Australian Football

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Key Facts

Full name
Michael James Aitken

Known as
Michael Aitken

Born
12 January 1960 (age 64)

Occupation
Doctor

Age at first & last AFL game
First game: 25y 154d
Last game: 25y 154d

Height and weight
Height: 187 cm
Weight: 83 kg

Senior clubs
Claremont; Carlton

Jumper numbers
Carlton: 13

Recruited from
Claremont (1985)

Michael Aitken

Advanced stats
ClubLeagueCareer spanGamesGoalsAvgWin %AKIAHBAMKBV
ClaremontWAFL1979-1984107230.22—————
CarltonV/AFL1985100.000%4.005.002.000
Total1979-1985108230.21—————

AFL: 9,632nd player to appear, 12,979th most games played, 12,647th most goals kickedCarlton: 929th player to appear, 1,223rd most games played, 1,194th most goals kicked

Michael Aitken, known as 'Doc' because of his profession, was a versatile and extremely reliable centre half back and utility who played 107 league games for Claremont during the late 1970s and into the '80s. He also represented Western Australia on three occasions. In the 1981 grand final he was at centre half back as the Tigers came from a point down at the final change to overcome South Fremantle by 15 points. 

Aitken also had a brief stint with Carlton, playing one senior VFL game in 1985. After playing reserves football throughout 1986, he retired to pursue a medical career in the UK. This did not prevent Carlton from nominating him (along with Bruce Reid who had also just retired) as one of its three recruits mandated by the VFL to assist in the establishment of the new Brisbane Bears football club. 

Author - John Devaney with additional material from Adam Cardosi

Sources

Full Points Footy's WA Football Companion

Footnotes

* Behinds calculated from the 1965 season on.
+ Score at the end of extra time.