Bruce Lindner
Encyclopedia
Bruce Norman Lindner is a former Australian Rules footballer who played for Geelong
and Adelaide in the AFL
and for West Adelaide
in the SANFL.
on 16 June 1980 but failed to cement his place in the top side, playing only 4 games and kicking 2 gaols for a season mainly spent in the reserves. He went on to win the 1981 SANFL Reserves Magarey Medal
, despite only playing 10 reserves games for the year. Following this, Lindner was given his chance by senior coach Neil Kerley
and he became a regular in Wests top side in 1982, playing 15 games and kicking 37 goals.
"The President" as Linder was known had his best year with The Bloods in 1983. Playing mainly at Half forward but also at times playing Full-forward
, Lindner kicked 77 goals for the season and along with regular full-forward Roger Luders (who kicked 105 for the season), West Adelaide had the most potent attack in the league. This, combined with their fast and skillful ruck and mid-field plus a tough back line saw The Bloods win 18 of their 22 minor round games to finish minor premiers and easily won their way into the 1983 SANFL Grand Final with a 76 point win over Norwood
in the Second Semi-final. Playing at half forward in the Grand Final in front of 47,129 fans at Football Park, Bruce Lindner kicked five goals, including a 60m goal from the centre square
only seconds before the final siren, described by Channel 7 TV commentator Robert Oatey as having "really pile driven this one", as West defeated Sturt
21.16.(142) to 16.12.(108) for their first premiership since the year of Lindner's birth, 1961. In another coincidence, The Bloods coach on that day in 1961 was none other than Lindner's '83 Premiership coach Neil Kerley.
Lindner represented South Australia during 1983 playing a starring role in the win over Victoria
at Football Park as well as playing against Western Australia during the round robin series.
Injury halted Lindner's 1984 season and he was reduced to playing only 4 games and kicking 4 goals (compared to 21 and 77 in '83) as West Adelaide failed to repeat as premiers and actually missed the finals altogether finishing 6th with a 10-12 record. Following the 1984 SANFL season, Bruce Lindner announced that he was leaving Westies to play for Geelong
in the VFL
. He would not play again for West Adelaide until he returned home to play for Adelaide's new AFL
team the Adelaide Crows
in 1991.
Lindner was dropped by Crows coach Graham Cornes
on occasions during 1991 which meant he was back playing for West Adelaide in the SANFL for the first time since 1984 (the Adelaide Crows have no reserves team, players play for their SANFL clubs when not in the top team or out injured). This worked out well for Lindner as he played enough games for The Bloods to qualify for West Adelaide's first finals campaign since 1985.
West Adelaide, after a very slow start to their 1991 SANFL season came on strong in the 2nd half of the year winning 9 or their last 10 games to finish in 5th place and qualify for the 1991 SANFL Finals. Bruce Lindner played in the backline and was among The Bloods best players as their form continued by defeating Port Adelaide
24.12 (156) to 10.7 (67) in the Elimination Final. They then accounted for The Eagles
in the 1st Semi-final 15.20 (110) to 8.12 (50) with Lindner again among The Bloods best players. West Adelaide made their way into their first Grand Final since their 1983 premiership when the defeated South Adelaide 18.16 (124) to 15.13 (103) in the Preliminary Final.
In a game which was marred by several all-in brawls, West Adelaide's run of form was halted when they were trounced by North Adelaide
21.22 (146) to 11.7 (73) in front of only 39,276, the smallest SANFL Grand Final crowd since 40,409 attended the 1961 Grand Final between West Adelaide and Norwood.
Lindner played a few games for The Bloods in 1992 when not playing for Adelaide or out injured but he failed to make an impact as West Adelaide couldn't repeat their 1991 form and failed to make the finals in 1992 despite Neil Kerley returning for his 3rd sting as club coach.
. Lindner picked up 18 possessions and kicked one goal in a solid debut in the VFL. He would play every game until Round 6 where he suffered a season ending injury against St. Kilda at Moorabbin Oval
.
1986
saw Lindner back to his best as he cemented his place with The Cats, playing in eight of the first nine games of the season and kicking 13 goals before an injury against Hawthorn in Round 9 stopped his season. He made his comeback in Round 21, again against Hawthorn.
