Simon Tunbridge

A powerful athlete whose AFL journey was defined more by medical setbacks than on-field exploits, Simon Tunbridge began his career as a foundation underage signing for GWS before homesickness saw him return to WA without playing a senior game for the Giants. Recruited by West Coast in the 2012 Rookie Draft, he presented as an explosive utility who could crash packs and apply immense defensive pressure inside 50. While he showed glimpses of his raw potential—most notably a fierce run-down tackle and goal against Essendon in his debut season—he was unable to string games together due to persistent soft tissue and joint issues. His time at the top level effectively concluded after a catastrophic ACL rupture at training in late 2016; despite opting for radical hybrid LARS surgery in a bid to save his career, he failed to add to his tally and was delisted in 2017 as a talent whose body ultimately couldn't withstand the rigours of elite football.