Past Player Of The Week - Michael Byrne

[Jane Doe]

DOB: 2/12/58

Height: 200 cms
Weight: 86 kgs

Games: 90
Goals: 97

Recruited From: North Shore (NSW) / Melbourne

Debut: Round 3 1982 V Footscray

Giant ruckman who was used with good effect in attack.

Byrne didn't figure in Ron Barassi's plans at Melbourne, but he quickly became a senior regular at Glenferrie. He spelled Ian Paton in the ruck and averaged around a goal per game during his time at Hawthorn.

He was a star in the 1983 premiership side, but he was also prone to erratic displays, such as the horrendous day in June 1985 where he kicked eight straight behinds (his teammates fared little better, booting 11.31 in total). Byrne also finished equal 5th in the Brownlow in 1984

The rise of Greg Dear in the ruck and a more traditional forward set-up limited Byrne's opportunities at Hawthorn, and he moved on to Sydney in 1987.

Where is he now? Currently the kicking coach for the All Blacks.

 

[Cyrilyouchampion]

Can't work out what surprised me more - the fact that he was only 86kgs (has to be wrong) or after kicking 8 straight behinds he landed a job as the kicking coach for the All Blacks

 

[Bikefreak]

Can't work out what surprised me more - the fact that he was only 86kgs (has to be wrong) or after kicking 8 straight behinds he landed a job as the kicking coach for the All Blacks

In better days I played at statewide level at 82 kgs/197cms.

Used to get hurt by the bigger bodies but.

 

[grizzlym]

Barassi's Blunder, if I recall, was what Byrne got called for a bit.

 

[Roddy]

Can't work out what surprised me more - the fact that he was only 86kgs (has to be wrong) or after kicking 8 straight behinds he landed a job as the kicking coach for the All Blacks

My old man is a massive Phil Collins fan, and he kept making the dumbest Dad joke in history. Every single time we heard this song, he would say 'Michael Byrne Theme song!' Over and over and over........

 

[langers1971]

On his debut with Hawthorn, round 3 1982 v footscray at VFL Park, he kicked 8 goals to help us to a 143 point victory over the dogs, 28.26 194 to 7.9.51, it was a then record score for Hawthorn, only to be better later that year in r16 v north melbourne.

I remember his 8 straight behinds v Melbourne at the MCG in 1985, and yet r2 1986 on a Friday night game v North Melbourne at the MCG, he kicks the winning goal from a strong grab about 35 metres out. By r12 1986, he had been dropped to the reserves, and thats where he finished up, and went to the swans in 87.

We certainly got the best out of him.

 

[grumbleguts]

On his debut with Hawthorn, round 3 1982 v footscray at VFL Park, he kicked 8 goals to help us to a 143 point victory over the dogs, 28.26 194 to 7.9.51, it was a then record score for Hawthorn, only to be better later that year in r16 v north melbourne.

I remember his 8 straight behinds v Melbourne at the MCG in 1985, and yet r2 1986 on a Friday night game v North Melbourne at the MCG, he kicks the winning goal from a strong grab about 35 metres out. By r12 1986, he had been dropped to the reserves, and thats where he finished up, and went to the swans in 87.

We certainly got the best out of him.

On being interviewed about that winning goal against North in the friday night game, he said "I was lining up, and I saw a person in the crowd wearing a bright yellow shirt, they were sitting in a perfect line for the goal so I just aimed for them." It seems target guy has been around since 1986.

 

[stemline]

His 1984 Qual Final was one of the best games I've seen a ruckman play. Rucked well, had stats like a rover.

 

[moginie]

His 1984 Qual Final was one of the best games I've seen a ruckman play. Rucked well, had stats like a rover.

I was about to write the same thing. He was exceptional that day.

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

Another 200cm forward whose career went downhill after he left Hawthorn to play for Sydney

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

On being interviewed about that winning goal against North in the friday night game, he said "I was lining up, and I saw a person in the crowd wearing a bright yellow shirt, they were sitting in a perfect line for the goal so I just aimed for them." It seems target guy has been around since 1986.

Just as well the person in the crowd didn't decide to take a leak while he was lining up

 

[Garf]

Debut vs Footscray 1982. Look for the bloke wearing #35 for the Hawks too !

Byrne's 8 goals were the most for a Hawk wearing #50.

 

[CD Xbow]

Debut vs Footscray 1982. Look for the bloke wearing #35 for the Hawks too !

Byrne's 8 goals were the most for a Hawk wearing #50.

That's a terrific clip of old Hawthorn greats, Buckenarra, Mew, Leigh in his Afro period etc, also two Abletts in Hawthorn colours.

 

[flinchfree]

Debut vs Footscray 1982. Look for the bloke wearing #35 for the Hawks too !

Byrne's 8 goals were the most for a Hawk wearing #50.

Wow! You can certainly see what's about to come for the HFC in the coming years.
For those who assume 80's football resembled 60's footy, take a look at the clean disposal, run on and carry, breaking into space, etc. Some absolutely beautiful football to watch.
STARS EVERYWHERE.....moving so easily in their youth.

 

[Procrastinator35]

'The Bristle'....His 1984 season was by far and away his best....He, along with Dipper & Greene dominated that season!

 

[Flag08]

I remember the cheer squad's Michael Byrne song!

 

[Garf]

That's a terrific clip of old Hawthorn greats, Buckenarra, Mew, Leigh in his Afro period etc, also two Abletts in Hawthorn colours.

I miss the 80's. Free flowing and long kicking, and how about the space blokes like Buckenara were getting ?!?