Michael Parsons
Sydney
AFL career
25 games14 goals
- Debut
- R2 1988 v STK10 Apr 1988
- Most recent
- R5 1990 v WCE29 Apr 1990
Stats
Bio
A unique dual-sport talent who tasted ultimate success on the basketball court before conquering the SANFL, Michael "Bristles" Parsons arrived at the Sydney Swans via one of the most unconventional pathways in football history. Originally a Tasmanian basketball star who won an NBL championship with Launceston Casino City in 1981, Parsons transitioned to Australian rules with North Adelaide, where his dominant six-goal performance in the 1987 Grand Final earned him the Jack Oatey Medal and caught the eye of Swans recruiters. Taken with pick 10 in the 1987 National Draft as a mature-age recruit, the 203cm ruck-forward brought exceptional height and athleticism to the SCG but found it difficult to consistently translate his devastating state league form to the VFL/AFL level. After managing 25 games over three seasons, he returned to the Roosters to secure a second SANFL premiership in 1991, cementing his legacy as a versatile giant who excelled across two codes.
Profile
- Born
- 03 Oct 1960
- Died
- 24 Apr 2009 (aged 48y 203d)
- Deathplace
- Sydney, NSW
- Height
- 200 cm
- Weight
- 99 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionA unique dual-sport talent who tasted ultimate success on the basketball court before conquering the SANFL, Michael "Bristles" Parsons arrived at the Sydney Swans via one of the most unconventional pathways in football history. Originally a Tasmanian basketball star who won an NBL championship with Launceston Casino City in 1981, Parsons transitioned to Australian rules with North Adelaide, where his dominant six-goal performance in the 1987 Grand Final earned him the Jack Oatey Medal and caught the eye of Swans recruiters. Taken with pick 10 in the 1987 National Draft as a mature-age recruit, the 203cm ruck-forward brought exceptional height and athleticism to the SCG but found it difficult to consistently translate his devastating state league form to the VFL/AFL level. After managing 25 games over three seasons, he returned to the Roosters to secure a second SANFL premiership in 1991, cementing his legacy as a versatile giant who excelled across two codes.