Sports > List > AFL > Grand Final > Sprint > 1985

The AFL Grand Final sprint is an annual event which usually takes place at half-time of AFL Grand Final. It was first held in 1979. There has also been a kicking competition. Since 2021, there has also been a women's sprint event.

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1985 Geoff Ablett St Kilda

Geoff Ablett had won the sprint three times previously, while representing Hawthorn (and was second 1984 representing Richmond). The prize money was $1000 for 1st, $300 for second and $200 for third. The race included competitors from 11 out of the 12 clubs (no one from Hawthorn).

Lineup:
1. Fraser Murphy (Carlton)
2. Allan Eade (Collingwood)
3. Steven Clark (Essendon)
4. Richard Osborne (Fitzroy)
5. Michael Ford (Footscray)
6. Michael Kol (Geelong) (2nd)
7. Russell Richards (Melbourne) (3rd)
8. John Collins (North Melbourne)
9. Peter Czerkaski (Richmond)
10. Geoff Ablett (St Kilda) (1st)
11. Mark Bayes (Sydney Swans)

There is some dispute about the final placing in this event, though this front view of the finish taken from the video clearly shows Ablett (St Kilda) winning. See the video of the race.

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Related Pages

• AFL Sprint Winners List
• See all the videos of the races we could find.
• AFL half time mile race from 1977 & 1978
• AFL Grand Finalists
• Grand Final kicking competitions.
• Rugby League sprint race