Lindner was Geelong's leading goal kicker in 1987
with 62 goals. In 1987 he represented South Australia at interstate football with distinction, earning All Australian selection. He was All Australian again the following season for his performance in the Adelaide Bicentennial Carnival
. Under coach Malcolm Blight
, he played 18 games in 1989
and kicked 27 goals (the main focus of The Cats attack was brilliant full forward Gary Ablett who kicked 87 for the season) and he was Geelong's leading possession player with 25 disposals in the 1989 VFL Grand Final loss to Hawthorn
.
Lindner left Geelong after the 1990 season
and returned home to South Australia to play for the newly formed Adelaide Football Club. He was a member of their inaugural side which easily defeated defending premiers Hawthorn
at Football Park. The Crows defeated The Hawks by 86 points 24.11 (155) to 9.15 (69). Lindner, playing in his preferred half forward, had 9 kicks and 6 handballs and kicked 4.2 (26) for The Crows in front of 44,902 fans at Football Park. Bruce would go on to play 11 games for Adelaide and kick 15 goals in 1991 season
.
Bruce Lindner played only 8 games for Adelaide in 1992
and played with West Adelaide when not selected or injured. He retired in 1993 after sustaining a broken leg in four places in a trail bike accident.
Geelong Football Club
The Geelong Football Club, nicknamed The Cats, is a professional Australian rules football club, named after and based in the city of Geelong, playing in the Australian Football League . The club has been the VFL/AFL premiers nine times, with a record equalling 3 in the AFL era. Geelong has also...
and Adelaide in the AFL
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
and for West Adelaide
West Adelaide Football Club
West Adelaide Football Club is an Australian rules football club in the South Australian National Football League . Commonly known as The Bloods and Westies, the clubs home base is City Mazda Stadium located in Richmond, an inner-western suburb of Adelaide.-Early Years :West Adelaide was formed in...
in the SANFL.
SANFL Career
Lindner, blessed with high marking and strong hands as well as having no trouble kicking the ball 50m on the fly even into the wind, made his league debut for West AdelaideWest Adelaide Football Club
West Adelaide Football Club is an Australian rules football club in the South Australian National Football League . Commonly known as The Bloods and Westies, the clubs home base is City Mazda Stadium located in Richmond, an inner-western suburb of Adelaide.-Early Years :West Adelaide was formed in...
on 16 June 1980 but failed to cement his place in the top side, playing only 4 games and kicking 2 gaols for a season mainly spent in the reserves. He went on to win the 1981 SANFL Reserves Magarey Medal
Magarey Medal
For the biography award of the same name, see Magarey Medal for biography. For a list of winners, see List of Magarey Medallists.The Magarey Medal is an Australian rules football honour awarded annually since 1898 to the fairest and most brilliant player in the South Australian National Football...
, despite only playing 10 reserves games for the year. Following this, Lindner was given his chance by senior coach Neil Kerley
Neil Kerley
Donald Neil Kerley OAM is a former Australian rules football player and coach. Known to his mates as either Neil or Knuckles and to South Australian football fans as King Kerley or simply "Kerls", he is best known for taking three clubs to four SANFL premierships over three decades as both a...
and he became a regular in Wests top side in 1982, playing 15 games and kicking 37 goals.
"The President" as Linder was known had his best year with The Bloods in 1983. Playing mainly at Half forward but also at times playing Full-forward
Full-forward
Full-forward is a position in Australian rules football and Gaelic football with a key focus on kicking goals.Leading full-forwards of the Australian Football League are usually among those awarded with the Coleman Medal for the most goals in an AFL season....
, Lindner kicked 77 goals for the season and along with regular full-forward Roger Luders (who kicked 105 for the season), West Adelaide had the most potent attack in the league. This, combined with their fast and skillful ruck and mid-field plus a tough back line saw The Bloods win 18 of their 22 minor round games to finish minor premiers and easily won their way into the 1983 SANFL Grand Final with a 76 point win over Norwood
Norwood Football Club
Norwood Football Club, nicknamed, Redlegs, is an Australian rules football club belonging to the South Australian National Football League in the state of South Australia...
in the Second Semi-final. Playing at half forward in the Grand Final in front of 47,129 fans at Football Park, Bruce Lindner kicked five goals, including a 60m goal from the centre square
Australian rules football playing field
An Australian rules football playing field is a venue where the sport of Australian rules football is played.The playing field is typically a large oval-shaped grass surface . These fields may vary especially for variations of the game...
only seconds before the final siren, described by Channel 7 TV commentator Robert Oatey as having "really pile driven this one", as West defeated Sturt
Sturt Football Club
Sturt Football Club is an Australian rules football club in the South Australian National Football League. The club is best known for its period of dominance from 1966–76 under legendary coach Jack Oatey, during which it revolutionised the style of play by emphasising teamwork and accurate ball...
