Author(s): Elliot Cartledge

Sport/Hobbies

This is the story of the glory days of AFL, before corporations and big business made AFL the national juggernaut that it is today. When football was a high scoring, bruising tribal contest with cult figures, suburban rivalries and local grounds packed with fans. It's a look at the days when footballers had 'real jobs' and smoked cigarettes at half time - before rules and regulations meant players were watched with eagle eyes and misdemeanours were a bad thing. Learn the stories and the legends from the big names of the day - from players to coaches to commentators. As Australian society loosened its tie, footballers became 'pop stars' with names including coaches Tommy Hafey, David Parkin, Ron Barrassi, Norm and Len Smith; players like Bobby Skilton, Billy Goggin, Bruce Doull, Alex Jesaulenko, Peter McKenna, Peter Hudson, Malcolm Blight, Kevin Bartlett, Kevin Sheedy, Barry Cable, Leigh Matthews, Wayne Schimmelbusch, Michael Tuck, Doug Wade, Gary Dempsey, Polly Farmer and John Nicholls; media commentators ruled the airwaves including Jack Dyer, Ted Whitten and Harry Beitzel; and the clubs that dominated were inner-city suburban rivals Carlton, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Collingwood, Melbourne, Essendon and Richmond. It was the glory days of Australia's national game and a nostalgic look at what is now known as the business of football.