The Brisbane Bears were one of the most iconic and successful teams in Australian Football League (AFL) history. Established as a VFL team on the Gold Coast in 1987, they relocated to Brisbane three years later and quickly established themselves as a powerhouse of the competition – winning their first premiership title within just five seasons. Led by legendary coach Robert Walls, who moulded them into an attacking juggernaut that could score heavily while also being stingy in defence, they became known for their exciting brand of football which won over many fans both at home and away from Queensland’s capital city.
1. Michael Voss
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1992–1996: Brisbane Bears: 79 (72)
- 1997–2006: Brisbane Lions: 210 (173)
- Total: : 289 (245)
- Years: Club: Games (W–L–D)
- 2009–2013: Brisbane Lions: 109 (43–65–1)
- 2022–: Carlton: 21 (11–10–0)
- Total: : 130 (54–75–1)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2006., 3 Coaching statistics correct as of round 23, 2022.
- 3× AFL Premiership: 2001, 2002, 2003, Brownlow Medal: 1996, 2× Leigh Matthews Trophy: 2002, 2003, 5× All-Australian team: 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 3× Merrett-Murray Medal: 2000, 2001, 2003, 2× Brisbane Bears Club Champion: 1995, 1996, Australian Football Hall of Fame, 4× AFLPA best captain: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award: 2001, Brisbane Lions captain: 1997–2006, Lou Richards Medal: 2001
Michael Voss is a former Australian football midfielder. He played for the Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions in the AFLQ before joining Melbourne in 2006.
Voss was drafted by the Brisbane Bears with pick number 79 in 1992, making his debut that season against Fitzroy at Princes Park. Over 289 games, he ranked second on the club's all-time goals list behind only Leigh Matthews.
After spending two seasons with Melbourne, where he won consecutive best and fairest awards (2007–2008), Voss returned to Queensland to play for Gold Coast Suns from 2009 until 2013 before retiring at the end of that season aged 36 due to injury incurred while playing for Australia in an international match against Laos.
In total, Michael Voss represented Australia 44 times including three World Cup qualifiers – scoring one goal – and captained his country on four occasions (2002, 2005).
After hanging up his boots as a player, Michael has since become involved within coaching circles; most notably working as midfield coach at both North Melbourne FC (2014) and Carlton FC (2015).
In October 2018 it was announced that Michael had been appointed senior assistant coach at Richmond Football Club following Damien Hardwick's departure from Collingwood Football Club earlier that month.
Also Played For: brisbane lions
2. David Bain
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1989–1993: Brisbane Bears: 86 (44)
- 1994: Fitzroy: 12 (4)
- Total: : 98 (48)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1994.
- F. D. Book Medal 1988, Sandover Medal 1988, Brisbane Bears Club Champion 1990, Grogan Medal 1995, 1999, Southport premiership side 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
David Bain is a 56-year-old Australian football player who played for the Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy Football Clubs in the 1990s. He was born on 2 May 1966, in Albany, Western Australia.
David Bain had an unsuccessful career as a striker, playing only 12 games for Fitzroy over two seasons and scoring four goals. In 1989, he was drafted by the Brisbane Bears with pick 16 in the national draft; he made his debut that year against Perth Glory FC at Lang Park Stadium.
David Bain retired from professional football in 1993 due to injury; since then he has been involved in coaching and management roles within Australian football leagues and clubs.
As of 2016, David Bain is head coach of North Adelaide SC (a semi-professional club based in Adelaide), where he has led them to three consecutive grand final appearances (2015–2017).
In October 2017, it was announced that David Bain would take up the role of technical director at AIS Futsal Club Melbourne starting in January 2018 following previous success as head coach at Canberra United Futsal Club during their inaugural season which saw them reach both State League finals series including winning Division 1 Plateau.
3. Michael McLean
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1983–1989: Footscray: 95 (23)
- 1991–1996: Brisbane Bears: 87 (17)
- 1997: Brisbane Lions: 1 (0)
- Total: : 183 (40)
- Years: Club: Games (W–L–D)
- 2003–2007: Indigenous All-Stars: (2–1–0)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1997., 3 Coaching statistics correct as of 2007.
- 2× Brisbane Bears Club Champion: 1991, 1993
Michael McLean is a former Australian rules footballer who played for Footscray in the National Telstra First Division and Brisbane Bears in the Australian Football League.
Michael was drafted by Footscray with their first selection (No. 5) in the 1983 NTL Draft. He made his senior debut that same year and finished his career at Brisbane Bears after nine seasons, playing 187 games and scoring 40 goals.
In 1991, he was traded to Brisbane where he spent seven years before retiring at the end of 1996 season due to injury; he had one goal during his lone AFL season with Lions.
After hanging up his boots, Michael became a football commentator for Fox Sports Australia covering various matches across both codes including State of Origin series as well as the NRL grand final shootout between Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters on 14 October 2013 – which Storm won.
At present, Michael is an ambassador for Kids Helpline Victoria where he speaks about leaving behind abusive relationships and how to spot red flags when screening potential partners online or offline.
4. Craig Lambert
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1988–1993: Richmond: 123 (53)
- 1994–1996: Brisbane Bears: 49 (19)
- 1997–2000: Brisbane Lions: 47 (8)
- Total: : 219 (80)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2000.
- Jack Dyer Medal 1991, Brisbane Bears Club Champion 1994, All-Australian 1996
Craig Lambert is a former player who played for Richmond in the 1988-1993 seasons. Lambert was drafted by North Dandenong with their first selection (5th overall) in the 1988 VFL Draft.
He made his senior debut for North Dandenong in 1989 and went on to play 123 games over 3 seasons at the club before being traded to GWS Giants during the 1993 season. At GWS, Lambert served as a development coach until he retired from playing following the 2016 season.
Craig Lambert has been involved with coaching since retiring from playing and currently holds an Australian Football League Development Coach position at GWS Lambert was a prolific goal-scorer in his time with the Brisbane Bears, establishing himself as one of the best players in the league.
Lambert also represented Australia at international level, playing two tests and one world cup game during his career.
After retiring from football, Lambert went on to have a successful coaching career, taking over as head coach of the Lions for three seasons before leaving for an even higher profile role with Collingwood in 2015.
5. Martin Leslie
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1981–1988: Port Adelaide (SANFL): 150
- 1989–1995: Brisbane Bears (VFL/AFL): 107 (11)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1995.
- Port Adelaide premiership player (1988), Port Adelaide best and fairest: 1986, Brisbane Bears Club Champion: 1990, All-Australian team: 1988
Martin Leslie is a former professional footballer who played for Port Adelaide in the SANFL. He was drafted number one overall in 1986 and made his debut in 1989, against St Kilda at Moorabbin Oval.
Leslie became a regular member of the side, playing 150 games over eight seasons before retiring at the end of 1992 season.
In total, he kicked 151 goals from 150 matches during his career which was enough to place him eighth on Port Adelaide's all-time list behind only Gary Pert, Mark Ricciuto, Michael Pringle, John McCarthy and Phil Walsh.
After retirement from football he started working as an executive assistant with South Australian Football League (SANFL) club West Torrens Magpies where he still works today as of November 2018.
Leslie was one of the best players in Australian football during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He played for Port Adelaide before moving to Brisbane Bears, where he won a premiership in 1990.
Leslie also represented Australia at international level, playing 36 matches between 1988 and 1995. After retiring from professional football, Leslie has worked as an assistant coach with Richmond Football Club since 2006.
6. John Gastev
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1987–1988: West Coast: 30 (31)
- 1989–1994: Brisbane Bears: 113 (41)
- Total: : 143 (72)
- 2× Brisbane Bears Club Champion: 1989, 1992
John Gastev was born on 11 August 1964 in Perth, Western Australia. He played for West Perth from 1987-88 to 1994 before joining Brisbane Bears in the National Basketball League (NBL).
John Gastev amassed 143 games and 72 goals during his playing career with both clubs. In 1993, he captained Team Australia at the World Championship held in Spain, helping them reach the semi finals where they were beaten by eventual champions Yugoslavia.
