Australian Football

Noted for his skill, determination, strong marking and superb field kicking with either foot, Dennis Carroll was one of the finest Swans players of the 1980s. Skipper of the club for seven seasons, he was adept in a variety of positions, and an extremely consistent performer in 219 league games between 1981 and 1993. He also played ‘state of origin’ football for both Victoria and his home state. Dennis Carroll’s father Laurie and uncle Tom had previously been league footballers with St Kilda and Carlton respectively. As a youngster Dennis spent many hours practising his kicking with his uncle whose insistence that his nephew learn to use both feet would reap significant dividends later when Carroll became arguably the finest kick in the VFL. In August 2003, Dennis Carroll was selected on a half back flank in Sydney/South Melbourne’s official ‘Team of the Twentieth Century’.

Author - John Devaney