Stephen Lawrence (footballer)

Stephen Lawrence
Personal information
Born (1969-04-22) 22 April 1969
South Africa
Original team Morningside
Debut 1988, Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne, at the MCG
Height 202 cm (6 ft 8 in)
Weight 120 kg (265 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1988–1998 Hawthorn 146 (30)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1998.
Career highlights

1991 Premiership player

Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Stephen Lawrence (born 22 April 1969) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for Hawthorn in the Australian Football League.

Early life

Lawrence was born in 1969 to Jennifer and Godfrey Lawrence in South Africa. His father, originally from Southern Rhodesia had played Test cricket for South Africa during the early 1960s. The family moved to Australia in the 1970s, initially to Wollongong, then to Brisbane.[1]

Playing career

Lawrence took up Australian rules football with Mount Gravatt.[2] He later played for Morningside before joining Hawthorn in 1987.[3][4][5]

A ruckman throughout his career, he debuted at centre half forward in 1988 and kicked 5 goals against North Melbourne in his first game. The following week he was injured and didn't play again that year.

He started to get a regular game in 1990 as back-up for Greg Dear, and after Dear was injured during the 1991 pre-season he became number one ruckman. He played in the State of Origin and won best player of the finals in 1991.

Lawrence retired towards the end of the 1998 AFL season.[6]

References

  1. ^ Hinds, Richard (18 August 1991). "Out of Africa: a Hawk of pedigree". The Age. p. 57. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  2. ^ Blucher, Peter (17 July 1991). "Instant fame for hometown hero". The Age. p. 34. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  3. ^ "VFL final lists 1987". The Age. 19 March 1987. p. 32. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  4. ^ Johnson, Len (30 January 1987). "Newest Hawk is prepared to wait for his chance". The Age. p. 24. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  5. ^ Baum, Greg (3 September 1991). "Lawrence thrives on added responsibility". The Age. p. 42. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  6. ^ Ryan, Melissa (24 August 1998). "No burn-out for a modest Hawk star". The Age. p. 42. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
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