sport news Sydney Swans greats Tony Lockett and Paul Kelly among nine legends inducted ... trends now
Sydney Swans greats Tony Lockett and Paul Kelly were among nine identities inducted to the inaugural NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame at a gala dinner staged at the SCG on Friday night.
Wayne Carey was set to be the tenth Legend of the group - before AFL CEO Andrew Dillon stepped in at the eleventh hour to sensationally block his elevation.
In March, 100 people ranging from players and coaches to administrators, umpires and media personalities were officially inducted into the Hall of Fame.
At Friday's black tie evening, nine of that group were awarded Legend status as a result of their 'outstanding service and overall contribution to the game'.
Lockett and Kelly - who both played in the 1996 AFL Grand Final - which the Swans lost to Carey's North Melbourne - were acknowledged alongside former Sydney Swans chairman Richard Colless, Terry Daniher, Jack Dean, Haydn Bunton, Ralph Robertson, Harry J Hedger MBE and Jim Phelan.
Sydney Swans greats Tony Lockett (pictured left) and Paul Kelly (right) were among nine identities inducted to the inaugural NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame on Friday night
Lockett enjoyed two stints at the Swans, with the highlight reaching the 1996 Grand Final
Swans great Jarrad McVeigh made it a family affair with his wife and two daughters
Fellow AFL great Mark McVeigh was also in attendance with his wife and children
Crows star Tex Walker (right) - who accepted a NSW scholarship contract with Adelaide at the age of 16 - also graced the red carpet
Numerous members of the Swans' 2005 and 2012 premiership sides were spotted in the room, including coach John Longmire and club greats Brett Kirk and Jarrad McVeigh.
'It's important for people to understand NSW has played Australian rules football for more than 140 years,' Tiffany Robertson, the head of AFL NSW/ACT said.
'There have been countless talented players and committed volunteers who have built a strong culture and rich history for the code throughout the state.
'The Hall of Fame is a testament to all those people who have given so much.
'Congratulations to everyone who was recognised.'
In the hours leading up to the NSW Hall of Fame ceremony, the AFL stunned the footy world by blocking controversial great Wayne Carey from receiving his decorated individual honour.
In a last-minute call, league boss Andrew Dillon rang the dual North Melbourne premiership winner to inform him of the decision, just hours before Carey was due to be elevated to Legend status at the Sydney Cricket Ground function.
Carey had been photographed arriving in the city with his partner Jessica Paulke earlier in the day.
The 52-year-old was told the league believes it is inappropriate for him to receive the honour as the AFL takes a very public stance on violence against women, with a minute's silence to be observed at ceremonies held before all round eight matches.
Carey (pictured arriving in Sydney on Friday with partner Jessica Paulke) only found out about the AFL's surprise move hours before he was due to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony at the SCG
AFL boss Andrew Dillon called Carey (pictured) personally to deliver the news
Carey has been accused of shocking behaviour towards women during and after his playing career.
However, that did not stop him from being inducted into the AFL
