Most Unlucky Individual in the AFL system?

[ossie_21]

Most recently would be Brett Deledio in my opinion.

Played over 200 games for Richmond in 13 seasons, made finals three times for no return, the year after he left the tigers win the premiership...and knock Deledio’s new team out of the finals in the process

Unlucky, just like Murphy getting injured & watching the team to go on & win. But there are far more players that can be considered unlucky on more than one occasion/season. Whitecross a perfect example, then those cursed by multiple serious injuries that mean they never/hardly get out to play.

Lynden Dunn pretty stiff to never play in a final and then do a knee on the cusp

Ouch. That is harsh.

 

[Captain_Bender]

Richmond's most unluckiest player would probably have to be Neville Crowe, was one of Richmond's greatest players during the 60s didn't play in a final until his final season, played his first final against Carlton as Richmond flogged them on road to the grand final only to miss out due to a dodgy suspension because of John Nicholls acting ability

 

[Back One Out]

Rod Lester-Smith, Hawthorn's lanky, composed half back flanker from East Fremantle was an unlucky dude. Just about every Hawthorn player who was worth his salt played in a premiership during the 1980's. Lester-Smith was a gun defender: poised, skilful, a safe overhead mark - good enough to play 4 state of origin games for WA. He battled his share of injuries and just couldn't get his timing right.

He arrived at Hawthorn in 1984 (the year after our '83 flag) and played in the infamous losing Grand Final team that coughed up a 4 goal lead against Essendon. He played in every game the following year, including the losing '85 Grand Final.

Another solid season in 1986. Apart from missing 4 games with injury in the middle of the year, he was a regular at half back as the team finished on top of the ladder. But he got injured again in the 1986 2nd Semi Final vs Carlton. He was 50/50 for the Grand Final, but the selectors played it safe and picked Russell Morris instead. Lester-Smith watched on from the grandstand as the Hawks destroyed the Blues.

He was injured again in 1987, missed the finals series and was traded to the Bears where he played for another 4 seasons.

Rocket Eade and Rod Lester-Smith hoist the 1991 Reserves Premiership trophy to the warm applause from Hawthorn and West Coast fans. This was the only silverware ever won by the Brisbane Bears. Lester-Smith kicked 4 goals that day.

 

[windyhill]

Derek Kickett had every right to crack the shits in '93. Played every game of the season and missed the big dance. He had kicked 8 three weeks previously and just set the tone for Essendon that season.
Daniel Menzel and Jon Patten of the current crop

 

[fpm84]

Matthew Egan is a clear number one.

Breaks his foot in round 22, 2007. Is named in the AA side three weeks later.

Not only misses playing in the 2007 premiership but another two flags in the next four years - and never plays again.

 

[Tarkyn_24]

John Greening.

 

[masai]

Graeme Melrose from North Melbourne in the 70s played in the 76 and 78 losses but missed wins in 75 and 77

Had a great win in 1982.

 

[Captain_Bender]

Had a great win in 1982.

In the WAFL yes but not in the VFL

 

[masai]

In the WAFL yes but not in the VFL

Black Ducks >>>> Roos.

 

[TeeJay Blue]

I kind of felt bad for Ceglar back in 2013. Wasn't the unluckiest player, but it'd be like a knife in the guts to get dropped before the GF.

As mentioned earlier, Kickett certainly unlucky. To play every game in the season and be dropped just before the GF. I probably would've walked out on the club as well if I were him.

 

[longsuffreosupp]

Most recently would be Brett Deledio in my opinion.

Played over 200 games for Richmond in 13 seasons, made finals three times for no return, the year after he left the tigers win the premiership...and knock Deledio’s new team out of the finals in the process.
.

More like karma. Ryan Griffen the same..

 

[caloschwaby]

I'd argue Lynden Dunn could be added to the list of unlucky players if Collingwood make the 8 this year.
165 games for Melbourne and a single season with Collingwood with no finals berth.
The one year he does his ACL his team looks real close...
Ouch.

 

[FISTO]

James Hird

 

[beta_condition]

Did an ACL in a QF too

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

Did his acl in 2012 and 2013 finals series, missed the 2014 with the same knee need surgery mid season to be right for the 2015 season. Was also on the short list for a 2015 GF call up.

 

[Damon_3388]

Matthew Primus was pretty unlucky, a star for port, was made captain, injuries plagued his career, missed the 2004 GF through injury, retired.

Then was made coach, was offered no support, no experienced assistant coaches to guide him, barely any money in the footy department, with a shocking list, and was fired 1 and a half year into his career. Then went to the Gold Coast where he is an assistant coach.

Does earning himself the nickname 'Mattress' make up for all of it though?

 

[Anja_Nees]

That ball bounce for Milne was unlucky.

That’s really 22 very unlucky blokes.

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Surely Dan Menzel or Alex Johnson.

Depends how we define “unlucky” with AJ.

Poor bloke hasn’t played a full game since NAB Cup 2013.

But unlike a lot of the unlucky buggers mentioned here, he has his 2012 Premiership flag to console him, which he won in only his second season.

Gee I’d love to see him get back on the park though.

 

[Sentinel]

Unlucky, just like Murphy getting injured & watching the team to go on & win. But there are far more players that can be considered unlucky on more than one occasion/season. Whitecross a perfect example, then those cursed by multiple serious injuries that mean they never/hardly get out to play.

Yeah Bob was unlucky due to the timing of his injury but there are plenty more unfortunate stories than his. He had a great and successful career - missing out on the flag was unfortunate, particularly since he was captain and a club legend nearing the end, but his story is far from the worst.

 

[boncer34]

Depends how we define “unlucky” with AJ.

Poor bloke hasn’t played a full game since NAB Cup 2013.

But unlike a lot of the unlucky buggers mentioned here, he has his 2012 Premiership flag to console him, which he won in only his second season.

Gee I’d love to see him get back on the park though.

Is he playing NEAFL?

 

[Scary_Foot_9]

Tearing your ACL multiple times isn't necessarily unlucky. Unfortunately it is a likely reality of suffering the original injury in a change of direction high contact sport. If you tear is once your chances of doing it again are super high relatively speaking. Unfortunately that's why there are so many players with a slew of ACL's.

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Is he playing NEAFL?

After FIVE knee recos he played 9 NEAFL games last year then had groin surgery this year and missed the first half of the season. Not sure where he’s currently at.

 

[Isaac Cumming No 1]

After FIVE knee recos he played 9 NEAFL games last year then had groin surgery this year and missed the first half of the season. Not sure where he’s currently at.

I wouldn't underestimate the character required to keep going in those circumstances either. I dont want to start rumours but it wouldn't surprise me if Patton retires after his third sadly. It took him a long tine to get his confidence in his body back after last time.
To go through 4 and still have the drive and belief shows a very determined individual.

 

[Marcus DuQuesne]

John Greening.

One of the biggest tragedies in Football ...Would have won the Downlow Medal and been a SuperStar of the game for many years to come. Jim O'Dea ST Kilda is an Infamous name. I had a healthy dislike for all things Collingwood but reflecting on Greening still makes my blood boil. I was a tad younger than Greening but he was just the type of player I would like to have been...loved watching him play...great skills..good leap fast etc. etc. And MAYBE he would have got Collingwood over the line in 77.

 

[Superstar swan]

Players drafted to the gold coast

 

[Aramis]

Surely Dan Menzel or Alex Johnson.

Alex Johnson won a premiership....