Greg Stafford (footballer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Personal Info | |
|---|---|
| Birth | August 27, 1974, |
| Recruited from | Western Suburbs Magpies AFC (Sydney AFL) |
| Height/Weight | 203cm / 105kg |
| Playing Career¹ | |
| Debut | Round 4, April 18, 1993, Sydney Swans vs. Essendon, at SCG |
| Team(s) | Sydney Swans (1993-2001)
130 Games, 58 Goals 74 Games, 83 Goals |
| ¹ Statistics to end of 2006 season | |
| Career Highlights | |
Gregory "Greg" Stafford (born August 27, 1974), is a former professional Australian rules football player who played for the Sydney Swans and the Richmond Football Club in the Australian Football League.
[edit] Sydney career
Having grown up in Ashbury, Stafford was not familiar with Australian Football when he first began playing, he was introduced to the game when he saw it being played in a local field near his home. After a few seasons in his local competition, talent scouts realised the potential of the big ruckman who could also kick goals. He was first recruited by the Sydney Swans from the local Sydney Football League as a rookie outside of the draft. Stafford created much publicity at the time as one of the first Sydneysiders to reach AFL level when he made his first senior appearance with the Swans.
[edit] Move to Richmond
Inconsistency and injury eventually saw him traded to the Richmond Football Club, who were looking to strengthen their ruck division.
In a career without too many accolades, Stafford has been consistent, tough and hard-working in the ruck for both the Tigers and the Swans.
He announced his retirement effective at the end of the 2006 season, before the Round 22 match against West Coast. [1] Stafford booted 3 goals in his farewell game, having played 204 AFL matches.
