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This article continues my series on famous AFL nicknames.
20. ‘Bongo’
William Alexandr Lang (1906) was one of the finest, and ultimately one of the most controversial, VFL footballers of the pre-World War 1 era. He began playing for Carlton in 1906.
19. ‘Koutta’
Anthony Koutoufides (1992) had all the attributes to be a champion athlete, but at 17 turned his attention to footy and turned in some stunning displays in his 278 games for the club.
18. ‘Sticks’
Not just a great player, but one of the finest on-field leaders the game has ever seen, Stephen Kernahan played more than 400 games of league standard during an illustrious and eventful career that spanned 17 seasons.
17. ‘Wow’
Warren Jones (1978) was a huge ruckman whose strong, aggressive approach was accentuated by his heavily tattooed arms.
16. ‘Jezza’
Alex Jesaulenko was a footy genius of the highest order.
15. ‘Brickey’
This nickname belongs to William Woodhouse (1897).
14. ‘Splinter’
This nickname belongs to Robert J Walsh (1897).
(Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)
13. ‘Hackenschmidt’
Norman C Clark’s (1905) nickname came from an early 20th-century Estonian strongman, professional wrestler, author, and sports philosopher, who is recognised as professional wrestling’s first world heavyweight champion.
A brilliant and effective defender, Clark won the 1899 Stawell Gift and played in the 1906-08 premiership sides. He also coached the 1914-15 premiership sides and therefore was involved in Carlton’s first five VFL premierships.
12. ‘The Dominator’
Wayne Johnston (1979) was a devastating half forward at his best in tight situations and big occasions. A superb finals player, he played in the 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1987 premiership sides.
11. ‘Spinner’
Vin Catoggio (1973) was nicknamed ‘Spinner’ because of his pirouetting and turning ability. Catoggio had only played two games off the bench before his first full game in the 1973 grand final. He was a lightly built rover with a semi-afro haircut.
10. ‘Ragsy’
A brilliant, flamboyant, two-time premiership player, John William Crosbie Goold became almost as famous for his dapper appearance off the field as for his exploits on it.
During his football career, he was also a ladies fashion designer. Teammates called him ‘Ragsy’ because of his involvement in the rag trade.
9. ‘Pompey’
Pompey, otherwise known as Pompey the Great, was a Roman statesman and a good leader, and it is thought that was the reason Fred Elliott (1899) got the nickname. What is known is that Harold Elliott, one of Australia’s greatest World War 1 leaders, got the nickname from Fred.
8. ‘Swan’
David McKay’s (1969) effortless, easy marking style had all the grace of a swan.
7. ‘Woof’ number two
Angelo Christou (whose real name was Evangelos George Christou) started at Carlton in 1991 and inherited the local communal ‘Woof’ every time he kicked the ball.
6. ‘Woof’ number one
Val Perovic started his career at St Kilda in 1973, but it wasn’t until he joined Carlton in 1980 that the became a cult figure and was greeted by ‘Woof’ every time he unleashed a towering punt.
5. ‘Turkey Tom’
This is another of Lou Richards’ nicknames bestowed on turkey farmer, Tom Carroll.
4. ‘Rats’
This nickname belongs to legendary player and later coach, Brett Ratten.
3. ‘SOS’
Stephen Silvagni (1985) was the son of legendary Carlton player Sergio Silvagni, so his nickname perpetuated this connection.
Stephen Silvagni. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
2. ‘Diesel’
Greg Williams (1984) is universally acknowledged as one of the elite players of his era. A dual Brownlow Medallist, he played two more games for Carlton than he had for Sydney.
1. ‘The Flying Doormat’
Bruce Doull (1969) was one of the most universally loved footballers of all time. Shy and extremely reserved, Doull let his on-field demeanour speak for him, and over his career he won four best and fairest awards and played in four premierships.
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