime Matty Scarlett or something like that. I’m pretty happy, but I can’t do it without my teammates.”

Pink’s home town, Tantanoola, is as laid-back and understated as the man himself.

Around 425km south east of Adelaide it boasts a pub, camping ground, heritage-listed railway station and the local footy club, the Tigers.

“I think there’s about 300 people there,” he said.

“The pub shuts down and opens up a fair bit, I think the last seven years we’ve had about five or six new owners.

Luke McDonald and Toby Pink celebrate this year’s win over Richmond. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

“It is reopened at the moment but that’s pretty much all that’s there, a pub and a footy club.

“I went back there this year for a 2015 under-17s grand final premiership reunion. My parents still live in the town and my older brother still plays footy for the local team.”

Pink isn’t used to the spotlight, but everyone gravitates to a good rags-to-riches story.

“It (media attention) has got a bit out of hand but I’ll take it,” he said with a laugh.

“I’m not the most out there bloke and don’t get in the media too much, but it’s better than being smashed in the media so I’m happy with that.”