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Paul Roos

Last updated on November 25, 2024 at 18:09 pm

Posted on July 19, 2024 at 14:24 pm

Paul Roos

Personal information

Nickname(s)

Roosy

Date of birth

27 June 1963 (age 60)

Original team(s)

Beverley Hills (YJFL)

Height

188 cm (6 ft 2 in)

Weight

88 kg (194 lb)

Position(s)

Key Defender

Playing career

Years

Club

Games (Goals)


1982–1994

Fitzroy

269 (270)


1995–1998

Sydney

87 (19)


Total


356 (289)


Representative team honours

Years

Team

Games (Goals)



Victoria

14 (11)


Coaching career

Years

Club

Games (W–L–D)


2002–2010

Sydney

202 (116–84–2)


2014–2016

Melbourne

66 (21–45–0)


Total


268 (137–129-2)


Playing statistics correct to the end of 1998.

Coaching statistics correct as of 2016.

Career highlights

Player

  • Leigh Matthews Trophy: 1986

  • Fitzroy Captain: 1988–1990, 1992–1994

  • 5× Mitchell Medal: 1985, 1986, 1991, 1992, 1994

  • Fitzroy Leading Goalkicker: 1990

  • 7× All-Australian: 1985, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997

  • 2× All-Australian Captain: 1991, 1992

  • 2× VFL Team of the Year: 1986, 1987

  • Australian Football Hall of Fame

  • Fitzroy Team of the Century (Centre Half Back)

  • Fitzroy Hall of Fame

Representative

  • 2× E. J. Whitten Medal: 1985, 1988

  • Victoria Captain

Coach

  • AFLCA Coach of the Year: 2003

  • AFL Premiership: 2005

  • All-Australian Team: 2005


Paul Roos, a former AFL player turned exceptional coach, smoothly shifted from the field to the sidelines with remarkable success. His strategic prowess as a player translated into a coaching style that revolutionized training techniques and instilled a sense of unity among his teams. With an impressive track record of victories and finals triumphs, Roos’s impact on the sport goes beyond the numbers. But what set him apart from others in the coaching arena? Let’s explore the defining factors that made Roos a coach extraordinaire in the world of Australian Rules Football.

Early Life

Paul Roos, born on June 27, 1963, in Donvale, Melbourne, had a humble upbringing that laid the foundation for his remarkable football career.

Growing up, he played junior football with the Beverley Hills Football Club and attended Donvale High School. Roos’ early years were marked by a passion for the game and a drive to succeed.

His dedication and talent shone through as he started his VFL career with Fitzroy in 1982, where he played 269 games and scored 270 goals.

This period of his life set the stage for the achievements and successes that would later define his illustrious journey in Australian rules football.

Playing Career

Growing from his early years at Beverley Hills Football Club and Donvale High School, Roos kickstarted his impressive playing career with Fitzroy in 1982.

Throughout his time at Fitzroy, Roos exhibited exceptional skills, playing 269 games and scoring 270 goals.

His prowess on the field caught the attention of the Sydney Swans, where he continued to make a mark, playing 87 games and scoring 19 goals.

Roos’ talent was widely recognized, earning him the prestigious All-Australian title in both 1996 and 1997 during his tenure with the Swans.

His dedication, skill, and strategic gameplay set the foundation for a successful playing career that would later pave the way for his coaching endeavors.

Coaching Career

Shifting from player to coach, Roos made a significant impact on the Sydney Swans during his coaching career. His tenure was marked by:

  1. Introducing innovative training methods to enhance player performance.

  2. Fostering a culture of teamwork and resilience among the players.

  3. Implementing strategic game plans that led to the team’s success on the field.

Coaching Stats

Significantly, during his coaching tenure with the Sydney Swans, Roos amassed a compelling array of statistics reflecting his strategic prowess and leadership on the field.

He coached a total of 202 games for the Swans, with a winning percentage of approximately 54%. Roos led the team to victory in 109 games, while experiencing defeat in 91 matches. Under his guidance, the Swans secured 2 draws.

Roos successfully steered the team to win 9 out of 16 finals matches, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure. Importantly, he guided the Swans to finals in the 6th position in 2008, demonstrating his knack for elevating the team’s performance when it mattered most.

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