Shannon Rusca facts for kids

Shannon Rusca is a former professional player of Australian rules football. This is a popular sport in Australia, similar to a mix of soccer and rugby. He played for two different teams in the top league, the Australian Football League (AFL).

Shannon's Early Football Days

Shannon Rusca started playing Australian Rules Football when he was young. He began his senior career with the Southern Districts Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League. This league is a major competition in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Playing in the AFL

Joining the Brisbane Lions

In the year 2000, Shannon was added to the "rookie list" for the Brisbane Lions. Being on the rookie list means a player is training with the team and can be moved to the main team if needed. Shannon was soon moved up to the main team during that season. He played two games for the Brisbane Lions in the 2000 AFL season.

Moving to the Western Bulldogs

After his time with the Lions, Shannon Rusca was traded to the Western Bulldogs team. A "trade" means one team gives a player to another team, often in exchange for something else, like a chance to pick a player in the draft. Shannon joined the Bulldogs in 2002. However, he did not play any senior games for the Western Bulldogs.

After His AFL Career

After leaving the AFL, Shannon continued to play Australian Rules Football. He played for the Northern Territory Thunder in the Queensland AFL league. He also returned to play for his original team, Southern Districts, in the NTFL.

Shannon Rusca also took on a new role as a playing coach for Southern Districts during the 2008/2009 NTFL season. This meant he was both playing in the games and helping to coach the team.