CAREY, Stephen

Stephen "Stan" Carey was a solidly-built, hard-working backman who came from North Launceston in Tasmania. He was one of the tough, old-style defenders who bored in at the ball and was a relentless tackler. He was renowned for his rugged, close-checking play and won the Best Club Man award in 1981.

He played in the losing 1983 Grand Final but missed selection in the 1984 premiership team because of injury, and was an emergency. He struggled to hold his place in the team during 1985, but was on the interchange bench in the premiership team.

He was also on the half-back flank in the 1984 night premiership side.

In 1980, Carey represented Tasmania in the state of origin series. He also won Essendon's Best Clubman award in 1981.

He was controversially cleared to Geelong in early 1986 and he played eight games there. He then returned to Essendon Reserves in 1987.

He was cleared to West Torrens in South Australia in 1988 and later coached Warragul in 2009.