Robert Di Pierdomenico

One of the most successful Italian-Australians to ever play in the VFL/AFL, Robert DiPierdomenico is a retired Australian footballer who played for Hawthorn from 1975 to 1991. Now known as a colorful media personality, DiPierdomenico received the Brownlow Medal in 1986 and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

The son of Italian immigrants, DiPierdomenico grew up in Hawthorn and began his career with Hawthorn Football Club in 1975. His career took off three years later when he was the top performer in the 1978 VFL Grand Final, winning his first of five VFL premierships with Hawthorn. One of the most popular players in the VFL throughout the 1980s, DiPierdomenico received the Brownlow Medal as best player in 1986. In 1989, he appeared in his last VFL Grand Final, finishing the match despite numerous injuries including broken ribs and a punctured lung. He retired in 1991 after appearing in 240 games for Hawthorn.

Following his retirement, DiPierdomenico developed into a national media personality via his work on the Seven Network. He’s a frequent panelist on The Sunday Morning Footy Panel, has appeared in numerous other television shows, and currently hosts Dipper’s Backyard BBQ Wars. He’s passionate about educating Australia’s youth about Australian Rules Football and served as an ambassador for the Auskick development program. An enthusiastic and energetic speaker, DiPierdomenico is known for his inspiring and motivational storytelling.