After retiring from professional basketball, John became a football coach and is currently Assistant Coach of Swan Districts Football Club in the WA State League Division 1 North East division. John Gastev is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Western Australia and the Australian national team.
John Gastev was born in Perth, Western Australia and played his first senior football with Swan Districts before being drafted by West Coast Eagles in 1987. In 1990, he won the Brisbane Bears Club Champion award as well as playing for Australia at the World Cup that year.
He then moved to Melbourne where he joined Essendon Football Club for three seasons from 1993-1995 before retiring due to injury aged just 26 years old.
Since retirement, John has worked as an AFL commentator and currently commentates on Fox Footy coverage of North Melbourne FC games during the season home & away rounds 1-8 each week.
7. Mark Withers
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1984–1986: Melbourne: 32 (28)
- 1987–1990: Brisbane Bears: 36 (29)
- Total: : 68 (57)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1990.
- Brisbane Bears Club Champion: 1988
Mark Withers played for Melbourne in the 1984-86 season. He scored 28 goals in 32 games. After leaving Melbourne, Mark Withers moved to North Launceston in Tasmania where he continued his goal scoring form, helping the club win two NTFA championships (1986 and 1988).
In 1989, Mark Withers joined South Melbourne FC and spent four seasons with the club before retiring from professional football at the end of 1993. Outside of football, Mark has worked as a police officer since 1996 and is currently stationed in Launceston.
At 58 years old, Mark is still playing Australian rules football although he does not take part in any matches anymore due to injury concerns.
Mark was inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to sport later that year.
8. Jason Akermanis
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1995–1996: Brisbane Bears: 38 (44)
- 1997–2006: Brisbane Lions: 210 (263)
- 2007–2010: Western Bulldogs: 77 (114)
- Total: : 325 (421)
- 3× AFL Premiership: 2001, 2002, 2003, Brownlow Medal: 2001, AFL Goal of the Year: 2002, 4× All-Australian team: 1999, 2001-2002, 2004, 2× Merrett-Murray Medal: 1999, 2005, Brisbane Lions Leading Goal Kicker: 2004, Western Bulldogs Leading Goal Kicker: 2009, Australian Football League Life Member: 2008, Australian Football Hall of Fame: Inducted 2015
Jason Akermanis is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Brisbane Bears and Melbourne Lions in the AFL. He was drafted by the Brisbane Bears in 1994, and spent six seasons with them before moving to the Melbourne Lions in 1999.
In 2007, he joined the Western Bulldogs where he remained until his retirement at the end of 2010. Akermanis is famous for his tough running style and powerful kicking skills, which earned him numerous All-Australian awards over his career. His high completion rate also made him one of Australia's most reliable midfielders.
Jason Akermanis retired from professional football after playing 78 games and 114 goals during nine years with the Western Bulldogs; during that time he helped lead his team to three premierships (2007, 2008, 2009).
After retiring from professional football, Jason has since become an ambassador for several charities including Red Nose Day Australia and The Children's Hospital Foundation Queensland/Brisbane Region.
On 24 February 1977, Jason Dean Akermanis was born in Mildura, Victoria to parents Dean and LynneAkermanis; as a child he developed an interest in sport through participating in basketball competitions organised by local churches around town.
Jason attended Haileybury College where he excelled both academically AND athletically, earning selection into Victorian State Teams on multiple occasions. In 1995 Jason signed up with Mayne (QAFL) alongside current Essendon Football Club captain Jobe Watson.
He kicked 106 goals over two seasons with Mayne before making history when selected by then Fitzroy Football Club Head Coach Rodney Eade as their first international rookie ahead of schedule On debut against North Ballarat he booted 5 goals.
After impressing Fitzroy enough they traded him back 2nd round pick (#24 overall) to Brisbane Bearssuch that they could keep hold of Aker.
It wasn't long before Aker cemented himself amongst Brisbanes elite players along side Darren Crocker David King & Leigh Matthews forming arguably one of Brisbane all time great midfields.
The club won 3 consecutive championships between 1997 - 2000 under coach Wayne Carey At 23 years old Aker became just th e second player ever after Leigh Matthews t o have 4 grand final appearances consecutively.
In 2001 while still considered after being voted best & fairest winner at season ending banquet decided it was now or never He announced his retirement from AFL Footbal.
9. Matthew Clarke
Midfielder
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1991–1992: Richmond: 0 (0)
- 1993–1996: Brisbane Bears: 69 (6)
- 1997–1999: Brisbane Lions: 61 (13)
- 2000–2006: Adelaide: 118 (19)
- 2007: St Kilda: 10 (0)
- Total: : 258 (38)
- Years: Club: Games (W–L–D)
- 2019–: Adelaide (women's): 9 (8–1–0)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2007., 3 Coaching statistics correct as of 2018.
- Merrett–Murray Medal: 1997, AFL Rising Star nominee: 1994, AFLW premiership coach: 2019 2022
Matthew Clarke is a ruckman who has played 61 games for the Brisbane Lions since 1997. Clarke was drafted by the Richmond in 1991 but only played one game for them before being traded to the Brisbane Bears later that year.
He became a regular member of the team during his time at Brisbane and won three consecutive premierships with them from 1993 to 1996. After spending two seasons with Port Adelaide, Clarke joined the West Coast Eagles in 1999 where he would remain until his retirement in 2007.
In total, Clarke represented Australia 82 times including at both test level and international tournaments such as World Cups and The Ashes series’s (he featured prominently in Australia's 2005 victory over Victoria).
Now aged 49 years old, Matthew Clarke retired from professional football after playing 14 final matches for West Coast Eagles across two seasons - 2017 and 2018 - leading up to their appearance in this year's AFL Grand Final Parade alongside their victorious teammates.
10. Roger Merrett
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1978–1987: Essendon: 149 (148)
- 1988–1996: Brisbane Bears: 164 (285)
- Total: : 313 (433)
- Years: Club: Games (W–L–D)
- 1998: Brisbane Lions: 11 (3–7–1)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1996.
- VFL debut for Essendon on 1 April 1978, vs South Melbourne at Windy Hill, VFL Gardiner Medallist 1982, Essendon Premiership player 1984, 1985, Brisbane Bears captain 1990–1996, Brisbane Bears leading goalkicker 1993–1995, Victorian State of Origin Captain 1985, Queensland State Captain 1991
Roger Merrett debuted with Essendon in Round 1, 1978. He amassed 313 games and 433 goals during his playing career. After retiring from football, he became a coach at Brisbane Bears for six seasons before joining the Western Bulldogs as head coach in 2016.
Merrett was a prolific goalkicker for Brisbane in the 1990s, kicking over 350 goals during his time with the club. He also played AFL for Essendon and Melbourne before joining Brisbane in 1992. Merrett represented Victoria at State of Origin level, captaining the side to victory on several occasions.
Roger retired from football following the 1996 season, having won two premierships and been captain of both Brisbane Bears and Queensland State teams.
11. Darryl White
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1992–1996: Brisbane Bears: 90 (106)
- 1997–2005: Brisbane Lions: 178 (59)
- Total: : 268 (165)
- 3x AFL Premiership player 2001, 2002, 2003, Named in Indigenous Team of the Century at fullback 2005, Named captain Indigenous All-Stars 2005, Allies State of origin representative 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, Qld/NT State of origin representative 1993, Kicked AFL Goal of the Year 1992, Bears best first-year player 1992, NT and All-Australian Under-17 representative 1990
Darryl White is a Australian football player who played for the Brisbane Bears and the Brisbane Lions. He has 268 goals in 165 games. Darryl White was born in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia on 12 June 1973.
Darryl White started his professional career with the Pioneer club in the Central Australian Football League (CAFL) before moving to the Brisbane Bears in 1992 where he scored 106 goals from 90 appearances over six seasons.
In 1997, Darryl White moved to the Brisbane Lions where he would score 59 goals from 178 appearances over nine seasons.
