Pound for pound, Stu Wallis is the toughest player in the league.
The Toronto Dingos midfielder rarely takes a backward step and loves a good scrap. This week, he'll be lacing up the boots for his 150th game against downtown rivals Toronto Rebels in the double-header clash in Hamilton.
Wallis started at the Dingos in 1998, when the red and black were only in their third season, and, the good ole' Aussie bloke from the bayside suburbs of Melbourne was quick to make an impact.
That year he won the OAFL league best and fairest, for his speed and slick skills; no one could catch him.
The following year he won the Dingos best and fairest and was also named assistant coach, keen to share his wealth of football knowledge with his Canadian team mates.
As he settled at the club, his sharp tongue and quick wit made him one of the most liked and admired players, not only at the Dingos but across the league.
Looking back at the past 14 years at the Dingos Wallis, a mad Collingwood fan, has covered every award and team role possible, including: Best Clubman (2003), Life member (2009), Dingos best and fairest (1999), OAFL best and fairest (1998), OAFL runner up (2000), Dingos runner up best and fairest (2006), Third in the Dingos best and fairest count (2008), Captain (2002), Team manager (2001, 2004-07), Assistant coach (1999) and Club secretary (2002-05, '07-08).
He's also played in all four of the Toronto Dingos Grand Final victories in 2000 and the three-peat 2003-05, only one of four players to do so.
Paul Tinkler said Wallis is famous for his preference to not kick a goal, but more so for his sense of humour.
"I remember in the 2003 Grand Final, Stu was on the bench and we were playing the Roos when a black dog ran on to the ground. Stu then said, 'get a big black dog up you Emile'. It was timely in a tense match which was greeted with laughter from the crowd, " he said. "He can always could see the funny side of things when playing and is quick with a sledge at an opposition player to throw them off their game."
Stu Wallis is champion player and bloke and one of the OAFL stalwarts that has seen the league change from a small beer league to what it is today with two divisions, a women's league and a national team.
This Saturday when Wallis runs out onto Mohawk Park, expect nothing less than fearless attack at the footy, something he's prided his game on for more than a decade.
"He's remarkably durable as I can t remember him missing a match via injury," said Tinkler. "I'm proud to say I've played a large majority of those games with him and always seen him give it all on good days and bad."
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** The Toronto Dingos Football Club would like to wish Stu Wallis all the best in his 150th game for the club this weekend, and, would like to say thank you mate for your hard work and time that you've put into the club! You are a champion! ***
Last Modified on 16/01/2013 15:22