AFL Canberra Hall of Fame inducts six in 2022

The AFL Canberra Hall of Fame returns in 2022, with the committee adding six people to the illustrious list.

Four former players, an administrator and an umpire will be celebrated at an event at EPC Solar Park on Friday, 26 August – the eve of senior competitions’ grand finals.

AFL Canberra also has the pleasure of elevating Edney Blackaby (pictured) to Legend status in the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Blackaby was one of the original Hall of Fame inductees in 2006 following his illustrious playing career for Manuka between 1970 to 1979, where he served as Captain-Coach from 1976-1979. He won Manuka’s best and fairest award in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974 and 1979, and was the Mulrooney Medalist in 1977 for the best and fairest player in the league. Edney played in ACTAFL representative sides each year from 1971 to 1979 and is a true Legend.

“I am humbled and honoured to be elevated to Legend status in the Canberra Hall of Fame,” Edney Blackaby said. “I started playing with Manuka because my dad knew Neil Conlan, who was the coach at the time. I was only going to play for one year but ended up staying for 10 great years where we played in seven grand finals and won five premierships. I’m not sure about being called a Legend, but I’m very proud.”

On the Hall of Fame, AFL Canberra’s Competition Manager, Firas Shahin, said: “Football has a rich history in the ACT and the Hall of Fame is testament to that. The latest group of former players, umpires and administrators are now immortal in our competition and should be celebrated by their clubs. Congratulations to the six inductees and Edney, you are all thoroughly deserving of this accolade.”

The six inductees into the AFL Canberra Hall of Fame in 2022 are:

Alice Broughton, Belconnen – Alice played a total of 126 senior games for Belconnen from 2000-2014, wining its best and fairest in 2004 and placing second in 2002, 2003 and 2007. Alice was runner-up in the ACTAFLW best and fairest award in 2003 and was named as an All Australian player in 2001, 2002 and 2007.

Matt Campbell, Belconnen – Matt played 183 first grade games for Belconnen and was part of four premiership teams in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2009. He represented the ACT in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005 and was named an All Australian in 2002.

Doug Daniel, Queanbeyan – Doug played 238 senior games for the Queanbeyan Football Club from 1977 to 1992, including nine first grade grand finals, and was a member of three premiership winning teams in 1988, 1989 and 1991. He won the Alex Jesaulenko award for best on ground in the 1988 grand final and represented the ACTAFL many times throughout his career.

Mitch Daniher, Queanbeyan – Mitch played 141 senior games for Queanbeyan from 2005 to 2013 and represented the ACTAFL in six of these years, captaining the team in 2011. He won the Queanbeyan’s best and fairest award in 2005, 2007 and 2009 and was runner-up in 2008. Mitch was a dual Mulrooney Medalist, winning the ACTAFL’s best and fairest award in 2009 and 2010.

Ian Muir, Ainslie – Ian played 201 games for Ainslie from 1987-1997, he won his first reserves grand final in 1987 and his first senior premiership in 1990. In total he contested seven first grade grand finals, eight grand finals in total, and won six consecutive premierships from 1992-1997. He was leading goalkicker for Ainslie in 1996 and 1997 and represented the ACTAFL in 1990 and 1991.

When his playing career concluded, Ian served as a Director on the Ainslie FC Board from 1999-2002 and was President of the club from 2006-2016.

Doug Malcolm, goal umpire – Doug goal umpired 470 senior ACTAFL games from 1974 to 2003 and served as the Umpires Association President from 1985-1988. Doug was awarded Goal Umpire of the Year four times in 1983, 1990, 1992 and 1995 and officiated in eight first grade grand finals and 14 reserve grade grand finals throughout his career.

The AFL Canberra Hall of Fame was established in 2006 to recognise players, coaches, umpires, administrators, and media who have contributed significantly to the development of Australian football in the region. It did not run in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID restrictions prohibiting a celebratory gathering.

The Hall of Fame event will take place at EPC Solar Park from 6:30pm on Friday, 26 August. Tickets are $35 and you can register for the event here.