After finishing his playing career with the Lions, Darryl White continued his involvement with football by becoming an assistant coach of their junior team from 2006-2008 before taking up a role as head coach of Queensland Premier League side Southport Sharks from 2009-2012.
Since retiring as a footballer, Darryl White has worked as co-host of Fox Footy’s AFL 360 program alongside Gerard Whateley and Matt Thompson since its inception in 2014 along with presenting various other programs for Foxtel Sport including The Big Bash League and A-League Live coverage.
12. Shaun Hart
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1990 – 1996: Brisbane Bears: 102 (81)
- 1997 – 2004: Brisbane Lions: 171 (96)
- Total: : 273 (177)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2004.
- 3x AFL Premiership player: (2001, 2002, 2003), Norm Smith Medal: (2001), Brisbane Bears reserves premiership: (1991)
Shaun Hart was born in 1971 in Ferntree Gully, Victoria. He started playing football with Shepparton United Football Club before being drafted by the Brisbane Bears in 1989.
Shaun Hart played for the Bears until 1997 and then had a short stint with Adelaide Crows before retiring from professional football. Shaun Hart has since been involved in coaching and has worked as a scout for various teams including Essendon FC and Carlton FC.
In 2006, Shaun Hart was named as an assistant coach of Melbourne Victory but he left this position less than two years later after disagreements with the club's management team.
Since 2007, Shaun Hart has been working as an analyst for Channel 7 television station covering Australian Rules Football matches.
On 11 December 2017, it was announced that Shaun Hart would join new National Women's League side Perth Glory as their head coach on a three-year deal starting from 2018 season.
13. Marcus Ashcroft
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1989–1996: Brisbane Bears: 152 (84)
- 1997–2003: Brisbane Lions: 166 (61)
- Total: : 318 (145)
- Brisbane Lions premiership side 2001, 2002, 2003
Marcus Ashcroft is a former Australian professional footballer who played as a defender and midfielder. He began his career with Southport Sharks, before playing for Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions between 1989 and 2003.
Ashcroft represented Australia at international level, making over sixty appearances between 1997 and 2003. After retiring from football, he has since worked in insurance sales.. Marcus Ashcroft is a talented footballer and represented Queensland in the Australian Football League (AFL) for two seasons.
He played alongside some of the best players in Australia during his time with the Lions, including Jonathan Brown and Leigh Matthews. In 1999, he was selected to represent Australia at international level, where he helped his team win silver medals.
Since retiring from professional football, Marcus has continued to play amateur football in Brisbane and has even had a stint as captain of an AFL side.
14. Matthew Ahmat
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1991–92: Brisbane Bears: 6 (1)
- 1994: Sydney Swans: 2 (0)
- Total: : 8 (1)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1994.
Matthew Ahmat is a retired Australian professional rugby league footballer who played for the Darwin Cowboys in the National Rugby League. He was originally selected to play for the Darwin Cowboys in their inaugural season of 1997, before moving to Sydney club, The Newcastle Knights two years later.
After failing to make an impact at Newcastle, he transferred back home and finished his NRL career with the Cowboys in 2003.
Matthew Ahmat represented Australia internationally on six occasions between 1998-2004 and also captained his country on three occasions - including during their 2003 World Cup campaign which they reached the semi-finals.
Where they were narrowly beaten by England In retirement, Matt has since taken up coaching duties with both junior teams as well as working in Indigenous community development programs throughout Central Australia.
15. Richard Champion
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1991–1996: Brisbane Bears: 119 (37)
- 1997–2000: Brisbane Lions: 64 (43)
- Total: : 183 (80)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2000.
Richard Champion was born on April 14, 1968 in Woodville, South Australia. He played for the Woodville Football Club in the SANFL from 1988 to 1999 before moving to North Melbourne and playing there until 2003.
During his time with North Melbourne, he won three consecutive premierships (1996-1998) which is still a club record. Richard then moved back home to play for Port Adelaide where he retired in 2007 after 208 games and 43 goals.
In 2004, Richard was named as one of the 25 greatest Australian footballers of all time by The Age newspaper and also received an award as South Australia's best player of the year that same year Richard Champion is a retired Australian rules footballer who played for the Brisbane Bears and the Lions in the AFL.
He was born on October 15, 1971 in Queensland, Australia. He made his professional debut with the Bears in 1991 and went on to play 183 games over 10 seasons with them before retiring at the end of 2000.
His standout performances during his career saw him named an All-Australian twice (1997, 1998) and win a premiership with Brisbane in 1996.
After retirement from football he moved to Victoria where he currently works as a sports journalist for 3AW radio station in Melbourne. Richard Champion is married and has two children - one son (born 1997) and one daughter (born 2002).
16. Chris Waterson
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1982–1986: Essendon: 31 (11)
- 1987–1988: Brisbane Bears: 35 (8)
- Total: : 66 (19)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1988.
Chris Waterson is a 61-year-old retired English professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He spent most of his career with Nullawil, making over 200 appearances in the German Bundesliga and 2.
Bundesliga combined. Chris Waterson made his debut for England in 1984 and went on to make 38 appearances, scoring one goal. He represented England at Euro 1988 and the 1990 World Cup.
After retiring from football in 1997, Chris Waterson started working as an assistant coach with Birmingham City under former teammate Gary Rowett.
In 2006 he was appointed head coach of Cheltenham Town but only lasted two months before being sacked following a poor start to the season which saw them bottom of League Two.
In 2007, Chris Waterson became manager of Conference National side Alfreton Town but resigned after just four games due to ill health. In 2009, Chris joined Wrexham as their new development squad boss, later becoming caretaker manager after Dean Saunders left the club in November 2013.
On 25 March 2014 it was announced that he had been appointed full time manager by newly promoted Welsh Premier League side The New Saints. On 21 January 2016 Waterson quit The New Saints after six years at the helm citing family reasons.
I have enjoyed my time here immensely - some great highs (promotion) along with some difficult times when things haven't gone our way - however I think now is the right time for me to step down."
Waterson subsequently took up coaching duties at fellow Welsh Premier League side Llanelli FC until May 2017 when he resumed his role as first team manager at The New Saints."
17. Alastair Lynch
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1988–1993: Fitzroy: 120 (173)
- 1994–1996: Brisbane Bears: 32 (89)
- 1997–2004: Brisbane Lions: 154 (371)
- Total: : 306 (633)
- 3× AFL Premierships: (2001, 2002, 2003), Brisbane Lions Captain: (1997–2000), Mitchell Medal: (1993), All-Australian Team: (1993), Fitzroy Leading Goalkicker: (1993), Brisbane Bears Leading Goalkicker: (1996), 4× Brisbane Lions Leading Goalkicker: (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003), Fitzroy Team of the Century, Tasmanian Team of the Century
Alastair Lynch played for Fitzroy, Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions over a decade. He amassed 173 goals in 160 games. Lynch was regarded as one of the best forwards in the competition during his time at Fitzroy, with many observers believing he could have achieved even more had he not been hampered by injuries.
After spending four seasons with the Brisbane Bears, Lynch moved to rival club the Lions where he enjoyed even greater success, amassing 371 points from 254 matches across all competitions including a league-record 349 points in 2001 season.
In 2004, after 15 years of professional football, Lynch retired due to an ankle injury sustained late into that year's grand final victory against Melbourne Victory which effectively ended his chances of winning another premiership ring with the Lions.
Since retiring from playing Alastair has started working as a commentator for Fox Sports Australia and is also involved in various business ventures including property development projects and media ownership interests within Tasmania.
18. Justin Leppitsch
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1993–1996: Brisbane Bears: 44 (58)
- 1997–2006: Brisbane Lions: 183 (136)
- Total: : 227 (194)
- Years: Club: Games (W–L–D)
- 2007; 2008: Suncoast Lions (AFLQSL): 4 (4–0–0)
- 2014–2016: Brisbane Lions (AFL): 66 (14–52–0)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2006., 3 Coaching statistics correct as of 2016.
