You Never Forget Your First

This week’s edition of ‘You Never Forget Your First’ features Jason Love, a Port Melbourne boy who debuted for North Melbourne against the Swans in Round 1, 1986, at the MCG and went on to play 68 games for North and Sydney incidentally and kick 123 goals

This week’s edition of ‘You never forget your first’ features former Doggies and Fitzroy star Simon Atkins who debuted for Footscray against Sydney at the SCG in Round 2, 1987

This week’s special guest on ‘You’ll Never Forget Your First’ is former Geelong captain and Simpson medallist Andrew Bews who debuted in Round 4, 1982, and went on to kick 134 goals in 282 games including the 1989 Grand Final

Kevin Hillier chats with 3 State of Origin greats, Brad Hardie who so proudly represented 3 states, Essendon legend Simon Madden and Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams, all with fond memories of the first time they represented their respective states!

Ryan O'Keefe is a former professional Australian rules footballer with the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League, and was part of the Swans' 2005 and 2012 premiership-winning sides. He won the Norm Smith Medal in the 2012 Premiership win, finishing his career on 286 games, 261 goals.

Cathryn Lorraine Fitzpatrick is a former Australian international cricketer. She was recognised as the world's fastest women pace bowler, bowling at up to 125 km/h. She announced her retirement from international and state cricket in March 2007, intending to concentrate on coaching. In 2019, Fitzpatrick was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame and later that year, she was inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame

Nicole Bradtke is an Australian tennis legend, she won three singles and nine doubles titles on the WTA Tour. Nicole started playing tennis at the age of seven. Whilst still at school, she played her first professional tennis match in 1985, and made her debut at the Australian Open later that year. She retired from playing after the 1997 Australian Open.

Gary John Cosier (born 25 April 1953) is a former Australian test cricketer who played in 18 Tests and 9 ODIs from 1975 to 1979. Cosier's star shone very briefly following a sensational test debut, when he became only the ninth Australian to post a century in his first Test.

Kevin Hillier's very special guest this week on 'You Can Always Tell 'Em You Played One Game' was none other than the one and only Geoff Raines whom went on to play 254 games after debuting for Richmond in Round 4, 1976, ironically against Collingwood!

Kevin Hillier's very special guest this week on 'You Can Always Tell 'Em You Played One Game' was former Tiger Nick Jewell whom did exactly that - his sole appearance for Richmond coming in Round 19, 1997, at the WACA against Freo!

Kevin Hillier's very special guest this week on 'You Can Always Tell 'Em You Played One Game' was former Swan and Doggie Simon Garlick whom went on to play 181 games after debuting for Sydney in Round 15, 1994, against Collingwood!

Jack Fitzpatrick had a fleeting career at AFL level, making his debut in 2011 with the Demons in the #48 jumper. It was in Round 24, the last round of the home and away season. He had 11 disposals against the Power and kicked a goal. He then moved to Hawthorn to play his final 2 seasons of AFL before moving onto other projects!

A member of the famous Daniher quartet and the mighty Essendon side of the 80’s, Terry Daniher surprisingly made his VFL debut for South Melbourne in Round 8, 1976. He wore the #40 guernsey and had 19 disposals. It was to be his only senior game that season, in 1977 he played 18 games for the Bloods before moving to the Bombers to 78 and played 294 games with them including 2 Premierships!

Affectionately known as “the Flea” Dale Weightman made his debut for the Tigers in Round 1, 1978 against the old rival Carlton. Flea wore the #43 and kicked 3 goals on debut. He finished his career as a Premiership player in 1980 as well as 274 games and 344 goals!

Mick McGuane made his debut for Collingwood in Round 18, 1987. He wore the number #54 jumper vs. Footscray. He would become a champion of the Magpies and be a member of the drought-breaking 1990 premiership side. His final season was played at Carlton in 1997.

Playing 130 games for Footscray, starting back in 1988 in the number 44. Hunter would kick a goal on debut vs. Sydney in the Dogs 26 point win. He would stay with the club until 1996. His son Lachie was a member of the 2016 Premiership side over the Swans.

