Background
Wilson, during his playing days, was described by The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers as having "limitless courage" as a wispy rover, with a playing weight of only 64 kg. He played wearing a headguard after several cases of concussion. Many considered him one of the most technically gifted players ever to play the game, and he was renowned for his hard training ethic.
Debuting in 1971 with the Fitzroy Football Club, Wilson came from Preston Swimmers and forged a successful career, winning best and fairest awards with the Lions in 1972, 1976, 1978, 1979 and 1980. He finished third in the Brownlow Medal count of 1978. Always amongst the Brownlow votes, his best season was 1979, when he finished just one vote behind the eventual winner, when all the Melbourmne newspapers had him far out in front of their own polls. Wilson became captain in 1982. He finished with 268 games to his name after retiring in 1984.
Some of Garry Wilson's finest performances came in the interstate arena. He represented either the VFL or Victoria 12 times, being awarded consecutive All Australian blazers in 1979 and 1980.
Wilson was named as the Vice Captain in Fitzroy's Team of the Century, on the half-forward line.
In 1999 Wilson was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Read more about this topic: Garry Wilson
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