Bernie Quinlan
Bernie Quinlan (born 21 July 1951) is a former Australian rules footballer renowned for his tenure with the Footscray and Fitzroy Football Clubs in the Victorian Football League (VFL), where he earned the nickname "Superboot" for his exceptional long-distance and accurate goal-kicking ability.[1][2] Over a distinguished career spanning 1969 to 1986, he played 366 senior games, including 177 for Footscray (241 goals) and 189 for Fitzroy (576 goals), amassing a total of 817 goals and establishing himself as one of the competition's premier forwards.[3] Quinlan's accolades include the 1981 Brownlow Medal for the fairest and best player in the VFL (tied with Barry Round), two Coleman Medals as the league's leading goalkicker in 1983 and 1984, and selection in the All-Australian team those same years.[4][5] Recruited from Traralgon in Victoria's Gippsland region, Quinlan debuted for Footscray in 1969 at age 17 and quickly became a versatile key-position player, capable of playing at centre half-forward or in defence.[2] During his time at Footscray (1969–1977), he contributed to the club's 1970 night premiership and its only two finals appearances in the 1970s, earning multiple club awards such as Most Versatile Player in 1969 and 1970, and finishing third in the best and fairest count three times (1973, 1975, 1977).[2] He represented Victoria at interstate level in 1974 and 1977, showcasing his prodigious right-foot kicking that could carry over 60 meters.[2] In 1978, Quinlan transferred to Fitzroy, where he elevated his game to superstar status, leading the Lions' goalkicking from 1981 to 1985 and booting over 100 goals in both 1983 (116) and 1984 (105).[5] Quinlan's impact extended beyond playing; he briefly coached Fitzroy in 1995, overseeing 19 games during a challenging period for the club before being relieved of duties late in the season.[5] His legacy is cemented in multiple halls of fame, including induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and selection as centre half-forward in Fitzroy's Team of the Century, as well as life membership with the Brisbane Lions (Fitzroy's successor club).[1][5] Despite never playing in a VFL Grand Final, Quinlan's consistency, goal-scoring prowess, and enduring influence on the sport mark him as one of Australian football's greats.[3]Early life
Upbringing and family
Bernard Francis Quinlan was born on 21 July 1951 in Traralgon, Victoria.[1] Quinlan spent his childhood in the rural Gippsland region, centered in Traralgon, a town known for its deep-rooted passion for Australian rules football that permeated local community life and likely sparked his early engagement with sports.[6] The area's strong sporting culture, including club and school-based activities, provided a formative environment for young athletes like Quinlan. He received his early education at St. Paul's Primary School in Traralgon during the 1960s.[6] Beyond football, Quinlan participated in athletics, setting records at the school during his formative years.[6]Junior football career
Bernie Quinlan began his organized football journey in the Gippsland region, playing his junior football with the Traralgon Football Club. Growing up in Traralgon, he first developed his skills at St. Paul's Primary School during the 1960s, where he participated in local school competitions before progressing to club level.[6] He trained rigorously with Traralgon FC, often jogging routes around the Showgrounds Oval, honing his athleticism in the club's environment.[6] As a promising junior, Quinlan contributed to Traralgon's success, earning recognition as a premiership colt in a local flag-winning side.[7] Particularly notable was his exceptional kicking ability, with local anecdotes highlighting prodigious right-foot punts that foreshadowed his later "Superboot" moniker for long-range accuracy and power.[2] These skills drew attention during his teenage years.[7] Quinlan's recruitment to Footscray stemmed from Traralgon's location within the club's traditional zoning area in Gippsland, facilitating his clearance to the VFL at age 17 in 1969.[2] Upon arrival, his junior performances were immediately revered, positioning him as a high-prospect recruit with the potential to impact senior ranks right away.[7]Playing career
Footscray (1969–1977)
