Australian Football

Son of Wilston-Grange (QAFL) 200-gamer Robin Bizzell and a Grange junior himself, Brisbane-born Clint Bizzell twice did summer training with the Brisbane Bears without getting an opportunity. After representing Queensland at senior level and playing in the 1995 QAFL grand final with Kedron-Grange, he was drafted by Geelong at No.75 in the 1995 AFL National Draft. 

An athletic utility capable of playing at both ends of the ground, he played 75 games and kicked 72 goals with the Cats from 1996 to 2001, mainly in the forward line. He showed great promise when he finished ninth in the B&F in 1998 from just 15 games, and followed up in 2000 with 20 games and a career-best six goals against Essendon. But in the wake of another outstanding five goals performance against Collingwood later that year he appeared burdened by a comment from teammate Garry Hocking that attributed 'Ablett-like qualities' to the enigmatic Bizzell. 

Traded to Melbourne in 2002, he became a key figure in the Demons' defence and took on greater responsibility on the field. Two top seven finishes in the Demons’ B&F in 2002 and 2003, and selection for Australia in the International Rules series against Ireland underlined his credentials. A fractured cheekbone in 2004, and a broken leg in early 2006 derailed his career progression somewhat and although he fought back to play again after the latter injury, his effectiveness was reduced. A part of Sandringham VFL premiership success in 2006, Bizzell retired after the 2007 season having played 88 games and 7 goals for Melbourne, bringing his AFL career tally to 163 games and 79 goals.

Author - Murray Bird and Peter Blucher