21.16.(142) to 16.12.(108) for their first premiership since the year of Lindner's birth, 1961. In another coincidence, The Bloods coach on that day in 1961 was none other than Lindner's '83 Premiership coach Neil Kerley.
Lindner represented South Australia during 1983 playing a starring role in the win over Victoria
Victorian Football League
The Victorian Football League which evolved from the former Victorian Football Association , taking its new name as from the 1996 season, is the premier Australian rules football league in Victoria The Victorian Football League (VFL) which evolved from the former Victorian Football Association...
at Football Park as well as playing against Western Australia during the round robin series.
Injury halted Lindner's 1984 season and he was reduced to playing only 4 games and kicking 4 goals (compared to 21 and 77 in '83) as West Adelaide failed to repeat as premiers and actually missed the finals altogether finishing 6th with a 10-12 record. Following the 1984 SANFL season, Bruce Lindner announced that he was leaving Westies to play for Geelong
Geelong Football Club
The Geelong Football Club, nicknamed The Cats, is a professional Australian rules football club, named after and based in the city of Geelong, playing in the Australian Football League . The club has been the VFL/AFL premiers nine times, with a record equalling 3 in the AFL era. Geelong has also...
in the VFL
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
. He would not play again for West Adelaide until he returned home to play for Adelaide's new AFL
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
team the Adelaide Crows
Adelaide Crows
The Adelaide Football Club, nicknamed The Crows, is a professional Australian rules football club based in Adelaide, South Australia, playing in the Australian Football League ....
in 1991.
Lindner was dropped by Crows coach Graham Cornes
Graham Cornes
Graham Studley Cornes OAM is a former Australian rules football player and coach, as well as a media personality with a weekday drivetime sports program that he hosts on Adelaide 5AA with Stephen Rowe....
on occasions during 1991 which meant he was back playing for West Adelaide in the SANFL for the first time since 1984 (the Adelaide Crows have no reserves team, players play for their SANFL clubs when not in the top team or out injured). This worked out well for Lindner as he played enough games for The Bloods to qualify for West Adelaide's first finals campaign since 1985.
West Adelaide, after a very slow start to their 1991 SANFL season came on strong in the 2nd half of the year winning 9 or their last 10 games to finish in 5th place and qualify for the 1991 SANFL Finals. Bruce Lindner played in the backline and was among The Bloods best players as their form continued by defeating Port Adelaide
Port Adelaide Football Club
The Port Adelaide Football Club is an Australian rules football club based in Alberton, South Australia, which plays in the Australian Football League and the South Australian National Football League...
24.12 (156) to 10.7 (67) in the Elimination Final. They then accounted for The Eagles
Woodville-West Torrens Football Club
Woodville-West Torrens Football Club is an Australian rules football club playing in the South Australian National Football League . It was formed in 1990 from an amalgamation of the neighbouring Woodville and West Torrens football clubs and played its inaugural game in 1991...
in the 1st Semi-final 15.20 (110) to 8.12 (50) with Lindner again among The Bloods best players. West Adelaide made their way into their first Grand Final since their 1983 premiership when the defeated South Adelaide 18.16 (124) to 15.13 (103) in the Preliminary Final.
In a game which was marred by several all-in brawls, West Adelaide's run of form was halted when they were trounced by North Adelaide
North Adelaide Roosters
North Adelaide Football Club is an Australian rules football club, who play in the South Australian National Football League.- History :Formed in 1888 as Medindie, in 1893 the club renamed itself to North Adelaide. It is the fourth oldest club still in operation in the SANFL...
21.22 (146) to 11.7 (73) in front of only 39,276, the smallest SANFL Grand Final crowd since 40,409 attended the 1961 Grand Final between West Adelaide and Norwood.
Lindner played a few games for The Bloods in 1992 when not playing for Adelaide or out injured but he failed to make an impact as West Adelaide couldn't repeat their 1991 form and failed to make the finals in 1992 despite Neil Kerley returning for his 3rd sting as club coach.