- AFL Premiership 2001, 2002, 2003, Merrett-Murray Medal 1999, All-Australian team 1999, 2002, 2003, Brisbane Lions Best and Fairest 1999, Brisbane Lions leading goalkicker 1997, 1998, International Rules team member 1999, 2000
Justin Leppitsch was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1975. He played for the Southern Stingrays before joining the Brisbane Bears in 1993. He made his debut for the Lions in 1997 and went on to win a Premiership with them in 2001.
He left Brisbane at the end of 2006 to join Richmond and won another premiership with them in 2019. Justin Leppitsch is one of only three players to have captained both Brisbane Lions (1997-2000) and Richmond (2010-present).
Justin Leppitsch played 178 games for the Brisbane Lions over a 10-year period, kicking 537 goals.
He led the club to consecutive Premiership titles in 2001 and 2002 and was named captain of both teams. His impressive coaching record includes 66 wins from 146 games as coach of the Brisbane Lions in AFL football.
19. Nigel Lappin
Midfielder
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1994–1996: Brisbane Bears: 61 (40)
- 1997–2008: Brisbane Lions: 218 (134)
- Total: : 279 (174)
- Brisbane Lions premiership player 2001, 2002, 2003, Merrett-Murray Medal 2004, 4× All-Australian team 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, Brisbane Lions captain 2007–2008, Australian Football Hall of Fame member
Nigel Lappin is a former Australian Rules footballer, who played for the Brisbane Bears and the Brisbane Lions between 1994-1996 and 1997-2008. He was drafted number 2 in the 1993 National Draft by the Brisbane Bears.
In 2006 he signed with North Melbourne but only managed to play 4 games before retiring due to injury. Nigel Lappin is one of Australia's most successful AFL players, having won 174 matches over his career including 40 goals for the Brisbane Bears and 134 matches for the Brisbane Lions.
His greatest achievement came when he led his team to victory in their first ever grand final appearance in 2005 against St Kilda at ANZ Stadium.
After retirement from professional football, Nigel has since worked as an assistant coach at both Queensland Reds (AFL) under Brendan McCartney and Sydney Swans (AFL) under John Longmire.
Where he helped guide them to successive finals appearances culminating in a premiership title in 2013 – becoming only the second person after Kevin Sheedy to achieve this feat as a player/coach duo with Adelaide Crows (1991).
A popular figure within both leagues, Nigel regularly makes media appearances providing insights into coaching strategies or post match analysis following big occasions such as State of Origin or AFL Grand Finals - something which can be seen as invaluable experience for aspiring coaches or players alike.
Personal life wise, Nigel married his long term partner Kara on 12 December 2010 and they currently reside near Byron Bay together with their young daughter Willow Rose born on 3 October 2012.
20. Chris Scott
Forward
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1994–1996: Brisbane Bears: 55 (23)
- 1997–2007: Brisbane Lions: 160 (56)
- Total: : 215 (79)
- Years: Club: Games (W–L–D)
- 2011–: Geelong: 286 (200–84–2)
- , 2017: Representative, Australia: , 2 (2–0–0)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2007., 3 Coaching statistics correct as of 2022.
- AFL Rising Star 1994, Merrett-Murray Medal: 1998, 2× AFL premiership player: 2001, 2002, 2× AFL premiership coach: 2011, 2022, 2× All-Australian coach: 2011, 2022, Ansett Cup Grand Final 2001, Brisbane Lions vice-captain 1999–2004
Chris Scott was a professional footballer who played for the Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions. He was drafted 12th overall by the Bears in 1993, before moving to the Lions in 1997.
After retiring from playing, he moved into coaching with his first role being as an assistant coach at Melbourne Football Club in 2007. In 2013, he took over as head coach of Geelong Cats where he led them to back-to-back premierships in 2016 and 2017.
Scott is currently contracted with Geelong until 2020 and holds the record for most games coached (79). Chris Scott is one of the most successful coaches in Australian football history. He has won two premierships as a player and coach, and was named an AFL All-Australian coach twice.
Chris Scott began his coaching career with Essendon in 2001, before moving to Geelong in 2011. In his first season at Geelong, he led them to their second premiership win ever.
Since then, Chris Scott has continued to lead Geelong to success both on the field and off it – he was awarded an Ansett Cup Grand Final medal as well as being vice-captain of the Brisbane Lions during his playing days.
Chris Scott is currently serving as Australia's national football team coach, having been appointed in 2017 after leading Vic Country to back-to-back Oceania Championships titles (the country's first international championships).
21. Daniel Bradshaw
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1996: Brisbane Bears: 3 (0)
- 1997–2009: Brisbane Lions: 219 (496)
- 2010–2011: Sydney: 9 (28)
- Total: : 231 (524)
- AFL Premiership player: 2001, 2003, Brisbane leading Goalkicker: 2005, 2006, 2008, AFL Rising Star nominee: 1997
Daniel Bradshaw is a former Australian football player who played for Wodonga in the Victorian Football League (VFL) and Brisbane Bears in the National Football League (NFL).
He was drafted No. 56 by the Brisbane Bears in 1995 and made his debut for them during the 2000 season. In 2010, he was selected as one of Sydney's pre-season draft picks and debuted with them later that year.
Bradshaw ended his playing career with Sydney at the end of the 2013 season. Daniel Bradshaw is well known for being a powerful forward who could score goals from anywhere on the field. He was also an accurate kick taker who often used his agility to evade defenders.
His aggressive playstyle earned him numerous penalty kicks throughout his career, which he took advantage of to score crucial goals. Daniel Bradsha.
22. Scott McIvor
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1985–1987: Fitzroy: 55 (15)
- 1988–1996: Brisbane Bears: 138 (77)
- 1997: Brisbane Lions: 7 (4)
- Total: : 200 (96)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1997.
- Mitchell Medal: 1987, Queensland State of Origin player
Scott McIvor was born on 9 August 1966 in Brisbane, Queensland. He played for Fitzroy and then the Bears during his playing career. In total, he scored 137 goals in 138 games.
He retired from professional football in 1996 but continued to play for local sides afterward. Scott is now a successful businessman and sports broadcaster with Fox Sports Queensland as well as an ambassador for the QAFL club.
Wilston Grange where he served as their general manager between 2013-2015 before returning to full-time broadcasting duties at Fox Sports Queensland this year.
Scott McIvor was an important part of the Brisbane Lions' 1997 season, scoring 7 goals in 4 games. He played State of Origin for Queensland and is still considered one of their best players. Scott McIvor was born on October 5th, 1967 in Ipswich, Queensland.
After playing local footy with North Ipswich Rangers as a teenager, he joined the Brisbane club at 17 years old in 1986 and made his debut two years later.
He became one of the most popular members of the team during his time there, winning both the Mitchell Medal (1987) and an AFL Rising Star nomination (1986).
In 1992 he moved to Victoria where he spent six seasons with Footscray before retiring in 2001 due to injury; however he returned to play reserve matches for Brisbane until 2007 when injuries prevented him from continuing full-time football again.
Scott McIvor currently works as a sales representative for a telecommunications company after being released by Melbourne Victory earlier this year following surgery on a herniated disc.
23. Dion Scott
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1990, 1992: Sydney Swans: 6 (0)
- 1993–96: Brisbane Bears: 49 (39)
- 1997–99: Brisbane Lions: 24 (22)
- Total: : 79 (61)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1999.
Dion Scott was a key player in the Devonport Football Club's premiership success in 1988. He played mostly as a ruckman, but could also play as a forward or on the wing.
Scott retired from playing football at the end of the 1990 season, having amassed over 300 games and 40 goals during his career. Dion Scott later became involved in coaching, serving as an assistant coach with both Queensland and Tasmania sides before taking up a full-time role with Devonport Juniors in 2016.
In 2017 he was appointed head coach of Devonport Districts VFL side after replacing Mike Pickering who had taken up an assistant coaching position with North Ballarat Roosters AFL side.
Dion has two daughters – one born in 2003 and one born in 2007 – both of whom are active participants within sports themselves; daughter Ali represented Tasmania at junior level while her sister Mia plays netball for Victoria Country.
