Past Player Of The Week - Ian Paton

[Jane Doe]

DOB: 21/02/57

Height: 191 cms
Weight: 91 kgs

Games: 155
Goals: 47

Recruited From: Scotch College (Tasmania)

Debut: Round 7 1976 V Melbourne

Not the most stylish ruckman that has gone around, however he was a hard worker who had tremendous determination. Paton assumed the Number 1 ruck role when Don Scott retired. Paton played in the 1978 flag, was the leading ruckman in the 1983 flag and was on the bench in the losing 1984 Grand Final. A knee injury forced him into retirement but he made a comeback in 1986 even though he could not get a senior game and was made captain of the reserves. A great clubman who was very popular with his team mates.

Where is he now? Working in Melbourne.

 

[Cyrilyouchampion]

The General

 

[Steven Tyler]

Ruckman at 191cm!
How times have changed!

 

[Roddy]

I remember The General quite well. Not overly blessed with natural talent, but worked hard and the best out of himself. I remember him being a little angry too, controlled anger, and that's what you want from your ruckman. Especially in those days. Two flags for him is a ripping effort.

 

[Hawker1167]

loved him and had a huge heart but honestly had one of the worst kicking styles I have ever seen

 

[langers1971]

loved him and had a huge heart but honestly had one of the worst kicking styles I have ever seen

have you ever seen a more shocking kicking style than his? Yet he still managed 47 goals in his career.

I remember when he was picked for the 84 Grand Final, despite not playing in the other 2 finals that year, he was told by Allan Jeans, not to tell anybody, and he was true to his word too, he didnt even tell his parents!

He had a heart as big as phar lap

 

[medusala]

Hard as nails. Met him in Tassie around the time he was finishing up at South Launceston, may only be 191 but he seemed huge. Ripper bloke by all accounts.

Have heard interesting story re how Hawthorn recruited him whilst seeing him play for Scotch. Not sure how accurate it is but apparently they were there to look at someone else rather than him but Paton was extremely physical and that impressed the club quite a bit.

 

[Procrastinator35]

have you ever seen a more shocking kicking style than his? Yet he still managed 47 goals in his career.

He had a heart as big as phar lap

Yep....One David Polkinghorne.....Mind you, the General was a close second!

Not blessed with skill, but a warrior & a work-horse for which his 155 games lies testament to.