Bruce Doull is an iconic Australian Rules Footballer who gained widespread recognition as “The Flying Doormat.” Hailing from Australia, Bruce played an impressive 356 games for the Carlton Blues from 1969 to 1986, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Bruce and Chris Judd are elite players who have won Carlton’s Best and Fairest awards multiple times. This article delves into various aspects of his life, including his biography, height, weight, family, career, net worth, and more.
Bruce Doull Bio/Wiki
- Alexander Bruce Doull, born on September 11 1950, is a former Australian rules footballer renowned for his career at the Carlton Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
- Donning the Guernsey number 11, Doull earned the moniker “Flying Doormat” due to his distinct long hairstyle, which often appeared dishevelled and mat-like. He joined Carlton at 19, was recruited from Jacana, and played as a half-back flanker.
- Doull was known for his reliable marking ability, accurate kicking, and remarkable consistency on the field, seldom making mistakes.
- In contrast to his on-field prowess, Doull was an introverted and reserved individual who shied away from interviews, preferring to remain in the background. He achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including winning Carlton’s Best & Fairest awards in 1974, 1977, 1980, and 1984.
- He was crucial in Carlton’s triumphs in the 1972, 1979, 1981, and 1982 premiership matches. Doull’s exceptional performance in the 1981 Grand Final earned him the prestigious Norm Smith Medal. He also represented Carlton in the losing Grand Finals of 1973 and 1986 and frequently represented his state in State of Origin matches.
- In 2009, Doull was recognized by The Australian as one of the 25 greatest footballers ever to have won a Brownlow Medal, showcasing his remarkable impact on the game. Notably, he was famously harassed by Carlton scarf-wearing streaker Helen D’Amico during the 1982 Grand Final against Richmond.
- This incident became the focus of a memorable Toyota advertisement and was immortalized in Jamie Cooper’s painting “The Game That Made Australia.”
- Doull’s distinctive features included his greying beard and a navy blue and white headband, which kept his thinning long hair in place. Renowned for his fair play, he was seldom penalized by umpires for fouls, choosing to focus on playing the ball rather than engaging in rough play, a rarity in an era marked by physical clashes.
- His game was often described as morally pure, earning the respect of opponents who found it challenging to play unfairly against him.
- There was only one instance where Doull lost his temper during a match against Hawthorn when Kevin Ablett tackled him around the neck. However, contrary to popular stories, he did not have his headband stolen during that incident.
- Another incident involving his headband occurred in a match against Essendon in 1983, where a frustrated Cameron Clayton snatched off Doull’s aged and faded headband, which was eventually thrown into the crowd by his teammate Tony Buhagiar.
- These incidents were combined and reenacted in his Toyota Memorable Moments advertisement, although Doull remained his usual composed self rather than losing his temper.
- After his illustrious career, Doull had played an outstanding 356 games for Carlton, a record surpassed by only Craig Bradley at the time.
- He also holds the club record for the most consecutive games played, participating in 162 matches between 1971 and 1978.
- Although he missed two club games while representing Victoria in interstate matches during this streak, the AFL officially recognized these matches as part of his consecutive games streak following a rule interpretation amendment in December 2012. Throughout his 18-year career, Doull scored a total of 22 goals.
Name | Alexander Bruce Doull |
Birth Date | September 11, 1950 |
Birth Place | Australia |
Age | 72 years old |
Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
Weight | 180 pounds |
Net worth | $1-5M |
Bruce Doull Age
Bruce Doull was born on September 11, 1950. As of July 2023, he is 72 years old.
Bruce Doull Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
Bruce Doull, a legendary Australian rules football player, was known for his exceptional height, weight, and physical appearance. Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 1 inch, he towered over many of his opponents.
With a solid build weighing around 180 pounds, Doull possessed strength and agility, making him a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Bruce Doull Family
Though we need more details about his family background, Bruce’s upbringing likely gave him the values and support necessary to achieve greatness on the field.
Parents’ love and guidance can instil a strong work ethic, determination, and resilience in a child.
Bruce Doull Wife
There is no information available about Bruce Doull getting married. As of 2023, Bruce Doull is not currently in a romantic relationship.
