List of Australian rules football statues facts for kids
Statues are special artworks built to honor important people or events. In Australian rules football, many legendary players and coaches have been honored with statues. These statues help us remember their amazing skills, dedication, and the impact they had on the sport. They are often placed at famous stadiums or places where these heroes played, allowing fans to visit and feel connected to the history of Aussie Rules.
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Honoring Aussie Rules Legends with Statues
Many of the greatest players in Australian rules football history have been given their own statues. These statues are usually found at famous football grounds like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or Adelaide Oval. They celebrate the incredible careers and achievements of these sporting heroes.
Statues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
The MCG is one of the most famous sports stadiums in Australia, and it's home to several statues of Aussie Rules legends.
Ron Barassi: A True Champion
Ron Barassi is one of the most respected figures in Australian rules football. He was a brilliant player and coach, known for his toughness and leadership. His statue was put up in September 2003 at the MCG, where he played many of his famous games.
Kevin Bartlett: The Richmond Legend
Kevin Bartlett was a star player for the Richmond Football Club. He played an incredible 403 games, which is one of the highest numbers ever. His statue was unveiled in March 2017, also at the MCG, celebrating his long and successful career.
John Coleman: The High-Flying Forward
John Coleman was an amazing forward for the Essendon Football Club. He was famous for his spectacular high marks and goal-kicking ability. His statue was placed at the MCG in September 2013, reminding everyone of his incredible talent. There's even another statue of him with Tom Meehan in Hastings, Victoria, showing his lasting impact.
Leigh Matthews: Mr. Football
Leigh Matthews is often called "Mr. Football" because he was outstanding as both a player and a coach. He played for Hawthorn Football Club and coached Collingwood Football Club and Brisbane Lions to premierships. His statue at the MCG, unveiled in August 2005, shows his powerful playing style.
Jim Stynes: A True Inspiration
Jim Stynes was a unique player who came from Ireland and became a star for the Melbourne Football Club. He was known for his incredible fitness and sportsmanship. After his playing career, he did a lot of great work for the community. His statue was put up at the MCG in September 2014, celebrating his life and achievements both on and off the field.
Tom Wills: The Game's Founder
Tom Wills is a very important figure in the history of Australian rules football because he helped create the game itself! His statue at the MCG, unveiled in 2001, honors his role in starting this beloved sport.
Statues at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide Oval in South Australia is another major stadium that honors its football heroes with statues.
Malcolm Blight: A Goal-Kicking Legend
Malcolm Blight was a fantastic player and coach, known for his amazing goal-kicking. He played for North Melbourne Football Club and coached Geelong Football Club and Adelaide Football Club. His statue at Adelaide Oval was unveiled in August 2015.
Russell Ebert: A Port Adelaide Icon
Russell Ebert is a true legend of South Australian football, especially for the Port Adelaide Football Club. He won the Magarey Medal (South Australia's highest individual award) four times! His statue at Adelaide Oval, unveiled in August 2015, celebrates his incredible career.
Barrie Robran: South Australia's Best
Barrie Robran is widely considered one of the greatest players to ever come from South Australia. He played for North Adelaide Football Club and was known for his skill and fairness. His statue at Adelaide Oval was unveiled in March 2014.
Other Notable Statues
Statues of football heroes can be found in many other places too, not just the biggest stadiums.
==Ted Whitten: Mr. Football (Western Bulldogs)
Ted Whitten was a beloved player and personality for the Footscray Football Club (now the Western Bulldogs). He was known for his passion and skill. His main statue is at Whitten Oval, the home ground of the Bulldogs, unveiled in 1994. There's also another statue of him at the Braybrook Hotel.
Paul Kelly: The Sydney Swans Captain
Paul Kelly was a tough and respected captain for the Sydney Swans. He helped make Aussie Rules popular in New South Wales. His statue at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was unveiled in August 2010.
Images for kids
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The statue of Ron Barassi at the MCG.
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Kevin Bartlett's statue at the MCG.
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Malcolm Blight's statue at Adelaide Oval.
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The statue of John Coleman at the MCG.
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John Coleman and Tom Meehan statue in Hastings.
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Jack Dyer's statue.
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The statue of Russell Ebert.
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Ken Farmer's statue at Adelaide Oval.
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John Gerovich and Ray French statue at Fremantle Oval.
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Doug Hawkins' statue at the Braybrook Hotel.
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Paul Kelly's statue at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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John Kennedy Sr.'s statue at Waverley Park.
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The statue of Leigh Matthews.
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Dick Reynolds' statue.
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Neil Roberts' statue.
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Barrie Robran's statue.
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Jim Stynes' statue at the MCG.
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Ted Whitten's statue at Whitten Oval.
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Ted Whitten's second statue at the Braybrook Hotel.
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The statue of Tom Wills at the MCG.
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