Gary Ayres is perhaps best remembered for his failures as a coach by younger fans (although he has subsequently had good success at Port Melbourne in the VFL). Most notably unceremoniously losing his jobs at Geelong and Adelaide.
Only remembering that is a bit unfair really because he was a great player who had tremendous success in finals series. I don't recall all of the details so I point you to Wikipedia.
"Beginning his football career with Hawthorn in 1978, he had an illustrious career spanning from 1978�1993, playing 269 games and booting 70 goals.
He was part of a total of 5 premiership teams � 1983, 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1991. He won the Norm Smith Medal twice, adjudged best on ground in 1986 and 1988 and is one of only three players in the history of the AFL to do so.
Ayres captained Victoria against Tasmania in the 1989 State of Origin contest.
He captained the Hawks in his final two years from 1992�1993."
More: Gary Ayres - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Disclaimer: I bump into him on (Ahem!) the odd occasion at my local bottle shop (which he owns). He's a good bloke who still loves his footy and he has great respect for what the current administration and playing roster have achieved at the Swans.
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