Mal Michael
| Mal Michael | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Noimage | |||
| Personal information | |||
| Original team(s) | Morningside/Kenmore | ||
| Debut | Round 7, May 9, 1997, Collingwood vs. North Melbourne, at Melbourne Cricket Ground | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
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1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2005. | |||
| Career highlights | |||
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| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Malcolm Roberto "Mal" Michael (born June 24, 1977 in Papua New Guinea) is an Australian rules footballer.
Michael began his career at Collingwood, debuting in 1997. While at the club he was seen as inconsistent and not dedicated to his football. However, all that changed when he was traded to the Brisbane Lions, debuting for them in 2001. While there, he bulked up and became one of the AFL's strongest players, and was a fearsome fullback. Michael fit in well with the other Lions hard men, such as Chris Scott and Brad Scott under the guidance of fearsome coach Leigh Matthews.
He was part of the Lions "three-peat" premiership success, and was the first Papua New Guinean to play AFL football, acting as an ambassador for the game when he visits his homeland. In early 2006, he established the Mal Michael Foundation, aimed at raising money to help give young Papua New Guineans the opportunity to play aussie rules.