Terry Wallace

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

Posted on July 23, 2024 at 14:35 pm

Personal information

Full name

Terry Wallace

Nickname(s)

Plough, Harry.

Date of birth

13 December 1958 (age 65)

Place of birth

Victoria

Original team(s)

Camberwell (VFA)

Position(s)

Midfielder

Playing career

Years

Club

Games (Goals)


1978–1986

Hawthorn

174 (96)


1987

Richmond

11 (7)


1988–1991

Footscray

69 (20)


Total


254 (123)


Coaching career

Years

Club

Games (W–L–D)


1996–2002

Western Bulldogs

148 (79–67–2)


2005–2009

Richmond

99 (37–60–2)


Total


247 (116–127–4)


Career highlights

  • 3× VFL premiership player: 1978, 1983, 1986

  • 2× Peter Crimmins Perpetual Memorial Trophy: 1981, 1983

  • 2× Charles Sutton Medal: 1988, 1989

  • All-Australian team (player): 1988

  • All-Australian team (coach): 1998

  • VFL Team of the Year: 1982, 1983

  • Australian Football Hall of Fame


Terry Wallace’s football journey is a reflection of his resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of Australian Rules Football. From his early days as a determined player to his strategic coaching tenure, Wallace’s experiences offer a unique insight into the complexities of the sport. His story is not just about wins and losses but also about the intricate relationships and decisions that shape the trajectory of a career. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Wallace’s journey is a compelling exploration of the human side of football, leaving one pondering the unpredictable twists and turns that define a footballing legacy.

Early Life

Growing up in the suburbs of Melbourne, Terry Wallace discovered his passion for football at a young age. From kicking the ball around in the backyard to joining local junior teams, Wallace’s love for the sport grew rapidly.

He spent countless hours practicing his skills, dreaming of one day playing professionally. Wallace’s dedication and hard work paid off as he eventually caught the eye of talent scouts, leading to his recruitment by the Hawthorn Football Club.

This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in Australian Rules football that would see Wallace not only excel as a player but also move into coaching and media roles later in his career.

Playing Career

During his playing career, Terry Wallace showcased exceptional skill and determination on the field for Hawthorn Football Club, leaving a lasting impact on the game.

Here are some key points about his playing career:

  1. Wallace was a key player for Hawthorn from 1978 to 1986, contributing to three premiership victories in 1978, 1983, and 1986.

  2. He earned the best and fairest award for Hawthorn in 1981 and 1983, highlighting his consistent performance and leadership on the field.

  3. Wallace’s aggressive playing style earned him the nickname ‘Plough’ and made him a formidable force, playing a total of 174 games for Hawthorn and scoring 96 goals.

Coaching Career

Terry Wallace led the Western Bulldogs from 1996 to 2002 as their head coach. During his tenure, he took the Bulldogs from 15th in 1996 to impressive finishes of 3rd in 1997 and 2nd in 1998. Wallace’s coaching career saw significant success with the Bulldogs, showcasing his ability to develop a team’s performance.

However, after facing challenges in subsequent seasons, Wallace resigned as the Bulldogs’ coach in 2002. Following this, he moved on to become the senior coach of Richmond in 2005. His time with Richmond included finishes of 12th, 9th, and a last-place position in consecutive years.

Wallace’s coaching journey has been marked by both achievements and challenges, reflecting the dynamic nature of coaching in professional football.

Coaching Stats

Wallace’s coaching statistics reveal a winning percentage of 47.8% across a total of 247 games coached.

  • Achieved ladder positions ranging from 15.9% to 66.7%.

  • Led Western Bulldogs from 15th in 1996 to 3rd in 1997 and second place in 1998.

Richmond’s performance under Wallace included finishes of 12th, 9th, and last place in consecutive years.


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