Jason Akermanis

Jason Akermanis was born on February 24, 1977, in Mildura, Victoria, and moved to Brisbane at the age of nine. He began his football career as a junior at Mayne Football Club. Akermanis played 325 games during his 16-year career in the Australian Football League (AFL), split between the Brisbane Bears (1995-1996), Brisbane Lions (1997-2006), and Western Bulldogs (2007-2010). His career achievements include the 2001 Brownlow Medal and three consecutive AFL premierships with the Brisbane Lions from 2001 to 2003.

Akermanis distinguished himself as a speedy midfielder and forward with exceptional skills, adept at kicking with both feet. He was a four-time All-Australian (1999, 2001, 2002, 2004) and a two-time Merrett/Murray Medal winner as Brisbane’s club champion in 1999 and 2005. Additionally, he received the AFL Goal of the Year Award in 2002. Noteworthy moments include kicking the winning goal in the 2002 AFL Grand Final and playing much of that game with a torn adductor, kicking predominantly with his non-dominant left foot.

Following his AFL playing career, Akermanis continued his involvement in football, coaching the Glenorchy Football Club in 2011 and later becoming captain-coach of the North Albury Football Club in 2013. He has also served as coach for the Australian Men’s over-40s team in international rules football. Beyond sports, Akermanis has forged a career in media, serving as a morning radio commentator for MTR and an expert columnist for the Herald Sun.