Bernie Quinlan made his Victorian Football League (VFL) debut for Footscray in round 12 of the 1969 season at the age of 17, recruited from Traralgon under the club's zoning system.[3][2] He played nine games that year, kicking 18 goals, and was awarded the club's most versatile player trophy for his adaptability across positions.[3][2] Early in his career, Quinlan demonstrated versatility, primarily as a ruck-rover and centre half-back, while also contributing in forward roles, which earned him the same versatile player award again in 1970.[2] Over his nine seasons at Footscray, Quinlan played 177 games and kicked 241 goals, often in a team that struggled for consistency amid frequent coaching changes and mid-table finishes.[3][8] His breakthrough came in 1971, when he led the club's goalkicking with 48 goals and was named most improved player, helping Footscray to eighth place despite defensive vulnerabilities.[3][2] In 1970, he contributed to the club's night premiership victory. Footscray made finals appearances in 1974 (elimination final loss to North Melbourne) and 1977 (elimination final loss to Collingwood), the only two in the 1970s.[2] In 1974, Quinlan played in the elimination final, kicking one goal, and represented Victoria at interstate level.[9] Quinlan's consistency shone in 1973, earning him the most consistent player award and third place in the best and fairest count, though the team finished 10th amid ongoing challenges.[2] He represented Victoria at state level in 1977, placing third in the best and fairest in that year as Footscray made finals.[2] Quinlan's evolving skills as a key-position player on flanks, forwards, and defense provided stability during Footscray's lean years, with the club winning just 49.15% of his games.[2] Following the 1977 season, he was cleared to Fitzroy for a fee of $70,000, seeking new opportunities after establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Footscray lineup.[10]Fitzroy (1978–1986)
Quinlan was cleared from Footscray to Fitzroy on 19 May 1978 for a fee of $70,000, allowing him to make his debut for the club shortly thereafter.[11][12] He quickly established himself as the centre half-forward, bringing maturity and marking prowess to a Fitzroy side seeking to rebuild its competitiveness. In his debut season, Quinlan played 14 games and kicked 18 goals, including a spectacular 75-metre goal in the 1978 night grand final that electrified the crowd and earned praise from teammates as the best kick they had seen.[3][13] Over his nine seasons at Fitzroy from 1978 to 1986, Quinlan played 189 games and kicked 576 goals, ranking second on the club's all-time goalkicking list and 15th for games played. His peak performances came in the early 1980s, where he served as a cornerstone of Fitzroy's resurgence, leading the club's goalkicking for five consecutive years from 1981 to 1985 and booting career-high tallies of 116 goals in 1983 and 105 in 1984. These efforts were instrumental in Fitzroy's team dynamics during a competitive era, as the Lions qualified for finals in 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986, often relying on Quinlan's aerial strength and long-range accuracy to drive forward momentum against top opponents like Hawthorn and Essendon.[14][3][5][15] Quinlan announced his retirement at the end of the 1986 season, concluding his VFL career with 366 games across Footscray and Fitzroy. His final appearance was in the preliminary final against Hawthorn, where he contributed three goals in a losing effort. In recognition of his impact, Quinlan was later named at centre half-forward in Fitzroy's Team of the Century.[16][17][18]Career statistics
Season-by-season totals
The following table summarizes Bernie Quinlan's season-by-season performance in the Victorian Football League (VFL), detailing games played and goals kicked for each club during his career from 1969 to 1986. Cumulative totals are included to illustrate career progression.[3]| Year | Club | Games | Goals | Cum. Games | Cum. Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Footscray | 9 | 18 | 9 | 18 |
| 1970 | Footscray | 21 | 12 | 30 | 30 |
| 1971 | Footscray | 21 | 48 | 51 | 78 |
| 1972 | Footscray | 21 | 37 | 72 | 115 |
| 1973 | Footscray | 20 | 20 | 92 | 135 |
| 1974 | Footscray | 18 | 9 | 110 | 144 |
| 1975 | Footscray | 22 | 36 | 132 | 180 |
| 1976 | Footscray | 23 | 34 | 155 | 214 |
| 1977 | Footscray | 22 | 27 | 177 | 241 |
| 1978 | Fitzroy | 14 | 18 | 191 | 259 |
| 1979 | Fitzroy | 22 | 48 | 213 | 307 |
| 1980 | Fitzroy | 22 | 27 | 235 | 334 |
| 1981 | Fitzroy | 24 | 73 | 259 | 407 |
| 1982 | Fitzroy | 21 | 53 | 280 | 460 |
| 1983 | Fitzroy | 24 | 116 | 304 | 576 |
| 1984 | Fitzroy | 23 | 105 | 327 | 681 |
| 1985 | Fitzroy | 22 | 84 | 349 | 765 |
| 1986 | Fitzroy | 17 | 52 | 366 | 817 |