Unforgettable Performances in Australian Football
In the wake of a remarkable seven-goal performance by Sydney forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr against Melbourne, it sparked thoughts about other standout moments in football history. Rosas, playing alongside Charlie Curnow, Joel Amartey, Tom Papley, Isaac Heeney, and Chad Warner, wasn’t expected to make a significant impact on the scoreboard but proved to be a surprise package in the Swans’ victory.
This incredible display led to a reflection on some of the most memorable ‘bolt from the blue’ moments in football. However, Rosas didn’t make it into the top 10, nor did Karmichael Hunt’s goal after the siren to defeat Richmond in 2012. Despite this, there are still numerous notable performances that have left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Martin Masterclass
Nic Martin was overlooked in multiple drafts but was picked up by Essendon via the Supplemental Selection Period ahead of the 2022 season. Martin only needed three months at an AFL club to prove his worth, earning a top-flight debut in Round 1 against Geelong. He didn’t disappoint, kicking five goals from 27 touches and earning two Brownlow votes despite the Bombers losing by 66 points.
Fitzy the Freak
Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald is mostly known for his media exploits, but before that, he was a promising footballer. His first game of AFL footy excited Sydney fans about the player he could become. Playing as a key forward, ‘Fitzy’ kicked five goals from nine touches on debut and impressed in the following weeks. However, crippling knee injuries curtailed his professional career, ending it after 18 matches.
King Tutt
Western Bulldogs unleashed Jason Tutt in 2011 against Port Adelaide, and they were ecstatic with his performance. Tutt produced one of the highest player ratings on debut since 2010, amassing 26 disposals and kicking four goals. He slotted three majors with his first three kicks and claimed a Brownlow vote in the 60-point victory. However, his time at Whitten Oval was short-lived, and he took up an opportunity at Carlton that wasn’t as fruitful as desired.
Anzac Day Medal at 17?
Mark McGough of Collingwood had an unforgettable experience at just 17 years old in 2002. He stood tall for the Pies in a miserable, rainy day against Essendon at the MCG. He collected 24 possessions, six marks, four clearances, and three Brownlow Medal votes. He’d finish his career with 49 AFL games, spending a pair of seasons at St Kilda before heading to WA.
An American Dominating on the MCG
Mason Cox’s preliminary final performance has gone down in Collingwood football folklore. The Pies faced the reigning premiers, Richmond, in the penultimate week, and the Tigers stood no chance against a rampaging Cox, who turned the game in the second quarter. He kicked three goals from 15 possessions and 11 marks. Bruce McAvaney called him a “colossus.”
Georgiades Gem
John Georgiades, father of Port Adelaide gun Mitch, dominated on debut. Facing a strong Carlton team in the 1980s, Georgiades had his hands full from the get-go but managed to cause chaos in the front half, slotting eight majors. However, his time in the VFL was short-lived, returning to WAFL club Subiaco at the end of 1991, only two years after joining the Bulldogs.
Ronke Riot
Ben Ronke, a Swan in his third AFL game, wasn’t overawed by Friday night lights at the MCG in 2018 or the level of Hawthorn’s defence. In a close affair against the Hawks, Ronke kicked seven goals as one of three Sydney players to slot majors. The others were Will Hayward (three) and Luke Parker (two). The Swans won by eight points, with Ronke earning three Brownlow votes. He remained on Sydney’s list until the end of 2022 but never again reached the heights of his seven-goal performance.
Reimers Rampage
Kyle Reimers set records back in 2011 under the roof at Docklands. Essendon piled on 15 goals in the opening term against the AFL’s newest side in Round 6, and Reimers was the major beneficiary in the 139-point win. The small forward slotted eight goals from 20 possessions. However, his time at Tullamarine didn’t last long after that, departing the Bombers at the end of 2012.
Beaumont Beauty
Simon Beaumont wreaked havoc on arch rival Collingwood in Round 17 1999 at the MCG. Beaumont had begun establishing himself in the Blues senior side, but this coming-of-age game at 24 was special. The half-back flanker was moved forward and gave Carlton a boost, slotting eight goals in the first half. His efforts only warranted two Brownlow votes.
19th Man Saves the Day for the Blues
The 1970 VFL Grand Final between Carlton and Collingwood is made famous for many reasons. The Blues’ massive comeback to beat the arch rival, the biggest ever crowd (121,696) flocked to the MCG, setting a new record. Ted Hopkins, listed as the 19th man for Carlton, produced a purple patch that turned the tide of the contest. Hopkins replaced Bert Thornley at half-time, which was a masterstroke by coach Ron Barassi. He kicked three goals in 15 minutes, giving one off to Alex Jesaulenko, helping erase a 44-point deficit. Hopkins kicked his fourth in the final term, helping secure the flag. He played only one more game for Carlton before pursuing other interests.