Tony Shaw is a Collingwood legend, he is currently the Collingwood games record holder with 313. His first game came in Round 19, 1978 vs. Footscray. Shawry made his debut in jumper number 56! He would stay in the team up until the Preliminary Final where he was dropped and the Magpies lost to North Melbourne by 12 points.

Mark Arceri played with North Melbourne, Carlton and St Kilda in the AFL. As a rover, he made the final shortlist of 50 for the VFL/AFL Italian Team of the Century. Mark is remembered as the player who, with 33 seconds remaining, kicked Carlton's only goal in their Round 11, 1991 loss to Footscray at the Western Oval.

Russell Morris played 159 games of VFL/AFL football, starting in the #37 with Hawthorn in 1984 and was a member of the Hawks 1986 Premiership side. He would move to St Kilda in 1991 to continue his career. Nicknamed “The Fly” he was recruited from the North Shore Bombers in NSW.

John Barnes put together 202 games of AFL football with Essendon & Geelong playing in losing Grand Finals in 1992, 1994, 1995, 2001, winning 1 premiership in 2000. He made his debut for the Bombers in 1987, ironically enough it was for Essendon against the Cats and the game finished in a draw.

Nick Holland made his AFL debut with Hawthorn on a Friday night in Round 3, 1994 against North Melbourne. The Hawks would lose the game by 127 points. He played in Round 4 before not being seen in the senior team again until Round 1 of 1995. He finished his career at the end of 2005 after 179 games with the Hawks.

Shaun Smith played 109 games from 1987 - 1999, making his debut for North Melbourne in Round 4 vs. Geelong. He would play 14 games including a final in his first season at VFL level, he stayed at North Melbourne until 1995 when he moved over to the Demons which culminated in him taking the mark of the century in the final round of the season.

Keenan Reynolds made his AFL debut in Round 2, 1990 for Footscray at the SCG vs. Sydney. He would have 12 disposals and 1 tackle in the Bulldogs big win, he played 74 games with Footscray before moving to North Melbourne in the pre-season draft, he made only nine appearances for his new team in 1995 but played in their reserves premiership. After adding just a further three games in 1996, Reynolds went to Tasmania to continue his career. He signed with the Burnie Dockers in the NTFL and played three season with the club from 1997 to 1999.

Mark Yeates made his VFL debut for Geelong in Round 15, 1980 vs. Hawthorn. Mark had the 1 disposal in the game. He didn’t get back into the side until the 1980 Preliminary Final. From there he didn’t look back as he chalked up 154 games & 57 goals for the Cats, perhaps most well known for the opening bounce of the 1989 VFL Grand Final and his collision with Dermott Brereton but before that he’d built quite a resume.

Rene Kink made his debut for Collingwood vs. Fitzroy in Round 19, 1973 at the Junction Oval. A game the Magpies won, Rene had 8 disposals and kicked 2 goals in his first outing at VFL level. In the middle of 1983 he moved to rivals Essendon before finishing his 181 game career with St Kilda in 1986. He is well known for his acting in the movie The Club but also a part of an unwanted record to play in 6 VFL grand finals for 5 losses & 1 draw.

Russell Greene played 304 games of VFL football for St Kilda & Hawthorn, including 3 Premierships during his career. He made his debut for the Saints in Round 1, 1974 vs. Fitzroy but is more well known for playing his last game for St Kilda in Round 8, 1980 and his debut for Hawthorn in Round 9, 1980. Hear Russell's full story on You Can Always Tell Em You Played 1 Game with Kevin Hillier & Paul Daffey

James Podsiadly spent many years in the VFL before getting his opportunity to make his AFL debut with Geelong at the age of 28 in Round 3, 2010 vs. Fremantle. It ended up being a shootout with the Cats being upset by the Dockers in that game. James took 11 marks, and kicked 2.2 not looking out of place at the top level. He joined Kevin Hillier as our special guest on You Can Always Tell Em You Played 1 Game.

Ricky Nixon is perhaps most well known for being an AFL player manager, but before that career kicked off he was a VFL footballer for Carlton, St Kilda & Hawthorn, he made his VFL debut for the Blues back in 1983, in the jumper number #48 – Carlton went down to Melbourne on that day, Ricky had 9 touches in his first game, it was his only game in the seniors that season.