24. Nathan Chapman
Defender
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1993–1996: Brisbane Bears: 49 (12)
- 1997: Brisbane Lions: 11 (1)
- 1998–2000: Hawthorn: 16 (4)
- Total: : 76 (17)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2000.
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 1993
Nathan Chapman is a 47-year-old Australian Rules footballer who played for the Brisbane Bears in the AFL. He was originally from Kangaroo Flat and began his career with that club before moving to the Bears.
Chapman is known for his strong marking and ability to get North Melbourne's JJ Burns into plenty of trouble, as well as topping up the team's midfield stocks during their 2006 premiership season.
In 2009, he retired from playing football at the elite level after spending a year coaching younger players at Moorabbin Football Club in Victoria's VFL competition.
Nathan Chapman has two daughters and lives near Kilburn in Melbourne’s inner north-west suburbs with wife Tanya and four children aged between three and sixteen years old.
Since retiring from professional football, Nathan has taken on various coaching roles including assistant coach of Essendon’s VFL affiliate Williamstown (2013–14), head development coach of Calder Cannons FC (2015)and senior player/coach at Pascoe Vale SC (2016).
Recently appointed Senior Coach of Victorian Amateur Football Association Division 2 side Darebin Falcons.
25. Adrian Fletcher
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1989–1991: Geelong: 23 (10)
- 1992: St Kilda: 22 (10)
- 1993–1996: Brisbane Bears: 86 (49)
- 1997: Brisbane Lions: 21 (4)
- 1998–2001: Fremantle: 79 (24)
- Total: : 231 (97)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2001.
- Fremantle co-captain: 2000–2001, Doig Medal: 1999, Norm Goss Memorial Medal: 2003, Geoff Christian Medal: 1999, VFL premiership player: 2003, William Leitch Medal: 1988
Adrian Fletcher is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Glenorchy and St Kilda Football Clubs. Adrian Fletcher was drafted in 1988 by the Geelong Football Club, but only made 22 appearances for them before being traded to the St Kilda Football Club in 1993.
Fletcher spent two seasons at St Kilda before joining Brisbane Bears in 1997. He continued his football career with the Brisbane Lions from 1999 until 2001, playing 21 games and scoring four goals during that time.
Adrian Fletcher retired from professional football at the age of 36 after suffering a knee injury which ended his AFL career prematurely.
After retiring from professional football, Adrian has since pursued other interests including coaching youth players and working as a television sports commentator.
26. Andrew Bews
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1982–1993: Geelong: 207 (132)
- 1994–1996: Brisbane Bears: 56 (2)
- 1997–1998: Brisbane Lions: 19 (0)
- Total: : 282 (134)
- All-Australian team: 1987, Geelong captain: 1990–1991
Andrew Bews is a veteran of the Geelong Football League, playing 207 games for North Geelong. After leaving North Geelong in 1996, Bews spent four seasons with Brisbane Bears before retiring at the end of 2001.
Andrew returned to football as coach of West Coast Eagles' under-18s team in 2009 and was promoted to senior assistant coach midway through the 2013 season. In October 2014 he signed a three-year deal as head coach of Collingwood's VFL side after being recommended by club president Eddie McGuire.
He led Collingwood to their first finals appearance since 2010 in his first year at the helm and finished runner up on 2 occasions (2017 & 2018).
In January 2019 it was announced that Andrew had been appointed Senior Coach of Australia Men’s National Team for two years starting from February 2020.
Also Played For: geelong football club
27. Troy Clarke
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1987–1990: West Torrens: 64
- 1991–1996: Brisbane Bears: 68 (31)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1996.
- Brisbane Bears reserves premiership 1991
Troy Clarke played professional football for South Cairns in Australia. He scored 35 goals in 96 appearances during his playing career. Clarke died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 44.
Troy Clarke was a fierce competitor who always gave his all on the field. Troy Clarke enjoyed great success with both the Brisbane Bears and West Torrens in his career.
He was an important player in both clubs' premierships, winning a reserve premiership with the Bears in 1991 and playing a major role in West Torrens' championship-winning season of 1996.
After retiring from football, Troy Clarke went on to have a successful coaching career at various levels across Australia. He is currently an assistant coach for Essendon Football Club's VFL team.
28. Craig McRae
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1995–1996: Brisbane Bears: 39 (56)
- 1997–2004: Brisbane Lions: 156 (176)
- Total: : 195 (232)
- Years: Club: Games (W–L–D)
- 2022–: Collingwood: 25 (17–8–0)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2004., 3 Coaching statistics correct as of the 2022 season.
- Playing, , 3× AFL Premiership player: 2001–2003, , Coaching, , VFL premiership coach: (2019), VFL Coach of the Year: (2019), AFLCA Coach of the year (2022)
Craig McRae was drafted by the Brisbane Bears in 1993 pre-season draft but didn't play a game for them before joining the Glenelg Football Club. He then spent 10 seasons with them, winning three SANFL flags and kicking 232 goals.
When Craig McRae joined Collingwood in 2004 he became their head coach, leading them to two premierships and finishing third on three occasions.
In 2018 he signed a new long term contract with the club. Craig McRae is widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest-ever footy players and his 206 games for Lions are second only to Gary Ablett's record of 263 games played for the same team over 18 years.
Fly is also an Australian Rules football commentator and has been working since 2003 (including 2007–2013 as expert commentator at Fox Footy). Craig McRae played for the Collingwood Football Club in the AFL from 1997 until 2003.
Craig McRae was appointed coach of the VFL's Richmond Tigers at the start of 2019, after coaching with Melbourne in 2018. In his first season as coach, he led Richmond to a premiership victory - their first since 1936.
29. Danny Dickfos
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1996: Brisbane Bears: 22 (0)
- 1997–1999: Brisbane Lions: 43 (0)
- Total: : 65 (0)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1999.
- Best first year player (Brisbane Bears) 1996, Grogan Medal 2000, State of Origin (Queensland)
Danny Dickfos is a former AFLQ player and was born in Queensland. He played for Brisbane Bears from 1996 to 1999 before moving to the Sydney Swans where he spent two seasons, playing 22 games and scoring 0 goals.
Dickfos then moved back to his home state of Queensland and signed with the Gold Coast Suns in 2003 where he played until 2007 when he retired due to injury.
After his retirement from football Danny became an assistant coach at Southport Sharks, continuing this role until 2016 when he took up a new position as development officer at the Sunshine Coast Falcons Football Club Danny Dickfos was born in Brisbane, Queensland on the 14th of September, 1975.
Danny Dickfos started playing football with his local club at a young age and quickly developed into one of the best players in Brisbane. In 1993 he was drafted by the Bears and made his debut two years later. During his time at the Bears Danny became an integral part of their team winning four premierships (1996-1998).
He also represented Queensland at State of Origin multiple times and helped them win back-to-back series in 1998 & 1999. After spending six seasons with the Bears, Dickfos signed with Melbourne for 2000 season where he played alongside future Brownlow medallist Nick Dal Santo.
However after just one year with Melbourne, Dickfos retired from professional football to start a family.
Since retiring from professional football Danny has remained involved in coaching both junior and senior level footballers across Brisbane. He is currently head coach of Southport Sharks Football Club.
30. Brad Hardie
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1979–1984: South Fremantle (WAFL): 140 (308)
- 1985–1986: Footscray: 47 (28)
- 1987–1991: Brisbane Bears: 101 (192)
- 1992: Collingwood: 2 (2)
- Total: : 290 (530)
- Brownlow Medal: 1985, Charles Sutton Medal: 1986, 2× Brisbane Bears leading Goalkicker: 1989, 1990, WAFL Premiership player: 1980, Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee: 2019, All-Australian: 1986, 2× Tassie Medal: 1984, 1986, 2× Simpson Medal: 1984, 1986
Brad Hardie played 290 games for Brisbane Bears over a 13-year playing career. He was originally drafted by Hilton Park Juniors in the 1982 interstate draft, and spent time with South Fremantle (WAFL) before joining Brisbane.
