Graham "Polly" Farmer (1935–2019) is widely regarded as one of the greatest Australian Rules Football players of all time. A revolutionary in the game, Farmer redefined the role of the ruckman and left an indelible mark on the AFL.
Early Life and Career:
Born: March 10, 1935, in North Fremantle, Western Australia.
Farmer overcame significant adversity in his early life. He was raised in Sister Kate's orphanage for Indigenous children after losing his parents at a young age.
His nickname "Polly" was given to him as a child, reportedly because of his talkative nature.
Playing Career:
Farmer’s career began in Western Australia with the East Perth Football Club, where he played from 1953 to 1961. During his time there, he won three premierships and established himself as an elite ruckman.
In 1962, Farmer moved to Victoria to play for Geelong Football Club in the VFL. He played 101 games for Geelong between 1962 and 1968.
After his stint in Victoria, Farmer returned to Western Australia to captain-coach West Perth from 1968 to 1971, leading them to two premierships.
Across his career, Farmer played a total of 356 senior games.
Legacy and Achievements:
Known for his exceptional skill, Farmer transformed the use of handball in the game, using it as an attacking weapon rather than just a defensive tool. His innovative playstyle changed how the game was played at the highest levels.
Farmer was a brilliant ruckman, renowned for his incredible athleticism, precision, and ability to read the play.
He won numerous awards during his career, including:
Sandover Medals: 3 (1956, 1957, 1960) as the best and fairest player in the WAFL.
Simpson Medals: 4 (best on ground in grand finals or state games).
Farmer was the captain of Geelong and East Perth and a successful player-coach.
He represented Western Australia in 31 interstate games, further solidifying his legendary status.
Post-Playing Career and Honors:
Farmer became a coach after retiring, mentoring players and teams at both state and club levels.
He was named in the Australian Football Hall of Fame’s Legends category in 1996, one of the AFL’s highest honors.
In 1999, he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
The Graham Farmer Freeway in Perth was named in his honor, symbolizing his immense contribution to Western Australian sport and the broader Australian football community.
Impact and Legacy:
Farmer was not only a sporting icon but also an inspiration for Indigenous Australians. He broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Indigenous players in Australian Rules Football.
His impact on the game remains unparalleled, and his legacy continues to influence the modern AFL.
Farmer passed away on August 14, 2019, but his contributions to the game and his status as a pioneer in AFL history are immortal.
Comes framed in a black float frame or natural Tasmanian Oak float frame from Fantastic Framing
Please allow 2 weeks for prints to be created, framed and delivered
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