Michael Wilson (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Michael Robert Wilson (born 21 November 1976) is a former Australian rules football
er who played for Port Adelaide Football Club
.
's inaugural AFL
squad in 1997. Playing primarily as an onballer he immediately made an impression and took out the AFL Rising Star award as the league's best young prospect in his debut season. From 1998-onwards Wilson has played primarily as a medium-sized defender rotating through the midfield on occasion.
With a pair of SANFL Premiership Medallions already in his keeping by age 19, Wilson was able to add the AFL equivalent in 2004, capping a brilliant individual season with a sturdy performance in Port Adelaide's first AFL flag win over the thrice reigning Premiers, the Brisbane Lions
. His high level of play was all the more remarkable given he had required a double shoulder reconstruction for some time.
He snapped his achilles tendon
in the Powers win over the Kangaroos in the Preliminary Final and missed the Grand Final against Geelong.
Wilson announced his retirement from AFL football on 5 August 2008.
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
er who played for Port Adelaide Football Club
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...
.
Success (1997–2006)
Affectionately known as 'Wilbur', Wilson was one of the talented crop of youngsters making the transition from the SANFL to the national league as part of Port AdelaidePort 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...
's inaugural 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...
squad in 1997. Playing primarily as an onballer he immediately made an impression and took out the AFL Rising Star award as the league's best young prospect in his debut season. From 1998-onwards Wilson has played primarily as a medium-sized defender rotating through the midfield on occasion.
With a pair of SANFL Premiership Medallions already in his keeping by age 19, Wilson was able to add the AFL equivalent in 2004, capping a brilliant individual season with a sturdy performance in Port Adelaide's first AFL flag win over the thrice reigning Premiers, the Brisbane Lions
Brisbane Lions
The Brisbane Lions is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League . The club is based in Brisbane, Queensland. The club was formed from the merger of the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Lions in 1996...
. His high level of play was all the more remarkable given he had required a double shoulder reconstruction for some time.
Injury and Retirement (2007–2008)
With a tremendous work ethic and a fearless disposition on the field, Port Adelaide's Vice Captain has overcome both his shoulder problems and other serious injuries including two knee reconstructions to remain a vital part of the Power lineup a decade on.He snapped his achilles tendon
Achilles tendon
The Achilles tendon , also known as the calcaneal tendon or the tendo calcaneus, is a tendon of the posterior leg. It serves to attach the plantaris, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the calcaneus bone.- Anatomy :The Achilles is the tendonous extension of 3 muscles in the lower leg:...
in the Powers win over the Kangaroos in the Preliminary Final and missed the Grand Final against Geelong.
Wilson announced his retirement from AFL football on 5 August 2008.