Australian Football

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Key Facts

Full name
Dean Wallis

Known as
Dean Wallis

Born
27 August 1969 (age 54)

Age at first & last AFL game
First game: 17y 262d
Last game: 31y 236d

Height and weight
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 91 kg

Senior clubs
Essendon

Jumper numbers
Essendon: 21

Family links
Tom Wallis (Son)

Dean Wallis

ClubLeagueCareer spanGamesGoalsAvgWin %AKIAHBAMKBV
EssendonV/AFL1987-1989, 1991-2001127420.3366%5.643.192.657
Total1987-1989, 1991-2001127420.3366%5.643.192.657

AFL: 9,845th player to appear, 1,756th most games played, 2,355th most goals kickedEssendon: 930th player to appear, 116th most games played, 204th most goals kicked

Almost fearsomely aggressive and tough, Essendon’s Dean Wallis was no stranger to the league tribunal, but there could be no doubting his effectiveness. Recruited by the Bombers from Nhill he made his VFL debut in 1987 but struggled with injuries early on and did not really come into his own until 1992. A year later he somewhat contentiously got the nod ahead of the more flamboyantly skilled but less overtly aggressive Derek Kickett for a place in Essendon’s grand final team against Carlton. Coach Kevin Sheedy’s decision was ultimately vindicated as the Dons won.

Wallis continued with Essendon until 2001 and his 127 V/AFL games included another winning grand final, that of 2000 in which Melbourne provided the opposition.

Since retiring as a player Dean Wallis has spent time as an assistant coach with St Kilda, Essendon and Fremantle, while in 2015 he steered Essendon Doutta Stars to a division one premiership (second tier) in the Essendon District Football League.

Author - John Devaney

Sources

Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers by Russell Holmesby & Jim Main; Wikipedia article

Footnotes

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