Australian Football Hall of Fame - A Haydn Bunton jnr-coached publican who trained tied to his wife’s ute: Footy’s newest Legend

The Essendon star, a member of the VFL/AFL 400-game club, is one of this year’s inductees. Fletcher had a brilliant career with the Bombers, winning two premierships.

Fletcher is on stage, with Whateley asking him about him “coming from the Windy Hill crèche”.

“I was born in 1975 and dad retired in 81. I remember those early times,” he says, recalling how his father Ken Fletcher also played for the Bombers.

“The kids would run amok in those changerooms [at Essendon] It was a great time growing up.

“It’s a bit embarrassing . I didn’t have that local footy club.

It’s umpiring legend Hayden Kennedy, who was an AFL official in a remarkable 495 matches. Kennedy was recruited from Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Kennedy is making his way to the podium to be interviewed by Gerard Whateley.

“I played footy for a little while, until I was about 16,” he says.

Kennedy says he saw a newspaper advertisement seeking umpires, which is what got him started.

Late Indigenous star David Kantilla has been named as the latest inductee. He has quite a story. Being selected in the Indigenous Team of the Century is just one of his many achievements.

His family has given permission for his image to be used on football’s night of nights.

Kantilla is being represented by two of his nephews, who have both made their way from the Tiwi Islands. One of them was last in Melbourne 28 years ago. It’s a first visit to Victoria for the other. They are now speaking on stage with MC Gerard Whateley.

West Coast great John Worsfold is on stage. He got a warm round of applause after his name was announced.

He remembered his formative years as a player.

“I’m such a proud South Fremantle body, growing up there, playing at the high school … they certainly provided me with some opportunities… which went a long way to shaping the player I became,” he said.

Worsfold was asked about “the Magnificent Seven” - young players to join the Eagles in the club’s early years.

West Coast Eagles playing and coaching great John Worsfold is in.

A two-time premiership player with the Eagles and 2006 AFL premiership coach, Worsfold also coached Essendon after the club’s drugs saga. His impact on the game has been profound.

Port Adelaide star Tim Evans was unavailable to attend the function, but he provided a statement, which was read by Gerard Whateley.

“I’m very honoured to be induced into the hall of fame,” he said.

“I played to be part of team success.

“I want to sincerely thank my past players and teammates.”

It’s Tim Evans.

A great in the SANFL, who originally came from Tasmania. He was a goal-kicking superstar who made a massive impact on South Australian footy.

He is the final eligible 1000-goal player to be inducted into the hall of fame (Lance Franklin is not yet eligible) and a four-time premiership player. He kicked the ton in three seasons, including 146 goals in 1980, as well as ending three seasons in the nervous 90s.

It’s a Western Australia star, Bill Walker, who was named as a new Legend back in February. Walker is his 80s but is at the function, and is about to speak to the crowd.

Walker says he defied his father’s orders and went north in WA to play in the bush.

“Football started very young,” he said.

“It was either play seniors, or not play.”

Walker played in flags in his first three seasons after making his debut in 1961. A classic rover-forward, he kicked 456 goals in 305 matches with Swan Districts and played 21 state matches for Western Australia. He finished his career in 1975 as a four-time premiership player and five-time club best and fairest.

It was quite an event on the footy calendar yesterday.