Dermott Brereton
AFL Legend, Hawthorn Premiership Star and Media Personality
Dermott Brereton is one of the most iconic figures in Australian Rules Football history. Best known for his time with the Hawthorn Football Club, Dermott Brereton built a reputation as a fearless competitor, powerful centre half-forward, and one of the AFL’s great big-game performers.
Across an outstanding football and media career, Dermott Brereton became recognised for his aggressive playing style, strong marking ability, premiership success, and influential role in Australian football commentary.
AFL Career with Hawthorn
Dermott Brereton made his AFL debut for Hawthorn during the 1982 finals series against North Melbourne, immediately making an impact by kicking five goals.
Nicknamed “The Kid,” Brereton quickly established himself as one of Hawthorn’s most important players during the club’s dominant era throughout the 1980s.
Playing primarily at centre half-forward, he formed part of a legendary Hawthorn forward line alongside stars including Jason Dunstall.
During his career with Hawthorn, Dermott Brereton played 189 games and kicked 427 goals while helping the club secure premiership victories in:
- 1983
- 1986
- 1988
- 1989
- 1991
Awards and Achievements
Dermott Brereton earned numerous honours throughout his AFL career.
His achievements include:
- Hawthorn Best and Fairest Award (1985)
- Hawthorn leading goalkicker (1985)
- All-Australian selection (1985)
- Nine appearances for Victoria in State of Origin football
- 18 goals in representative football
Brereton also set a VFL/AFL record by appearing in seven consecutive Preliminary Finals from 1994 to 2000.
The Famous 1989 VFL Grand Final
One of the most memorable moments in AFL history came during the brutal 1989 VFL Grand Final between Hawthorn and Geelong.
Dermott Brereton was heavily shirtfronted by Geelong player Mark Yeates at the opening centre bounce, suffering broken ribs and severe concussion.
Despite the heavy collision, Brereton courageously returned to the field moments later and kicked an inspirational goal. He finished the game with three goals as Hawthorn won one of the toughest grand finals ever played.
The moment became legendary in AFL folklore and was later featured in Toyota’s “Memorable Moments” television campaign.
Tough Playing Style and AFL Legacy
Dermott Brereton was widely known for his aggressive physical style of play, fierce competitiveness, and intimidating hip-and-shoulder bumps.
His physical approach to football was so influential that rule changes around charging and player protection were later introduced within the AFL.
One famous incident occurred in 1988 when Brereton ran through Essendon’s three-quarter-time huddle at Waverley Park, creating one of the AFL’s most talked-about confrontations.
Sydney Swans and Collingwood Career
After retiring from Hawthorn due to chronic hip pain in 1992, Dermott Brereton attempted a return to football with the Sydney Swans in 1994.
Although injuries and suspensions limited his impact, his move generated enormous media attention.
In 1995, Brereton joined Collingwood, where he played 15 games and kicked 30 goals before officially retiring from AFL football.
Football Hall of Fame and Club Recognition
Following his retirement, Dermott Brereton received significant recognition for his contribution to Australian football.
He was inducted into:
- The Australian Football Hall of Fame
- Hawthorn Football Club Team of the Century
- Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League Hall of Fame
Brereton also served as a director of the Hawthorn Football Club from 1997 to 2006.
AFL Media and Commentary Career
Dermott Brereton successfully transitioned into television and radio following his playing career.
He became one of the original panellists on The AFL Footy Show in 1994 and later worked across major Australian broadcasters including:
- Channel Nine
- Seven Network
- Fox Footy
- Triple M
- SEN 1116
Brereton has also hosted and commentated on numerous AFL programs and remains one of the sport’s most recognisable media personalities.
In 2011, he joined Foxtel’s Fox Footy coverage, continuing his long-standing role in AFL broadcasting and analysis.
Why Dermott Brereton Remains an AFL Icon
Dermott Brereton is remembered as one of the AFL’s toughest and most influential players. His fearless approach, premiership success, unforgettable grand final performances, and long media career have cemented his place as one of Australian football’s true legends.
