Australian Football

Tom Alvin was an energetic, determined and adaptable footballer who is probably unfairly remembered at least as much for his trademark flowing locks as his football ability, which was considerable. Carlton recruited him from Bairnsdale, and he gave the club 218 games of impeccable service between 1984 and 1994, kicking 95 goals. He was equally comfortable undertaking a creative, attacking role either on the ball or across centre, orplaying as a tagger.

Playing as a ruck-rover, Alvin was arguably the Blues' best player in their seven-goal Grand Final loss to Hawthorn in 1986. The following season he again played well as Carlton gained revenge over the same opponent with a 15.14 (104) to 9.17 (71) Grand Final win. He played in a third Grand Final in his penultimate AFL season, but the Blues went under to Essendon.

Appointed captain-coach of Sandringham in 1995, Alvin spent two years in the role, steering his side to a losing Grand Final against Springvale in his first season.

Author - John Devaney