Wayne Harmes is remembered as a Carlton legend for his act to help win the Premiership in 1979. His first game of VFL football was with the Blues in Round 18, 1977 – Carlton played the Demons, Harmes wore the #54 and had just the 1 kick for the afternoon! Thankfully he got back into the side in round 1 of 1978 & never looked back becoming a regular in the Carlton line-up.

Mark Eustice played VFL football during the 80’s & early 90’s for 3 clubs, he made his debut Round 21, 1980 for the Bombers against the Demons. Mark had 9 disposals and kicked a goal in the #47 jumper. He joined Kevin Hillier to reflect on his debut game & explained the pride beaming from all of his family when he was given the nod to play his first game.

Renato Serafini played 88 games of VFL football for Fitzroy & Carlton. He made his debut in round 21, 1971 – The game is remembered as the “fog match” where players could barely see metres in front of them. Renato grew up a Carlton supporter but made his debut against the Blues in the #47 for Fitzroy. He lived out his childhood dream in Round 16, 1977 when he pulled on the Navy Blue jumper against South Melbourne.

Footscray/Western Bulldogs legend Doug Hawkins made his VFL debut in Round 1, 1978 vs. North Melbourne at the Whitten Oval – The Bulldogs were thrashed, but Dougy still remembers the game fondly. A young kid growing up he barracked for North Melbourne & was in awe that he was playing against so many of his idols! He joined Kevin Hillier & Paul Daffey on this weeks edition of You Can Always Tell Em You Played 1 Game!

Shane McInerney started umpiring in the AFL in Round 6, 1994 between Carlton & Sydney – Since then, he hasn’t looked back and is on the verge of breaking the umpire games record set by Hayden Kennedy at 495. Shane joins Kevin Hillier & Paul Daffey to discuss his own footballing career, ending up as an umpire and more!

Kevin Hughes’ VFL career spanned 1 game in round 1 of 1988. His only senior game was with the Kangaroos out at Windy Hill against the Bombers, he had 15 disposals and was dropped the following week. He joined Paul Daffey & Kevin Hillier on this weeks edition of You Can Always Tell Em You Played 1 Game to reflect on that game, plus his time with Williamstown in the VFA.

Michael Barlow joins Kevin Hillier & Paul Daffey in the newest edition of You Can Always Tell Em You Played 1 Game. Barlow was a “late-bloomer” in AFL terms making his debut at the age of 23 after being taken by Fremantle with #8 in the 2010 Rookie Draft. He burst onto the scene in his debut with 33 disposals against Adelaide & kicked 2 goals! Apart from being remembered for a shocking broken leg injured that threatened to derail his career he is also very well known for accumulating possessions at will.

The AFL games record holder Brent Harvey is the special guest on this edition of You Can Always Tell Em You Played 1 Game – Boomer made his debut for North Melbourne in Round 22, 1996 against the Tigers. A game the Kangaroos won and Boomer had 1 disposal. However he holds that game in the highest esteem as it was a dream come true to play his first game. He then went on to play another 431 games and now holds the record of the most games in the history of the VFL/AFL competition.

Kevin Hillier & Paul Daffey are joined by Max Crow in the second edition of “You can always tell em you played 1 game”. Crow made his debut for Essendon in Round 8, 1974 – The game is most remembered for the infamous “Windy Hill brawl” Max discusses his memories from that day, he had 8 disposals and kicked 4 goals. After a run of reserves games & injuries he transferred to St Kilda before finishing his career with Footscray. His son is now the high-performance manager at Essendon, his daughter is an Olympian rower and he shares plenty of stories about his families achievements!

Kevin Hillier & Paul Daffey are joined by Mark Dwyer in the first edition of “You can always tell em you played 1 game”. Dwyer is best remembered for his strong debut season with Fitzroy playing on the wing, coming off 40 touches in his second reserves match, then-Roy’s coach David Parkin gave him his debut in round 15 of 1986. He received 1 Brownlow vote in each of his first 5 games in 1986 which likely cost team mate Paul Roos the Brownlow as Roos fell 1 vote short of winning. He played 1 game for the Saints in 1988 before returning back to Koroit in 1990 where he continued to play.