Australian Football

A quiet achiever who hailed from Bendigo after being born in New Guinea, Michael Sexton was one of the most important players at Carlton during the 1990s. Virtually of his football was played in the backlines, with his coaches frequently assigning him to the opposition’s toughest forward. Sexton would typically keep his opponent firmly under wraps whilst racking up a significant number of effective disposals himself. His use of the ball was first rate, and he rarely made a mistake. He was also excellent overhead.

Sexton arrived at Carlton in 1989 and played under nineteen and reserve grade football that year before taking his senior bows in 1990. After helping the Blues to the 1990 AFL reserves premiership he became a regular senior player the following year. Career highlights would include membership of Carlton’s 1995 grand final-winning team and AFL All Australian selection in 1996 and 1997. He was also a member of losing grand final teams in 1993 and 1999.

Later in his career he was undermined to a considerable extent by injury but he persisted in a quest to the break the 200 game barrier, a feat he finally achieved in round thirteen of the 2000 season, whereupon he promptly retired.

Author - John Devaney