Mark West (footballer) facts for kids

Mark West was an Australian rules footballer. He played for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the 1990s. Mark was born on April 3, 1973.

Mark West's Early Football Journey

Mark West is an Indigenous Australian from the Northern Territory. He started his football career playing for the Darwin Football Club. His journey in football took him to play in three different states across Australia.

Joining the Brisbane Bears

In 1991, Mark joined the Brisbane Bears. He played in their reserves team for two seasons. After his time with the Bears, he moved to South Australia. There, he continued his football career with the South Adelaide Football Club.

Mark West's AFL Career

Mark West was chosen to play in the AFL from South Adelaide. The Western Bulldogs, then known as Footscray, picked him in the 1995 AFL draft. He was the 43rd player chosen in that draft.

Debut Season in 1996

Mark was 23 years old when he played his first senior AFL game in 1996. He had a unique look with dreadlocks. In his first season, he played in only four games for the team.

Impact in the 1997 Season

Mark found it tough to make a big impact during most of the 1997 season. However, he played very well in the finals series. In a preliminary final game against the Adelaide Crows, he had his best game. He got 24 disposals (times he touched the ball) and kicked two goals.

A Close Call in the Preliminary Final

In that important preliminary final, with less than three minutes left, Mark had a chance to score. He received the ball close to the goal and took a running shot. If he had kicked a goal, the Bulldogs would have been ahead by eight points. Unfortunately, his shot missed to the left, and the Bulldogs lost the game.

The 1998 Season and Injury

Mark West missed most of the 1998 AFL season because of a shoulder injury. He worked hard to recover. He was able to return to play in time for another preliminary final. Sadly, his team was again defeated by the Adelaide Crows in that game.

Mark West's Life After Football

After his football career, Mark West became involved in politics.

Running for Election in 2004

In the 2004 Australian federal election, Mark ran as a candidate. He represented the Family First Party. He was a candidate for the area called Solomon. He received 2.1% of the votes in that election.