Robert Walls Medal for Carlton v Brisbane best on ground revealed
Brisbane and Carlton will honour AFL icon Robert Walls with a medal in his name to be awarded to the player judged best on ground in their match next week.
The two clubs have agreed to create the Robert Walls Medal as part of a tribute to the man who made an enormous contribution to both clubs as a brilliant player and coach.
Walls won three premierships (1968, 70 and 72) as a gun forward at Carlton and one as coach (1987) before heading to Brisbane where he coached the Bears for five years between 1991-95.
The football world was in mourning when Walls passed away in May, aged 74, after a two-year battle with a rare and aggressive blood cancer, but his legacy will live on.
The Robert Walls Medal will be given to the outstanding player in the clash between the two clubs each year, starting with their round 18 match at Marvel Stadium in 10 days.
A panel of footy greats and media experts will vote on the medal for each game.
Legendary footy writer, and one of Walls's great mates, Mike Sheahan, said it was a fitting tribute for a giant of the game.
'I'm thrilled to hear that. The 'Wallsy' contribution to football was immense,' Sheahan said.
'And even though I know how close he was to the Fitzroy players when he was there, he was better known for his association with Brisbane and Carlton.
'So I couldn't think of a more appropriate name to attach to the medal and I'm glad the clubs have done this as quickly as they have.
'I think people really appreciate what a massive contribution it was over 50 years as a player, as a coach, and as a commentator.
'So there is no one more fitting to be honoured in this way than Wallsy.'
Walls booted 444 goals across 259 games at Carlton and Fitzroy and enjoyed a 47 per cent win record across 333 matches as coach at Fitzroy, Carlton, Brisbane and Richmond.
He went on to become a fearless and highly-respected football analyst in the media.
Originally published as Robert Walls Medal to be awarded to the best player on the ground between Carlton and Brisbane
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