At 72, he has chosen to focus on other aspects of his life. According to CelebsCouples, it appears that Bruce Doull has had at least one previous relationship, but he has never been engaged before.
Bruce Streaker
Helen D’Amico, the 1982 AFL Grand Final streaker, ran towards Bruce Doull naked and chased him across the field.
Bruce BobbleHead
Carlton FC recently tweeted about making a bobblehead of the superstar Bruce Doull.
Bruce Headband
- During a game against Essendon in 1983, something pretty wild happened with Bruce Doull’s headband. This old and worn-out piece of cloth symbolized his hard work and dedication on the field. But unfortunately, Cameron Clayton got all frustrated and just yanked it off Doull’s head! Can you believe that?
- I can only imagine how shocked and angry Doull felt at that moment. That headband was more than just a fashion statement for him. It was a part of who he was as a player. And then to have it snatched away like that? It must have been incredibly frustrating.
- But the story doesn’t end there. Oh no, it gets even crazier. Doull’s teammate Tony Buhagiar decided to take matters into his own hands and threw the headband into the crowd! Can you imagine being one of those lucky fans who ended up with such a prized possession?
Bruce Carlton
Bruce Doull played for Australia in the Carlton Football Club in the Victorian Football League.
Bruce Headband Stolen
Cameron Clayton stole Bruce’s headband in the middle of the game, followed by Tony Buhagiar throwing it into the crowd.
Bruce Highlights
We can find the highlights of Bruce Doull’s best football moments on youtube and other video platforms.
Bruce Interview
Apart from being a phenomenal footballer, Bruce likes giving interviews a lot. He has been in numerous interviews to date. We can find snippets of those interviews on youtube.
Bruce Now
At 72 years old, Bruce is ready for the next phase of his life now that he is retired.
Flying Doormat Bruce
Bruce Doull earned the “Flying Doormat” moniker for his long hairstyle, which often appeared dishevelled and mat-like.
Bruce Married
There is no information available about Bruce Doull’s marriage and love life.
AFL Bruce
Bruce is AFL’s 8,141st player to appear. He is the 16th footballer with the most games played and the 3,506th player with the most goals kicked. He played from 1969-1986 for AFL.
Bruce 1969
Bruce Doull started playing football for Australian football in 1969. He played till 1986.
Bruce Doull 50 years
On the 50th anniversary of his senior debut, Bruce gave an interview at Carlton FC, reminiscing his early career and how he could have played for Geelong if fate hadn’t intervened.
Bruce Doull and streaker Helen D’amico
Helen D’Amico, the 1982 AFL Grand Final streaker, ran towards Bruce Doull naked and chased him across the field.
Bruce Doull and Mick Fleetwood
Bruce Doull and Rock superstar Fleetwood are treated as lookalikes. They have met in real life.
Bruce Doull Children
Limited information is available about Bruce Doull having kids or even getting married.
Bruce Doull Images
Images of Bruce Doull can be found online on several websites like Carlton FC, afl, and other image websites.
Bruce Jersey Number
Bruce Doull had jersey number 11.
Bruce Kade Simpson
CARLTON’S Kade Simpson has reached a remarkable milestone, joining an elite group of players with 300 games in the AFL.
This achievement places him amongst the greatest names in his club’s history. It is a moment filled with pride and admiration for Simpson as he reflects on his incredible journey.
His dedication, hard work, and passion for the game have propelled him to this impressive feat. As we celebrate this monumental accomplishment, let us recognize Simpson’s immense talent and perseverance.
He inspires young athletes everywhere, showing them what can be achieved through determination and love for the sport. Congratulations to Kade Simpson on this well-deserved recognition.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alexander Bruce Doull’s career at the Carlton Football Club was extraordinary. Known as the “Flying Doormat” for his distinct hairstyle and exceptional skills on the field, Doull left a lasting impact on Australian rules football.
His fair play and moral purity earned him the respect of opponents, and his record-breaking career at Carlton solidified his place in football history. Doull’s legacy lives on through his impressive stats and his memorable moments, such as the infamous headband incidents and his representation of the state in State of Origin matches.