Michael O'Loughlin

Submitted on Sun, 09/20/2015 - 3:43 PM EDT

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Within the football community, including his teammates and Coach John Longmire, there was speculation that Adam Goodes would retire at the end of the year. And so it came to be after Sydney's season ended at the hands of North Melbourne. There was no fanfare or chairing from the ground as Goodes did not announce his retirement until after the game in the rooms. Goodes was close to quitting mid-season after the widely reported over the top jeering from opposition fans but returned after a week away to see out the season. It is believed he will miss the Grand Final parade and traditional pre-game lap of honor for retiring players due to taking some holiday time. However he will have a chance to farewell the fans at the start of next season.

Although disappointed with the loss and missing out on one more chance at a premiership, Goodes leaves the game having achieved almost all there is to achieve over 372 games. He holds the record for the most games by an indigenous player and is inside the top ten in League history. His work in the community and for indigenous people has also been recognized and commended by many.

Swans Star Goodes Focus of Global Debate

Submitted on Fri, 07/31/2015 - 6:15 AM EDT

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Adam Goodes has always been a spokesperson for his people, their indigenous heritage and a strong voice against racism. As a result, he has become highly respected off the football field as well as on and was named Australian of the Year in 2014. In 2013, Goodes heard a fan in the crowd call out to him using a racist slur and Goodes turned and pointed her out to security guards who escorted her from the ground. The fan turned out to be a 13 year old girl.

Goodes later met with her and she apologized. He later stated that it wasn't her fault as she, being so young, may not have realized the hurt her taunt caused. In a recent game against Hawthorn, there was a clash with Hawk Josh Gibson. There has also been criticism of Goodes with some accusing him of behind the play sniping and staging for free kicks. On occasions he has been booed with fans claiming these incidents have been the source of their behaviour.

Five Inducted Into AFL Hall of Fame

Submitted on Mon, 06/08/2015 - 7:06 AM EDT

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The AFL held their Hall Of Fame ceremony was held just a few days before Round 10 to induct five new members and elevate one current member to legend status. The new inductees were Michael O'Loughlin, Peter Bell, Neil Roberts, administrator Bob Hammond and WA star Austin Robertson. Current member Tony Lockett was elevated to Legend (see separate story). All were present for the ceremonies and were interviewed.

MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN

SYDNEY 1995-1999, 303 games, 521 goals

HONORS: Best and fairest 1998; 2nd best and fairest 2000; leading goal kicker 2000, 2001; premiership 2005; All-Australian 1997, 2000; Indigenous Team of the Century; State representative (SA 2 games); Fos Williams Medal 1998 (best on ground for SA in State of Origin games); International Rules (4 games)

Grand Final Day Events and Timeline 2014

Submitted on Wed, 07/16/2014 - 11:23 AM EDT

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities. All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT. This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. This story will be periodically updated with late information. (Revised 9/25/14)

Start Time AEST	Start Time US EDT	End Time AEST	End Time US EDT	Event	US / Can Network Coverage
7:00 AM	5:00 PM	11:00 AM	9:00 PM	AFL Game Day from the MCG (Ch. Seven Australia) Not available in US or Canada.	None
10:00 AM	8:00 PM			3AW radio pregame begins. NAB Academy All-Stars match (Australia Under 17s v Allies Under 18s) at the MCG (streamed online). At half-time of curtain raiser, TAC Cup presentation.	None

Second International Game

Submitted on Sun, 07/07/2013 - 3:22 PM EDT

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Once a year, an indigenous all-star team takes on one of the AFL teams in an exhibition game. Earlier this year, senior indigenous players from across the AFL approached the League requesting more opportunities to play together as a team. As a result, the AFL has announced that the 2013 team which will play Ireland in the international Series in Ireland will be made up of all indigenous players. AIS-AFL Academy Head Coach and former Sydney Swans games record holder Michael O’Loughlin will coach the side, with the senior coaching panel to be made up of Rodney Eade, Tadhg Kennelly and Andrew McLeod.

Round 2 Milestones

Submitted on Mon, 04/08/2013 - 8:42 AM EDT

Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Most club games: Lenny Hayes (StK) played his 265th game in Round Two, putting him equal with Gary Colling in fifth place on the all-time club games list. Ahead of them are Robert Harvey (383 games, 1988-2008), Nathan Burke (323 games, 1987-2003), Stewart Loewe (321 games, 1986-2002), Barry Breen (300 games, 1965-82). Following them are Stephen Milne (260 games, 2001-through Round Two, 2013), Kevin Neale (256 games, 1965-77), Justin Peckett (252

Semi Final Milestones

Submitted on Tue, 09/18/2012 - 4:51 PM EDT

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

300 games: Jude Bolton (SYD) will play his 300th game this weekend in the Preliminary Final, making him the third player in club history to reach 300 games, joining Adam Goodes (317 games since 1999) and Michael O’Loughlin (303 games, 1995-2009).

Most Club Finals: Adam Goodes and

NAB Cup Sub Rule Out

Submitted on Mon, 03/26/2012 - 11:12 AM EDT

Between the end of the NAB Cup series and the start of Round One on March 24, the AFL held the season launch in Sydney. In between the festivities, League officials met with club captains and coaches to discuss the new rules which were tried out in the preseason. One rule which was high on the agenda was the two substitute-two interchange player rule.

New Jobs For O'Loughlin And Schwab

Submitted on Sun, 11/14/2010 - 3:19 PM EST

There is very little Peter Schwab has not done in football, except perhaps umpire games (unless you count the 2006 USAFL national tournament when he donned a whistle for several matches). He has been a player (Hawthorn), an assistant coach (Richmond and Hawthorn), a senior coach (Hawthorn), a member of the Match Review Panel, umpire director and CEO of AFL Victoria.

Week One Finals Records

Submitted on Mon, 09/06/2010 - 2:56 PM EDT

Most Club Finals Played:
Sydney's Jude Bolton, Adam Goodes and Brett Kirk will play their 18th Finals games in the Semi-Final, equaling the record set by former teammate Michael O'Loughlin.