Stephen Michael facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stephen Michael |
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Stephen Albert Michael | ||
| Date of birth | 15 March 1956 | ||
| Place of birth | Wagin, Western Australia | ||
| Original team | Kojonup | ||
| Position(s) | Ruckman | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Stephen Albert Michael was born on March 15, 1956. He is a famous former Australian rules football player. After his playing days, Stephen became the leader of the Stephen Michael Foundation. This foundation helps young people in Western Australia who need support.
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Stephen Michael's Football Career
Stephen Michael is a Noongar Aboriginal man. He played football in the WAFL for the South Fremantle Football Club. He played from 1975 to 1985. During this time, he played 243 games and kicked 231 goals.
Key Achievements with South Fremantle
Stephen was a very important player for South Fremantle.
- He helped his team win the premiership (championship) in 1980.
- In 1983, he became the team's captain.
- He holds a special record in the WAFL. He played 217 games in a row without missing any!
Many teams from the VFL (which is now the AFL) wanted Stephen to play for them. But he chose to stay in Western Australia. Because of this, many people say he is one of the best players who never played in the VFL.
Playing as a Ruckman
Stephen was a strong ruckman. This position involves jumping high to get the ball from contests. He was so good that he won the Sandover Medal twice, in 1980 and 1981. This medal is given to the best player in the WAFL. In 1981, he got a record 37 votes for the medal.
Representing Western Australia
Stephen also played for his home state, Western Australia, 17 times. He was the captain of the state team 3 times.
- In 1983, he won the Simpson Medal. This was for being the best player in a game between Western Australia and South Australia.
- That same year, he won the Tassie Medal. This award goes to the best player in Australia in State of Origin football.
- He was also named captain of the 1983 All-Australian Team. This team is made up of the best players from all over Australia.
- Stephen won South Fremantle's "fairest and best" award five times: in 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, and 1983.
Honors and Recognition
Stephen Michael has received many honors for his amazing football career.
- In 1995, he was one of the first people named to the Fremantle Football Hall of Legends.
- In 1999, he was added to the Australian Football Hall of Fame. This is a very high honor for Australian rules footballers.
- In 2005, he was chosen for the Australian Football Indigenous Team of the Century. He was named at the Centre Half Forward position.
- In 2009, he was named as the ruckman and captain of the South Fremantle Football Club's Indigenous Team of the Century.
- Since 2008, the Chris Lewis/Stephen Michael Award has been given out. It goes to the best player in the annual NAIDOC game between South Fremantle and Claremont.
Family Life
Stephen Michael has seven children. Their names are Clem, Stephen Jr., Vanessa, Cindy, Matt, Talan, and Corey. His son, Clem Michael, also played Australian rules football. Clem played for the South Fremantle Football Club and the Fremantle Football Club. Sadly, Clem's career ended early because of a knee injury.
