Graham “Polly” Farmer, widely regarded as Australian rules football’s greatest-ever ruckman, has died aged 84.
Farmer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease more than 20 years ago, passed away in Perth’s Fiona Stanley Hospital with his family by his side.
Farmer’s ruckwork and creative use of handball were considered revolutionary during his 101-game stint with the Cats from 1962-67 – including a key role in the 1963 premiership – and a long career in the WAFL with East Perth and West Perth.
He also coached the Cats in the VFL from 1975-77 and at both West Perth and East Perth.
Farmer was an inspiration for generations of indigenous footballers.
He was named as first ruck in the AFL team of the century, and in the same position and as vice-captain in the indigenous team of the century.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the game had lost one of its greatest players.
“Beyond football, as a proud Noongar man, he was a leader for the Aboriginal community and his standing in the game and in society enabled his people to believe that they too could reach the peaks and achieve their best potential,” McLachlan said.
“He laid the path for so many great footballers from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to come into the elite levels of the game and showcase their skills.
“At every point of his career, his teams found success on the field, thanks largely to his dominance that built a record that few players could ever hope to match.”
Farmer was one of the inaugural intake of 12 Legends when the Australian Football Hall of Fame was set up in 1996.
“When discussing ruckmen, every player who saw him play or took the field against him, deferred to Polly,” McLachlan said.
“Our game has always started in the centre square, with a contest between two big men, and Polly was the greatest of all the big men who seek to set the standard of competitiveness for their teams, lead from the front at every contest and compel their team mates to match their skills and commitment in the pursuit of victory.”
His wife of 58 years, Marlene, passed away in 2015.
They had three children, daughter Kim and sons Brett and Dean.
Peter Warrington
Guest
Richmond's loss was your gain, but it was more romantic this way in the end.
Onside
Guest
A poignant observation.
Old Ben
Roar Rookie
Hi Onside, I doubt that I'm alone in my thinking but, at the time, as a footy fan in Melbourne, it never occurred to me that Polly was Aboriginal, or any thing else for that matter. It didn't get a run in the media, and just wasn't a 'thing' back then.
AndyS
Guest
One of the greats. Feels strange to know he is gone. He certainly will never be forgotten.
Onside
Guest
Polly Farmer was a proud ABORIGINAL player. He never thought of himself in today's more muted politically correct parlance as 'indigenous'.
Old Ben
Roar Rookie
As a lifelong Geelong fan, I can't forget standing out on the Southern wing at Carlton for the first round game of 1962 (Polly's first game for Geelong)...we all wanted to see, first hand, just what this genius could do with a football. Didn't take long tho'...first quarter if my memory serves me...before we, together with Polly's knee, were shattered. What a comeback next season....what a player...indeed a genius with a football. Vale Polly, and thank you for the wonderful memories!
Milo
Roar Rookie
One of the GOATs for sure. Legend of Australian football from east to west pardon the pun. Skillful, innovative and fiercely competitive. Remember the WoS episode when he retired and they played his highlights to the tune of Hello, Dolly and as a football loving kid I was in awe. I secretly wish he'd stuck with the Tigers and then the 67 GF wouldn't have even been close ! Vale, Polly.
Ashley Hornsey
Guest
Farmer to Goggin to Wade. There's never been anything like it!
Kane
Roar Rookie
Legend of the game who could handball further than most blokes could kick.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
One of Geelong's all-time greats. RIP.
Brendan
Guest
Vale the great Graham " Polly " Farmer every Geelong supporter was proud you chose us when you came over from WA. Condolences to the family and West Perth and East Perth football clubs.
Boo
Guest
Who will ever forget Polly handballing the ball through the front two windows of the station wagon barely enough room and it was perfect.You made us Geelong supporters feel special because you played for our team.Thankyou an indigenous legend of the game.
Peter Warrington
Guest
a giant has fallen. what an amazing contribution and what an enduring legacy. hopefully all teams acknowledge his amazing life this weekend, not just the Cats, who will mourn and celebrate with passion I hope. RIP, champion!
Gary
Roar Rookie
Thankyou Polly for your massive contribution to Australian Football and the community. Vale.