VFL/AFL Career
Bruce Lindner made his debut for Geelong against Hawthorn in Round 1 of the 1985 VFL season1985 VFL season
The 89th Victorian Football League Premiership season commenced in March 1985 and concluded on 28 September 1985 with Essendon winning their second consecutive Premiership in their third consecutive Grand Final battle with Hawthorn...
. Lindner picked up 18 possessions and kicked one goal in a solid debut in the VFL. He would play every game until Round 6 where he suffered a season ending injury against St. Kilda at Moorabbin Oval
Moorabbin Oval
Moorabbin Oval, also known by its sponsorship name of Linen House Oval, is an Australian Rules Football ground in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia at Linton Street in the suburb of Moorabbin....
.
1986
1986 VFL season
Results and statistics for the Victorian Football League season of 1986.- Awards :* The Brownlow Medal was awarded to both Greg Williams of the Sydney Swans and Robert "Dipper" DiPierdomenico of the Hawthorn Hawks...
saw Lindner back to his best as he cemented his place with The Cats, playing in eight of the first nine games of the season and kicking 13 goals before an injury against Hawthorn in Round 9 stopped his season. He made his comeback in Round 21, again against Hawthorn.
Lindner was Geelong's leading goal kicker in 1987
1987 VFL season
Results and statistics for the Victorian Football League season of 1987.-Night Series: defeated 8.10 to 8.6 in the Final at Waverley Park.-Leading goalkickers:...
with 62 goals. In 1987 he represented South Australia at interstate football with distinction, earning All Australian selection. He was All Australian again the following season for his performance in the Adelaide Bicentennial Carnival
1988 Adelaide Bicentennial Carnival
The 1988 Adelaide Bicentennial Carnival was the 22nd edition of the Australian National Football Carnival, an Australian rules football State of Origin competition. Australia was celebrating its Bicentenary in 1988 so the carnival was known as the 'Bicentennial Carnival'...
. Under coach Malcolm Blight
Malcolm Blight
Malcolm Jack Blight AM is a former champion Australian rules football player and coach, and current television commentator. During the 1970s and 1980s Blight played for the Woodville Football Club in the South Australian National Football League and the North Melbourne Football Club in the...
, he played 18 games in 1989
1989 VFL season
-Notable events:* In Round 13, horrendous conditions at Windy Hill saw Essendon and Footscray play the lowest scoring game since the 1927 Grand Final, with the teams combining for only 6.15 ....
and kicked 27 goals (the main focus of The Cats attack was brilliant full forward Gary Ablett who kicked 87 for the season) and he was Geelong's leading possession player with 25 disposals in the 1989 VFL Grand Final loss to Hawthorn
Hawthorn Football Club
The Hawthorn Football Club, nicknamed the Hawks, is a professional Australian rules football club in the Australian Football League . The club, founded in 1902, is the youngest of the Victorian-based teams in the AFL. The team play in Brown & Gold vertically striped guernseys...
.
Lindner left Geelong after the 1990 season
1990 AFL season
Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 1990.See List of Australian Football League premiers for a complete list.-Ladder:All teams played 22 games during the home and away season, for a total of 154...
and returned home to South Australia to play for the newly formed Adelaide Football Club. He was a member of their inaugural side which easily defeated defending premiers Hawthorn
Hawthorn Football Club
The Hawthorn Football Club, nicknamed the Hawks, is a professional Australian rules football club in the Australian Football League . The club, founded in 1902, is the youngest of the Victorian-based teams in the AFL. The team play in Brown & Gold vertically striped guernseys...
at Football Park. The Crows defeated The Hawks by 86 points 24.11 (155) to 9.15 (69). Lindner, playing in his preferred half forward, had 9 kicks and 6 handballs and kicked 4.2 (26) for The Crows in front of 44,902 fans at Football Park. Bruce would go on to play 11 games for Adelaide and kick 15 goals in 1991 season
1991 AFL season
Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 1991.See List of Australian Football League premiers for a complete list.-National Cup:...
.
Bruce Lindner played only 8 games for Adelaide in 1992
1992 AFL season
Results and statistics for the Australian Football League season of 1992. The AFL Grand Final this year was won by the West Coast Eagles, who became the first non-Victorian club to win a Premiership.-Ladder:...
and played with West Adelaide when not selected or injured. He retired in 1993 after sustaining a broken leg in four places in a trail bike accident.