Who will be the HAL's first Bronze Statues?

Roar Guru

16th February, 2010

2201 Reads

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Australian Football

Roar Guru

16th February, 2010

2201 Reads

I read an article about NRL’s superstars, ex-Bronco, Wally Lewis, and ex-Parramatta player, Ray Price, being honoured with life sized bronze metaphors, that now stand outside the Suncorp and Parramatta Football stadiums respectively.

They have been recognised by their clubs, as being rugby league club heroes, for services to club, state, and country.

I have envied the clubs, Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels, for such foresight.

I particularly remember Ray Price’s exploits for Parramatta RL club only too well, and as an old Newtown Blue Bagger, I know what that means to the Parramatta Rugby League’s club and their supporters from that District.

But what of Australian Footballers? Are there any who deserve such an honour, now we have had our fifth HAL season proper, and second World Cup appearance, with a third just around the corner?

We have witnessed some great career endings in the past five years in Australian Football. Players who have graced the European and Australian football arenas––ending their playing days with an Australian HAL Football Club?

As we know, there have been quite a few, starting with Stan Lazaridis (Glory), Paul Agostino (AU) Ned Zelic (Jets) Paul Okon (Jets), Tony Vidmar (CCM), Tony Popovic (SFC), Mark Bosnich (CCM), most recently the little dynamo, Steve Corica (SFC) – with some almost ready to retire in Kevin Muscat (Melb Vic) and Craig Moore (Roar).

But do any of the above deserve that bronzed metaphor recognition? Maybe one or two, or maybe none?

For me, Steve Corica, comes very close to fitting the bill, and should be, in my opinion, our first HAL bronzed player honoured by his HAL Sydney football club.

He has been their best stalwart for over the past five years – the most valued and consistent player and clubman for Sydney FC.

Then we have, of course, Kevin Muscat, who will end his playing days this year soon with Melbourne Vic FC and be the longest serving HAL Australian international football player.

Jason Culina, if he ends his career at the GCU FC, no doubt, would be an obvious candidate to be honoured as the GCU’s bronzed candidate, to stand proud outside the Robina Stadium.

But then how unfortunate for HAL and players of the stature of Mark Viduka, who would have been endeared as the best ever candidate of any HAL club to be bronzed?–

And what of Harry Kewell’s anticipated return to Australia with the rumoured move to play for the Sydney Rovers FC for a season or two. Could he be considered for a bronzed statue outside Parramatta Stadium?

Then there could be Lucas Neil, Timmy Cahill, Brett Emerton, Bresciano, and Grella.

The list is endless.

Let’s put down some criteria for who should be eligible for such an ‘HAL Club and Country Honour’:
1.) Competing at least 5 yrs in HAL and with a full representative past Australian National Football Team player CV.
2.) Playing for only one HAL club and completing 5yrs or more as club captain before retiring.
3.) Move into a coaching role on the coaching staff for his club.
4.) Or hold some sort of administrative role for the club.

I’m sure some will have a different criteria and opinions for what is mandatory for this honour; so please feel free to post up your own criteria.

But one thing is for sure: there are two candidates, in my book, who deserve that accolade now, and they are Steve Corica for the SFC and Kevin Muscat from Melbourne Victory.

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