Tony Francis
Encyclopedia
Anthony "Tony" Francis is a former Australian rules football
er in the Australian Football League
.
Francis attended Campbelltown High School and first played senior football in the SANFL with the Norwood Football Club
, debuting in 1988. After two seasons with the club, he was recruited by AFL side Collingwood, where he made his debut in 1990
.
for 6 weeks due to a kicking incident. When he returned, he still showed his trademark aggression, as well as discipline and was an important member of Collingwood's 1990 premiership side.
In 1991, Francis improved further, with a major asset being bursts of pace and an ability to win the ball from tight pack situations. This form saw him take out the Copeland Trophy
and earn a spot in the All-Australian Team
. 1992 saw Achilles tendon
problems for Francis, but he still enjoyed a solid season.
1997 saw a groin injury restrict him to 10 games, and he again managed only 10 matches in the 1998 campaign. Collingwood had enough, and Francis was sent to the St Kilda Football Club for one last season in 1999. Francis enjoyed solid form as a tough rover, and played 19 matches (although the Saints' second half of the season saw them miss the finals). Soon after, Francis announced his retirement.
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 in the Australian Football League
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
.
Francis attended Campbelltown High School and first played senior football in the SANFL with the Norwood Football Club
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...
, debuting in 1988. After two seasons with the club, he was recruited by AFL side Collingwood, where he made his debut in 1990
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...
.
Career peak
On his AFL debut, which was also his 21st birthday, Francis was suspendedAFL Tribunal
The AFL Tribunal is the disciplinary tribunal of the Australian Football League .-Points system:Source: AFL Tribunal 2011 Guidebook...
for 6 weeks due to a kicking incident. When he returned, he still showed his trademark aggression, as well as discipline and was an important member of Collingwood's 1990 premiership side.
In 1991, Francis improved further, with a major asset being bursts of pace and an ability to win the ball from tight pack situations. This form saw him take out the Copeland Trophy
Copeland Trophy
The E.W. Copeland Trophy is an Australian rules football award given by the Collingwood Football Club to the player adjudged Best and Fairest for Collingwood during the year....
and earn a spot in the All-Australian Team
All-Australian Team
The All-Australian Team is an all star team of Australian rules footballers, selected by a panel at the end of each season. It represents a complete team, including interchange players and a coach, of the best performed during the season....
. 1992 saw 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:...
problems for Francis, but he still enjoyed a solid season.
Later career
Following this, Francis continued to suffer injuries, such as the thigh and knee problems that hampered him in 1995. He showed better signs, however, when he finished 3rd in the 1996 Copeland Trophy award.1997 saw a groin injury restrict him to 10 games, and he again managed only 10 matches in the 1998 campaign. Collingwood had enough, and Francis was sent to the St Kilda Football Club for one last season in 1999. Francis enjoyed solid form as a tough rover, and played 19 matches (although the Saints' second half of the season saw them miss the finals). Soon after, Francis announced his retirement.