Quote Originally Posted by merantau View Post
Round 1, 1982. Me and a mate journeyed to Windy Hill to witness Simon Beasley's debut wearing the #18. We were filled with expectation. Simon was a big name recruit who had starred in State games against the Vics taking strong marks and kicking long goals from outside 50 with arrow-straight drop punts.

It could not have been a more lacklustre debut. Simon had 2 kicks for 2 behinds and we lost by 109 points. It was a bleak day. But as they say: "It's always darkest before the dawn." Simon booted 82 goals in his first year and went on to boot 575 goals in a 154 game, 8 year career - the most majors ever kicked by a Bulldog.

In round 16 against Geelong at the Western Oval he booted 12 goals 4 behinds and we won handsomely. It was my privilege to see this bravura performance by the Pieman. We only won three games in 1982 and were wooden spooners but Simon shone for us.

He won our goal kicking from '82 to '88 and was Coleman Medalist in 1985 with 93 goals. He went on to kick 105 goals that year reaching 100 by booting 7 in memorable finals win against North at the "G". I was there.

Simon was a great player. He didn't look like a big heavy bloke but he topped the scales at 102kgs. He was immensely courageous standing under a high ball. He was quick on the lead and could take a pack mark with the best of them. He was an excellent kick for goal. Bulldog Team of the Century. A Bulldog Immortal.

https://youtu.be/-21Q4NI1nyo

This is a beautiful memory. I was there.
https://youtu.be/ZNn6MqJ1mno

Simon had guts.
https://youtu.be/r4GFMT2Xe9Q

100th goal in season 1985.
https://youtu.be/uKhancHOM6Q
Yep Simon was a superstar. In my 5 top Bulldog players that I have seen. His leading and goal kicking accuracy were superb.