Australian Football Hall of Fame
For the centenary of the VFL/AFL in 1996, a Hall of Fame was established. That year 136 identities were inducted, including 100 players, 10 coaches, 10 umpires, 10 administrators and 6 media representatives.
The selections have caused some controversy, partly because of the predominance of VFL players at the expense of those who played in other leagues in the years before there was a national competition. Gary Ablett's induction was deferred for several years until 2005 due to a controversy associated with the death of a young woman acquaintance shortly after his retirement, which was felt to be likely to bring the Hall into disrepute.
The elite Legend status was bestowed on 12 members of the Hall of Fame in 1996; seven other football identities have subsequently received this honour.
The original legends (in alphabetical order) are:
- Ron Barassi Junior
- Haydn Bunton Senior
- Roy Cazaly
- John Coleman
- Jack Dyer
- Graham "Polly" Farmer
- Leigh Matthews
- John Nicholls
- Bob Pratt
- Dick Reynolds
- Bob Skilton
- Ted Whitten Senior
Later additions:
- Ian Stewart (later in 1997)
- Gordon Coventry (1998)
- Peter Hudson (1999)
- Kevin Bartlett (2000)
- Barrie Robran (2001)
- Bill Hutchison (2003)
- Jock McHale (2005)
