Past VFL/AFL Players
Warrick Capper
Clubs: Sydney, Brisbane
Years: 1983-1991
Games: 124
Goals: 388
Extremely flamboyant full-forward recruited from Oakleigh Districts, Capper was known for his tight shorts, white boots, blond hair and freakish marking ability. Capper topped the Swans' goalkicking each season from 1984-7 and, in 1987, became only the second Swan player behind Bob Pratt) to kick the ton in a season - with 103 goals. He crossed to the Bears in 1988 with only limited success and returned for one final season with the Swans in 1991.
more -->Bernie Conlen
Club: South Melbourne
Years: 1981
Games: 2
Goals: 0
Tiny ex-Oakleigh District rover.
Laurie Fowler
Clubs: Richmond, Melbourne
Years: 1971-81
Games: 189
Goals: 67
A ruthless and determined back line player from Oakleigh Districts who gave great service to Melbourne, but was probably best remembered as a Richmond player for upending the four stone heavier John Nicholls in the 1973 grand final and setting his team on the path to victory. He also nullified the Carlton resting rovers that afternoon and gave a fine back pocket exhibition. Won best and fairest awards for Melbourne in 1975, 1979 and 1980 and represented Victoria in 1980 and 1981 before walking out over a contract dispute and joining VFA club Waverley.
David Rhys-Jones
Clubs: South Melbourne/Sydney, Carlton
Years: 1980-92
Games: 182
Goals: 112
The highly volatile Rhys-Jones joined South Melbourne from Oakleigh Districts and soon made headlines for being reported several times in a match against Melbourne. He therefore became the bad boy of League football, despite dazzling skills and a seemingly nonchalant approach to the ball. He started his career on the wing, but blossomed into a fine utility able to play in key positions.In fact, he won the Norm Smith Medal as best on the ground at centre half-back in Carlton's 1987 grand final win over Hawthorn. A Victorian representative, Rhys-Jones struggled with injuries in his last three years.
Andrew Tarpey
Club: Collingwood
Years: 1988-91
Games: 9
Goals: 1
Ex-Oakleigh Districts. Brother of Howard.
more -->Howard Tarpey
Club: Collingwood
Years: 1979
Games: 1
Goals: 0
Brother of Andrew. Ex-Oakleigh District and Morningside (Queensland).
more -->David Winbanks
Clubs: South Melbourne/Sydney, St Kilda
Years: 1981-83
Games: 17
Goals: 2
Ex-Oakleigh Districts defender and ruckman.
Michael Wright
Club: South Melbourne
Years: 1978-80
Games: 40
Goals: 14
Ex-Oakleigh Districts utility. Steven's brother, he later made a name for himself in South Australian football.
more -->Stevie Wright
Club: South Melbourne/Sydney
Years: 1979-92
Games: 246
Goals: 247
He overcame an injury which put him out for 12 months to late 1984 and he won the club's best and fairest in 1985 before the Edelsten years and again in 1990 ahead of such stars as Healy and Williams. His fierce aggression at the ball and neat disposal made him a tough assignment for the opposition. Even when his pace diminished he was able to use his guile to effect and win plenty of kicks.
He represented Victoria's B side against Tasmania in 1981 and in 1990 he was part of an historic NSW win over Victoria. His brother Michael played for South and their father John played a record number of games for VFA club Box Hill.
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