BUHAGIAR, Tony

Tony Buhagiar was a small but gutsy rover who came from East Fremantle. He debuted there in 1972 aged 16 and played until 1980 before joining Essendon. He had also represented Western Australia and was a member of the 1979 All-Australian side and the East Fremantle premiership side.

Nicknamed "Budgie", what he lacked in height he made up for with great determination and he loved kicking goals. He used his non-stop style to great effect and had plenty of skill.

Buhagiar succumbed to injury in 1984 which led to him missing out on selection in the premiership team in that year, although was named as an emergency. He had earlier been on the interchange bench in the 1981 night premiership side.

He was selected for Western Australia in the State of Origin series in 1982 but again missed out through injury.

He was Essendon's leading goalkicker in 1981 with 42 goals. He was also third top in 1983. He scored Essendon top Brownlow Medal votes in 1982 with 14 votes and was second top in 1981.

Buhagiar won the Best First Year Player award in 1981 and the Most Determined Player award in 1983. In 1981 and 1983, he was named in the forward pocket in the Inside Football team of the year.

He joined Footscray in 1985 where he played 25 games and then returned to East Fremantle in 1986. He had interests in hotels in Perth and spent time as a director at Fremantle.

Buhagiar's daughter, Carley, married St Kilda player, Brett Peake.