In the wake of Hawthorn champion Jason Dunstall’s well-deserved elevation to Legend Status in the Australian Football Hall of Fame, becoming the 32nd member in the elite group, we thought we’d provide all the details about those he joined and some in line to leap into football immortality.
Each year, a select few greats of our game are inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame seeks to recognise and acknowledge players, coaches, umpires, administrators and media representatives who have made significant contributions to Australian Football – at any level – since 1858.
An Induction Dinner, introduced in 1996, is arguably one of football’s most prestigious events and is hosted each year, with this year’s edition in June, where Dunstall and other members will be officially accepted into the Hall of Fame as members and the Hawks goal-kicker’s case, a Legend.
The Hall of Fame committee (consisting of Richard Goyder (Chair), Graham Cornes, Ross Glendinning, Debbie Lee, Karen Lyon, Paul Marsh, Alister Nicholson, Michael O’Loughlin, David Parkin and Patrick Keane (Secretary)), can put forward up to eight names each year.
Of those, at least two must have retired within 10 years, while a member must be selected from the category of administrator/umpire/media every two years.
The committee considers candidates based on record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship and character. The number of games played, coached or umpired or years of service is a consideration only and does not determine eligibility.
Players are eligible only after they have been retired from the game for at least five years. Coaches, umpires, administrators and media representatives are eligible only after retirement.
As for the Legends category, it remains exclusively for recognition of the most significant playing and coaching records.
The number of Legends that can be a part of the Hall of Fame equates to a maximum of 10% of total inductees.
Australian Football Hall of Fame Legends Members
A full list can be found here.