Graham Polak
Fremantle, Richmond and East Perth
AFL career
111 games25 goals
- Debut
- R1 2002 v WCE31 Mar 2002
- Most recent
- R10 2010 v PAD29 May 2010
Stats
AFL
2010 | RCH | 3 | 5.0 | 3.3 | 8.3 | 3.7 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.7 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 46 | 44 |
2009 | RCH | 2 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 6.5 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 34 | 44 |
2008 | RCH | 11 | 8.5 | 5.2 | 13.7 | 7.5 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 67 | 77 |
2007 | RCH | 22 | 8.9 | 7.0 | 15.8 | 7.4 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 73 | 88 |
2006 | FRE | 11 | 5.3 | 5.1 | 10.4 | 6.0 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 56 | - |
2005 | FRE | 14 | 5.9 | 4.2 | 10.1 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 45 | - |
2004 | FRE | 20 | 6.2 | 3.6 | 9.8 | 4.6 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 46 | - |
2003 | FRE | 22 | 6.7 | 3.2 | 9.9 | 5.1 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 49 | - |
2002 | FRE | 6 | 5.7 | 1.8 | 7.5 | 3.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 37 | - |
WAFL
2011 | EPR | 11 | 7.6 | 4.5 | 12.1 | 5.5 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 67 |
Bio
Recruited from East Fremantle with the fourth selection in the 2001 National Draft, Graham Polak arrived at Fremantle carrying the weight of high expectations as a versatile key position prospect. He quickly established himself in the Dockers' backline, showcasing an ability to read the play and take intercept marks, notably playing a role in the club's maiden finals appearance in 2003. However, after struggling to command a permanent spot in later seasons and battling consistency issues, he was traded to Richmond at the end of 2006 in exchange for pick eight, seeking a fresh start and greater responsibility.
At Punt Road, Polak revitalised his career, utilising his height, lanky frame, and strong hands to serve as a reliable centre half-back who could swing forward when required. His career trajectory was abruptly altered in June 2008 when he was struck by a tram in Melbourne, sustaining a serious brain injury that placed his life in danger. Remarkably, he defied the odds to return to AFL football late in the 2009 season, playing two emotional matches that highlighted his resilience and determination. Despite this courageous comeback, the lasting effects of his injuries prevented him from continuously competing at the elite level, leading to his retirement in 2010.
Profile
- Born
- 16 June 1984 (age 42y 127d)
- Height
- 193 cm
- Weight
- 93 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from East Fremantle with the fourth selection in the 2001 National Draft, Graham Polak arrived at Fremantle carrying the weight of high expectations as a versatile key position prospect. He quickly established himself in the Dockers' backline, showcasing an ability to read the play and take intercept marks, notably playing a role in the club's maiden finals appearance in 2003. However, after struggling to command a permanent spot in later seasons and battling consistency issues, he was traded to Richmond at the end of 2006 in exchange for pick eight, seeking a fresh start and greater responsibility.
At Punt Road, Polak revitalised his career, utilising his height, lanky frame, and strong hands to serve as a reliable centre half-back who could swing forward when required. His career trajectory was abruptly altered in June 2008 when he was struck by a tram in Melbourne, sustaining a serious brain injury that placed his life in danger. Remarkably, he defied the odds to return to AFL football late in the 2009 season, playing two emotional matches that highlighted his resilience and determination. Despite this courageous comeback, the lasting effects of his injuries prevented him from continuously competing at the elite level, leading to his retirement in 2010.