| Gareth John | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Gareth John | ||
| Date of birth | 17 January 1972 | ||
| Original team | Gisborne | ||
| Draft | 106th, 1988 VFL Draft Father-Son Rule |
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| Height/Weight | 200 cm / 105 kg | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 1990–1993 1994 Total - |
Sydney Swans North Melbourne |
21 (3) 1 (0) 22 (3) |
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1 Playing statistics to end of 1994 season .
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Gareth John (born 17 January 1972) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the Sydney Swans and North Melbourne in the Australian Football League (AFL).
One of many ruckman tried by the Swans in the early 1990 (during their injury riddled "darkest era"), he is the son of former champion South Melbourne player and coach Graeme John.[1]. A talented and courageous youngster who played as no.1 ruckman for the Victorian and Vic Country premiership teams in the Teal Cup Carnival's of 1988 and '89. He was therefor secured by Sydney in the 1988 VFL Draft under the father-Son Rule, to play for his team of choice.
In round 10 of 1990, after having started the year in the u/19's, the Swans called him into their injury depleted side. As an 18yr old, young John rose to the challenge; he played just seven games yet finished the year with the most hit-outs by a Sydney player and the equal most Brownlow votes.[2]. Although having impressed in his first season, the injuries he sustained were an ominous sign of things to come. He broke his hand in his very first game (missing three weeks) and his season finished prematurely after having played with a fractured foot against Melbourne in round 19. He started 1991 as Sydney's number one ruckman but injury would again end his season early. Playing against Essendon at the Sydney Cricket Ground, John had his larynx crushed in a ruck duel with Simon Madden and almost died.[3]. Remarkably the young player walked off the field with blood pouring from his mouth, when the Swans medical team could not locate their stretcher.
Having suffered one of the worst injuries in AFL history, many thought this would end John's career. However, later that year in an TV special with Bruce MaAvaney on Channel 7, it was announced that he was making a comeback. The show also detailed his baptism and confirmation and his struggles to regain fitness after a series of operations to his throat.
The former Gisborne player returned to AFL football in 1992 and although he was named in the best players a number of times, injuries would only allow him to play six games.[2]. A fractured ankle against Collingwood in round 18 again ended his season. He made another four appearances in 1993 but this time it was a lower back injury that ended his year. He was then picked up by North Melbourne with selection 63 in the 1993 AFL Draft and suffered a dislocated shoulder early in the season which ultimately resulted in his retirement from the game at only 22yrs of age. During his time at Sydney he had played in just one win, from 21 games, and was also in the losing team in his only appearance with North Melbourne.[2]. Sadly his career will be remembered for what could have been, had he not sustained so many debilitating injuries.
John was featured on Channel 7's "Where Are They Now" TV show in 2009, where it was revealed his lobbying to make ruck play safer for younger players.
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