Brad Hardie represented Western Australia at state level, scoring two goals in nine games during his career. Brad Hardie was a prolific goalkicker for the Brisbane Bears in the 1980s. He won two Tassie Medals and two Simpson Medals during his time at the club.
Brad Hardie had an illustrious career playing for Australia, winning several honours including a Brownlow Medal and Charles Sutton Medal.
He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2019. Brad Hardie is now retired from professional football, but continues to be involved in coaching both on the state and national level.
31. Andrew Gowers
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1988–1994: Hawthorn: 89 (54)
- 1995–1996: Brisbane Bears: 40 (7)
- 1997–1999: Brisbane Lions: 11 (2)
- Total: : 140 (61)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1999.
- - 1991 AFL Premiership
Andrew Gowers is a former AFL footballer who played for Hawthorn and Brisbane Bears. He was born on 11 April 1969 in Xavier College, Western Australia.
Gowers made his debut for Hawthorn in 1988 against West Coast at Subiaco and went on to play 89 games for the club over three seasons before moving to Brisbane Bears in 1995.
In 1996 he won the prestigious Brownlow Medal after polling 24 votes during the season which culminated with Brisbane qualifying for their first ever Grand Final appearance where they were narrowly defeated by Essendon that year.
After playing 16 games for Queensland over two seasons he retired from professional football at the end of 1998 having played 251 games altogether including 46 finals games (25 wins, 15 losses).
Andrew now works as an accountant and resides near Mandurah with his wife Amanda and children Elliot (16) Harrison (12) and Addison (10).
32. Brent Green
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1995–1996: Brisbane Bears: 3 (0)
- 1997: Brisbane Lions: 2 (0)
- 1998: Sydney: 7 (8)
- Total: : 12 (8)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1998.
Brent Green was a talented player who represented Southport in the NRL. He died from injuries sustained in a car crash on 30 November 2009, aged 33. His death was devastating for his family and friends, and they continue to support each other through this difficult time.
Brent Green will be missed by all who knew him - he was an excellent footballer and person overall Brent Green is a veteran of the AFL, having played for 3 different clubs over 12 seasons. He had an impressive 8 goals in 7 games during his first season with Sydney, before adding 2 more in 1998 with Brisbane Lions.
Brent retired at the end of the 1998 season, but has continued to work as a football analyst and commentator since then.
33. Trent Bartlett
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1995–1996: Brisbane Bears: 22 (1)
- 1998–1999: Brisbane Lions: 17 (7)
- 2000–2002: Western Bulldogs: 42 (34)
- Total: : 81 (42)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2002.
Trent Bartlett was born on 26 November 1976 in Deloraine, Tasmania. Trent played for the Deloraine Football Club during his junior years before being drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 1993.
He made his debut with the Lions in 1995 and has since played over 200 games for them, including 7 seasons as captain of their reserves team. In 2006, Trent joined Carlton as a free agent and became one of their key players up until his retirement at the end of 2013 season.
Trent is a two-time All Australian selection (2003 & 2007) and won back-to-back premierships with Carlton in 2011 & 2012.
He announced his retirement from football after 133 games at the end of the 2013 season and now works full time as an AFL coach with Melbourne's VFL side Sandringham Saints Trent Bartlett played for three different clubs in the AFL, most notably Brisbane Bears and Western Bulldogs.
Trent was a dominant forward during his playing career, amassing 42 goals from 84 games over six seasons. After retiring as a player, Trent has continued to play at a high level with the Brisbane Lions in the VFL competition.
He is currently their leading goalkicker for the season. Trent is also active in charity work and regularly donates time and resources to various causes around Queensland, including young people affected by cancer.
34. Tristan Lynch
Tristan Lynch is a talented Australian rules footballer who has played for Sale in the Victorian Football League (VFL). He was drafted in the 85th round of the 1992 AFL draft and made his debut in 1995.
He has since played over 250 games for Sale, including four premierships and two best-and-fairest awards. In 2003, he moved to Geelong as part of a trade that saw Adam Ramanauskas move to Sale. However, he only managed one season with Geelong before returning to Sale at the end of 2004.
Lynch retired from playing football at the end of 2006 after winning another VFL championship with Sale.
After retirement from playing football, Tristan started coaching younger players and now runs his own training business called TTR Training Solutions which provides elite level personal development programs across Melbourne metropolitan area.
35. Clark Keating
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1996: Brisbane Bears: 14 (9)
- 1997–2006: Brisbane Lions: 125 (74)
- Total: : 139 (83)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2006.
- Brisbane Lions premiership player: 2001, 2002 & 2003, Brisbane Lions 2004 AFL Grand Final side
Clark Keating is a ruckman who played for Surfers Paradise AFC in the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) competition. He made his debut in 1997 and went on to play 178 games for the club, scoring 106 tries.
Clark Keating has represented Australia at international level, playing 5 tests and 33 matches for the national side between 1998 and 2004. In 2006, Clark signed with English club Wakefield Trinity Wildcats but he only managed 2 appearances before returning to Queensland two years later.
Clark retired from playing rugby league in 2011 after finishing with Gold Coast Titans in the QRL's premiership-winning squad that year. Since retiring from professional football, Clark has continued to play rugby union for University of Queensland XIII team as well as coaching young players in his local area.
36. Steven Lawrence
Defender
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1995–1996: Brisbane Bears: 13 (1)
- 1997–2000: Brisbane Lions: 68 (42)
- 2001–2003: St Kilda: 39 (17)
- Total: : 120 (60)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2003.
- AFL Rising Star nominee 1995
Steven Lawrence was born on May 19, 1976 in Southport, Queensland. He made his debut for the Brisbane Bears in Round 3 of the 1995 season against Sydney Swans at the Gabba.
In 1997 he joined Brisbane Lions and went on to play 68 games over 2 seasons before retiring at the end of 2000 season due to injury.
After retirement from playing football, Steven has since worked as a sports commentator with Fox Sports Australia covering NRL matches and other sporting events throughout Australia and New Zealand including Rugby Union Tests and Wellington Sevens tournaments He is married with two children Lawrence was a prolific forward for St Kilda from 2001-2003.
He averaged 17 goals per season during that time, and won the AFL Rising Star award in 1995. Lawrence retired at the end of 2003 after playing 120 games for the Saints over three seasons. He now works as an assistant coach with Melbourne's VFL side Sandringham.
Lawrence is widely respected within Australian football circles, having served as both a player and assistant coach on several occasions throughout his career.
37. Ben Robbins
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1996: Brisbane Bears: 5 (1)
- 1997–2001: Brisbane Lions: 47 (13)
- 2002–2003: Kangaroos: 40 (7)
- Total: : 92 (21)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2003.
Ben Robbins was drafted 33rd overall by Gippsland Power in the 1993 AFL draft. Ben played for the Power from 1995-1999, before moving to North Melbourne in 2000.
He played a total of 115 games for North Melbourne, including 10 finals appearances. In 2006, he retired from professional football and moved to Victoria where he has since been working as a sports commentator and journalist with Channel 7's The World Today program.
Ben is married with two children and lives in Victoria Robbins starred as a junior at the Brisbane Bears, before being drafted by the Lions in 1996. After playing for three seasons with the Lions, Robbins was traded to Melbourne in 2001 and went on to play 40 games for the club over three years.
He then returned to Brisbane where he played another five seasons with the Bears before retiring in 2003. Robbins finished his AFL career with 92 goals from 221 matches, making him one of Brisbane's most prolific goal-scorers ever.
Following his retirement from football, Robbins has since moved into coaching and is currently an assistant coach at both Queensland State League clubs Redcliffe and Southport FC respectively.
38. Phil Walsh
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1983: Collingwood: 22 (9)
- 1984–1986: Richmond: 40 (14)
- 1987–1990: Brisbane Bears: 60 (18)
- Total: : 122 (41)
- Years: Club: Games (W–L–D)
- 2001: Port Adelaide: 1 (1–0–0)
- 2015: Adelaide: 12 (7–5–0)
- Brisbane Bears Club Champion: 1987
Phil Walsh was a professional Australian soccer player who played for Hamilton in the A-League. He died in July 2015 at the age of 55 after a long battle with cancer.
