AFL TV Personality

Dermott Brereton began playing Australian Rules football at the age of five, with the Under 10's at Frankston, just out of Melbourne.

The son of Irish parents who were keen sports people, Dermott quickly made his mark in schoolboy football. By the age of 16, he gained a place in his local VFA team, Frankston Rovers, and in his first three games of 1980 he made a big impression by kicking thirty-two goals.

Hawthorn was quick to invite Brereton to join the club and he played under 19 football for all of 1980 and most of 1981 when he was made captain. He also played a few games in the Reserves in 1981 - the year he was All Australian in the Teal Cup side.

The big break came in 1982 when Dermott played his first senior game against North Melbourne at the MCG, and he immediately received attention by kicking five goals as full forward. Dermott grew to become one of Hawthorn’s most celebrated players and played in 8 AFL/VFL Grand Finals and 5 night Grand finals.

After an illustrious career with Hawthorn Football Club, Dermott moved north to join the Sydney Swans where he acted as a leader and role model for the young team. Following a period of suspension, Dermott moved back to Melbourne where he joined Collingwood Football Club. Receiving enormous media exposure, Dermott lived up to his expectations and enjoyed a successful season with the Magpies, only just missing out on the 1995 finals.

There have been few better players in the game than "The Kid." Brereton has prided himself on his athleticism and vigour with a style that is unmistakable - full on, intense and physical.

Now retired, there is no doubt that Dermott is continuing to make Australian Rules Football a talking point in the general football and wider sporting world.

Dermott is now enjoying a very successful media career and is involved in television in a variety of roles. He was a regular on the Top Rating Channel 9 Thursday Footy Show and is past host of the Sunday Footy Show. He enjoyed a variety of roles on the Channel 7 Network including host of “The Game".

Dermott has extensive involvement in radio including up to 1999 the Top Rating ‘The Grill Team’ and continues in the ‘Football Commentary Team’ on Triple M. He also writes a football column in Melbourne’s Age newspaper and Perth’s Western Australian Newspaper.

Dermott is widely recognised and sought after MC and host of many corporate and sporting functions, as well as an accomplished speaker.

Career Highlights

¨Kicked 5 goals in his first senior appearance (1982 First Semi-final).

¨Kicked 8 goals in Hawthorn's losing 1985 Grand Final match - post war VFL record and highest number of goals kicked in a Grand Final since G. Coventry (Collingwood) kicked 9 in 1928. Held record until 1989.

¨Dermott is one of only two players to have played in every one of Hawthorn's Grand Final Appearances since 1983 (8 VFL/AFL and 5 night competition) - Gary Ayres is the other.

Presentation Topics Include

• Football
• Teamwork