Paul Meldrum
Carlton
AFL career
158 games140 goals
- Debut
- R15 1982 v MEL3 July 1982
- Most recent
- R5 1992 v SYD18 Apr 1992
Stats
Bio
Recruited from Maryborough, Paul Meldrum developed into one of the league's most effective two-way runners during Carlton's successful era in the 1980s. Known affectionately as "Molly," he was a distinct figure on the field, often characterized by his relentless endurance and ability to run opponents into the ground. While he initially lacked the polish of some teammates, Meldrum's work rate made him an invaluable asset in the Blues' midfield, peaking in 1986 when he won the John Nicholls Medal as the club's best and fairest and earned All-Australian selection.
A key member of the 1987 premiership side, Meldrum balanced defensive accountability with an ability to hit the scoreboard, contributing 140 goals throughout his tenure. He revolutionised the role of the tagger by hurting the opposition offensively, forcing his direct opponent to chase him rather than simply playing a negating role. Although injuries hampered his output in the latter stages of his career leading to his retirement after the 1992 season, he remains a cult figure at Princes Park who maximized his natural athletic gifts to become a premiership player.
Profile
- Born
- 13 Sept 1960 (age 66y 30d)
- Height
- 182 cm
- Weight
- 90 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Maryborough, Paul Meldrum developed into one of the league's most effective two-way runners during Carlton's successful era in the 1980s. Known affectionately as "Molly," he was a distinct figure on the field, often characterized by his relentless endurance and ability to run opponents into the ground. While he initially lacked the polish of some teammates, Meldrum's work rate made him an invaluable asset in the Blues' midfield, peaking in 1986 when he won the John Nicholls Medal as the club's best and fairest and earned All-Australian selection.
A key member of the 1987 premiership side, Meldrum balanced defensive accountability with an ability to hit the scoreboard, contributing 140 goals throughout his tenure. He revolutionised the role of the tagger by hurting the opposition offensively, forcing his direct opponent to chase him rather than simply playing a negating role. Although injuries hampered his output in the latter stages of his career leading to his retirement after the 1992 season, he remains a cult figure at Princes Park who maximized his natural athletic gifts to become a premiership player.