Phil Walsh began his career as an attacking midfielder with Hamilton, and helped them to win two A-League championships during his time there. He also represented Australia at the international level, playing 49 matches and scoring 15 goals over a 10-year period.
After leaving Hamilton in 2003, Phil Walsh spent several seasons playing in the English Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City before returning to Australia to play for Sydney FC in 2007.
In 2012, he joined South Adelaide United as head coach but left after just one season due to health concerns related to his cancer diagnosis.
Phil Walsh passed away three years later from cancer at the age of 55 after a long and successful career as a professional soccer player.
39. Shane Hamilton
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1988–1990: Geelong: 27 (40)
- 1991–1995: Brisbane Bears: 47 (30)
- Total: : 74 (70)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1995.
Shane Hamilton was born on August 18, 1970 in Auckland, New Zealand. He played for St Arnaud in the New Zealand National Football League (NZFL) before moving to Australia and playing for Richmond and Carlton in the Australian Football League (AFL).
After retiring from football, Shane moved back to his home country of New Zealand and began a successful career as a rugby union coach with the Highlanders. Shane is currently head coach of Super Rugby side Canterbury Crusaders. Shane Hamilton was one of the most prolific goal scorers in Geelong's history.
He played for the club from 1988 to 1995 and kicked 70 goals during that time. Shane Hamilton left Geelong after playing 74 games, scoring 40 goals along the way.
He then signed with Brisbane Bears where he continued his goal-scoring exploits. Shane Hamilton is a two-time premiership player and winner of the best and fairest award at Geelong in 1990 and 1991 respectively.
After leaving AFL football, Hamilton had a short stint with Collingwood before returning to Queensland as coach of Gold Coast Suns in 2007 where he remained until 2013 when he took up an assistant coaching role with North Melbourne Football Club.
40. Ashley Green
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1992–1993: Brisbane Bears: 23 (2)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1993.
Ashley Green was born on 6 April 1973 in Warragul, Victoria. He played for Warragul as a junior before being drafted by Essendon in 1989. Ashley made his debut with the Bombers in 1992 and played over 200 games for the club before retiring at the end of the 2006 season.
After hanging up his boots, Ashley has continued to play professional cricket for Victorian side Melbourne Stars and also represented Australia at international level from 1995-2003.
Ashley is married with two children and currently resides in Melbourne, Victoria Ashley Green is a talented footballer with experience in both the AFL and NRL.
He was drafted by the Brisbane Bears in 1992, but left the club after one season to join the Sydney Swans. In 1994 he rejoined Brisbane, where he played until 2003.
After retiring from playing Ashley started coaching at his old school, Bishopbriggs High School, before taking up a role as an assistant coach at Richmond Football Club in 2007 Ashley has also been involved in charity work and was appointed ambassador for Special Olympics Queensland in 2011.
41. Ray Windsor
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1990–1993: Brisbane Bears: 23 (22)
- 1994–1995: Central Districts: 43 (19)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1995.
- Larke Medal 1989, Brisbane Bears reserves premiership 1991
Ray Windsor is a 50-year-old Australian football player who played for the Brisbane Bears in the QAFL. He was born on 11 August 1972 and has played professionally since 1990.
Ray holds many records, including being the all-time leading goal scorer at Western Districts (QAFL). In 2003 he was named captain of Queensland State Team and helped them to win the National Championships that year.
He retired from professional football in 2006 but continues to play for club sides in Queensland and Victoria as a veteran player mentor/coach.. Windsor was one of the best players in Central Districts history and is still remembered for his brilliant foot skills.
He won a Larke Medal in 1989 and led the Bears to their first reserves premiership in 1991. After leaving Central Districts, Windsor played for Brisbane and Melbourne before finishing his career with North Adelaide in 1995.
42. Damian Bourke
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1983 – 1992: Geelong: 102 (15)
- 1993 – 1995: Brisbane Bears: 22 (4)
- Total: : 124 (19)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1995.
Damian Bourke is a ruckman who has played for several teams over the course of his career. He started out with St Joseph's in 1987 and then went on to play for Melbourne, Collingwood, Richmond and Geelong before retiring in 2007.
Damian Bourke is one of the most decorated players in Australian Rules football history, winning three premierships (with Melbourne in 1991, 1992 and 1996) as well as two best-and-fairest awards (with Melbourne in 1991 and 1996).
Outside of playing football, Damian Bourke also has a background in law enforcement; he served as an officer with Victoria Police from 1989 until 2006.
In 2009, Damian Bourke was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame alongside other greats such as Tom Wills and Leigh Matthews. Nowadays, Damien Bourke spends his time managing businesses including a wine label and restaurant outlet called The Cellar Door Bar & Bistro.
43. Danny Craven
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1989 & 1991–1992: St Kilda: 33 (10)
- 1993–1995: Brisbane Bears: 25 (7)
- Total: : 58 (17)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1995.
Danny Craven is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Chiltern and Wangaratta in the Victorian Football League (VFL). He was drafted by Melbourne in 1988 after playing for Central Districts in the VFA.
Craven won two flags with Melbourne, 1991 and 1992. In 1993 he left to play for Sydney where he spent four seasons before retiring at the end of 1997 season.
After his retirement from football, Craven started work as a football commentator for Fox Footy and has since become one of Australia's most well-known sport journalists.
Danny also owns an Italian restaurant called 'Gusto'. Craven currently resides on the Gold Coast with his wife Tanya and their children Lachlan, Charlie and Evie. Craven was drafted by St Kilda in 1989 and played with the club until 1995.
He amassed 58 goals during his playing career. Craven is best known for kicking a memorable goal against Brisbane Bears in 1993, which helped lead to the Saints' victory on that year's AFL Grand Final day.
After retiring from football, Craven has since worked as a sports journalist and commentator for Australian television networks Channel Seven and Fox Sports Australia.
In 2006, Craven was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame as one of its inaugural members alongside Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy and Collingwood great Wayne Carey . Craven currently resides in Melbourne with his wife Rebecca and their two children Owen (born 2003) and Isabella (born 2007).
44. Peter Worsfold
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1987–1990: South Fremantle: 60 (43)
- 1991–1993: Brisbane Bears: 31 (24)
- 1994–1999: South Fremantle: 95 (90)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1994.
Peter Worsfold was drafted by South Fremantle in the 1990 AFL Draft and spent 10 seasons with the club before moving to Melbourne in 2003. Worsfold has played for Australia on several occasions, most notably at the 2000 Sydney Olympics where he helped his country to a silver medal.
After retiring from playing, Peter became an assistant coach with West Coast Eagles under John Worsfold between 2006-2011 before taking up a position as general manager of Victoria's VFL club Sandringham Saints in 2013.
In October 2016 it was announced that Peter had been appointed as head coach of Essendon Football Club following Tom Bellchambers' resignation from the role.
After video footage emerged of him making sexist comments during a training session earlier that month; however, less than two months later he was sacked after another series of controversies involving players and staff at the club which resulted in multiple suspensions being handed out.
45. Matthew Campbell
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1983–1986: North Adelaide: 100 (80)
- 1987–1993: Brisbane Bears: 79 (28)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1993.
Matthew Campbell was born on 30 January 1964 in Adelaide, South Australia. He played for North Adelaide in the SANFL during the late 1980s and 1990s before retiring at the end of the 2000 season.
Matthew Campbell is a two-time premiership player with North Adelaide (1986 and 1997) as well as being named an All Australian once (1995).
After his retirement from playing football, Matthew served as a development coach for North Adelaide for several seasons before moving to Victoria in 2013 to take up a similar role with Casey Scorpions FC.
In 2014, he was appointed head coach of Victorian side Cranbourne SC but resigned after one season due to personal reasons.(source: AFL Players' Association profile) Campbell is a talented goal kicker who had an impressive playing career in the Australian Football League.
Campbell began his AFL career with North Adelaide before moving to Brisbane Bears in 1987.
