Australian Football

Unusually for the period in which he played, Russell Ohlsen boasted extensive tattoos, which made him a highly conspicuous figure. He was useful utility player, equally capable of filling attacking or negating roles, although during his stint at Carlton between 1975 and 1978 he failed to secure a regular place in the side as his tally of just 47 games makes clear. He showed plenty of promise in his debut season of 1975 when he won the Blues’ best first year player award, but thereafter his form dipped and he spent as much time in the reserves as the seniors.

After crossing to Collingwood in 1979 Ohlsen produced the best and most consistent football of his career. During that year’s grand final clash with his former team Carlton he was arguably the best player afield until felled by Rod Keogh midway through the second term. Ohlsen, despite suffering a broken jaw, later bravely returned to the fray, but he was unable to prevent the Blues edging home by 5 points. Keogh was reported.

Russell Ohlsen’s 50 game stint with Collingwood concluded after the 1981 grand final in which the Magpies again lowered their colours to Carlton.

Between 1982 and 1985 Ohlsen played for VFA first division team Preston which was being coached by a former Magpie team mate in Ray Shaw. Ohlsen’s 51 games for the Bullants included the winning grand final of 1983 but he missed the following year’s flag win with injury.

Author - John Devaney