He kicked over 80 goals for both clubs during his time in the league and was named All-Australian twice (in 1992, and 1993). After finishing his playing career, Campbell has since worked as a football commentator for Fox Sports Australia.
In 2007, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for distinguished service to sport as a coach and player at all levels.
46. Gilbert McAdam
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- : North Adelaide (SANFL):
- 1986: Claremont (WAFL): 3 (5)
- 1988-1990, 1998: Central District (SANFL): 86 (92)
- 1991–1993: St Kilda (AFL): 53 (48)
- 1994–1996: Brisbane Bears (AFL): 58 (41)
Gilbert McAdam is a former Australian rules footballer who played for Southern Districts in the Victorian Football League (VFL). He was selected with the 41st pick of the 1989 VFL Draft and made his debut in 1990 against Fitzroy.
McAdam finished his career with 318 games, kicking 158 goals and averaging 14 disposals per game over 17 years at Southern Districts. In 2004, he was appointed captain-coach of South Australia but resigned after two seasons due to health concerns.
Gilbert McAdam now works as an administrator for AFL Victoria and has also served as interim CEO of both AFL Tasmania and AFL Northern Territory since early 2019 Gilbert McAdam was a talented SANFL player who played for Claremont in the WAFL.
He then made the transition to AFL with St Kilda and had a successful career, playing 48 games over 3 seasons.
Gilbert also represented South Australia on several occasions, although his contribution is unknown.
47. Mark Zanotti
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1987–1988: West Coast: 36 (6)
- 1989–1992: Brisbane Bears: 64 (5)
- 1993–1995: Fitzroy: 57 (8)
- Total: : 157 (19)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1995.
Mark Zanotti played for Subiaco (WAFL) in the 1980s. He is a former Australian international and was part of the side that won the 1987 International Rules Series.
After retiring from playing, Zanotti became involved in coaching and management roles with several clubs including Footscray, St Kilda and Hawthorn.
In February 2016 he was appointed head coach of Essendon Football Club after David Gynaides resigned due to doping charges being laid against him by the AFL anti-doping tribunal earlier that month.
Mark Zanotti left his role as Essendon's head coach on 26 March 2018 following allegations of player misconduct within the club involving physical punishment.
On 5 June 2018 it was announced that Zanotti had been granted bail pending an appeal hearing over his dismissal from Essendon which is set to take place later this year. As of 1 September 2018, he has not yet resumed work as a football coach or manager.
48. Fabian Francis
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1991–1992: Melbourne: 1 (0)
- 1993–1994: Brisbane Bears: 22 (17)
- 1995–1997: Port Adelaide (SANFL): 33 (32)
- 1997–2001: Port Adelaide: 86 (44)
- 2002: South Fremantle (WAFL): 3 (2)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2002.
Fabian Francis is a professional Australian rules footballer who has played for the Southern Districts (NTFL) in the National Football League. Fabian Francis was born in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia on 24 October 1973 and began playing rugby league at an early age before turning to football later on.
After being drafted by Southern Districts with their first selection (pick #4 overall) in the 1993 NTFL Draft, Fabian Francis made his senior debut during the 1994 season and went on to play over 200 games for them over 13 seasons.
In 2007, Fabian Francis joined West Coast Eagles as a development coach but returned to Southern Districts midway through 2009 after impressing the coaching staff there with his work ethic and knowledge of the game.
In 2013, Fabian Francis retired from all forms of football after 14 years representing Southern Districts and 233 games overall including 21 finals appearances.
He currently works as a development coach at AFL club Fremantle Dockers where he helps young players develop their skills both on-field and off-field while also providing support during times of adversity or injury.
49. Craig Starcevich
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1987–1993: Collingwood: 124 (162)
- 1994–1995: Brisbane Bears: 20 (16)
- Total: : 144 (178)
- Years: Club: Games (W–L–D)
- 2017–: Brisbane Lions (women's): 40 (24–15–1)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1995., 3 Coaching statistics correct as of 2021.
- Harry Collier Trophy: 1987, Premiership player: 1990, AFL Women's premiership coach: 2021
Craig Starcevich was born on May 16, 1967 in East Perth, Western Australia. He played for the East Perth Football Club in the WAFL from 1987 to 1993 and then for the Brisbane Bears from 1994 to 1995.
In total, he played 144 games and scored 178 goals during his playing career. After retiring as a player, Craig became a coach with the Brisbane Lions Women's team in 2006 and has since led them to two premierships (2013 & 2017).
Craig is also well known within Australian football circles for his commentary work on ABC radio station 3AW which he started doing in 2003 Craig Starcevich is a former AFL Women's player and coach who has had a long and successful coaching career.
Craig started his playing career with the Brisbane Lions in 2017, before retiring at the end of the season. In 2021, he was appointed as Melbourne's new women's coach, replacing Lisa De Vanna after she left to take up a role at Sydney FC.
Under Craig's guidance, Melbourne reached the AFL Women's premiership final in his first season in charge - an achievement that made him one of only three coaches to achieve this feat (the other two being Tim Watson and Leigh Matthews).
As well as overseeing Melbourne’s stunning finals campaign, Craig also led Australia to their second-ever Olympic gold medal earlier this year – an incredible accomplishment for any sportsman or woman.
50. Jason Millar
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1991: Brisbane Bears: 1 (0)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1991.
Jason Millar played for Caloundra in the Queensland Premier League from 1995 until 2003. In 2002, he was named captain of the club and led them to their first premiership victory in over a decade.
He has also represented Australia at international level and won gold medals at both the 1998 Commonwealth Games and 2000 Sydney Olympics. After retiring as a player, Jason took up coaching with his former side Caloundra, guiding them to back-to-back National Soccer League titles in 2014 and 2015.
Jason is one of only four players ever to win prestigious individual awards (AFL Player's Association best player award, PFA Players' Player of the Year award and Footballer of The Year Award) whilst playing for two different clubs – most notably being awarded Australian Footballer of The Year twice whilst playing for Melbourne Victory.
Outside of football, Jason enjoys spending time with his family and travelling around Australia doing voluntourism work.
51. John Hutton
Career
- Years: Club: Games (Goals)
- 1992: Brisbane Bears: 18 (43)
- 1993: Sydney: 5 (9)
- 1995: Fremantle: 13 (27)
- Total: : 36 (79)
- 1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2008.
- Leading Goalkicker:, , Bernie Naylor Medal (WAFL): 1991, Brisbane Bears (AFL): 1992
John Hutton played for Claremont in the WAFL before being drafted by Brisbane Bears in 1991. He spent five seasons with the club before moving to Sydney and playing for the Swans from 1993-1996.
In 1997, he joined Fremantle and has since been a key player in their forward line. John Hutton is one of Australia's most decorated players, having won multiple awards including an AFL premiership with Melbourne in 2003 and an All Australian selection in 2002.
He retired at the end of 2012 season after 13 years with Fremantle. John Hutton was born on 28 May 1966 in Claremont, Western Australia, and began his football career there as a junior player.
Before switching to full-forward during his senior year due to captaincy issues at Claremont College John Hutton is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Brisbane Bears and Fremantle Dockers in the Australian Football League (AFL).
He was renowned as one of the best kickers in AFL history. John Hutton started his career with the Brisbane Bears, before playing for Sydney from 1993 to 1995. In 1996 he transferred to Fremantle, where he spent nine seasons until 2008.
His achievements during that time include being named captain-coach of Fremantle in 2003 and winning two WAFL flags – both while kicking over 100 goals each season.
After finishing his playing career with five goals at the 2009 Melbourne International Cup, John Hutton joined Fox Footy as an analyst and commentator for games involving North Melbourne FC.
Currently, John Hutton works as a football consultant for clubs around Australia including Perth Glory FC and Southport Sharks ACFC where he helps young players develop their skills on or off field.
Final Words
. . The Brisbane Bears were one of the most iconic and successful teams in Australian Football League, with a star-studded list of players that include Gary Ablett Sr., Jonathan Brown, Simon Black, Darryl Brohman, Nathan Buckley and many more.
