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Today on Tassie Footy Life, we’re joined by a true legend of the local game, a man whose footy journey has taken him from the big stage of the AFL Grand Final to the heart and soul of grassroots footy here in Tasmania.

Ben Beams made his AFL debut with Melbourne in 1999, was part of their 2000 Grand Final side, and went on to carve out a stellar career with the Tasmanian Devils in the VFL, where he captained the side and earned multiple representative honours. But his impact didn’t stop there. As a coach, he's inspired and led teams from Myrtleford to University to Glenorchy, and guided University to a memorable premiership in 2016.

In 2015, Ben was inducted into the Tasmanian AFL Hall of Fame, cementing his place in Tassie footy history. He’s known for his smart footy brain, elite skills, gritty, playing style, and commitment to the game, both on and off the field.

We’ll be diving into the highs, the hurdles, and what still drives him today.

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Grant Fagan, one of Tasmania’s most accomplished football minds and the man behind Clarence’s golden era. With a coaching hand in five statewide premierships, Grant’s impact on the game is undeniable. From player stints at Hobart, North Hobart and Sandy Bay, to premiership glory as both assistant and head coach at Clarence, Kingston and Sandy Bay, and more recently stepping back into coaching after a long hiatus, Grant’s story is one of dedication, leadership, and evolving with the game. Whether from the bench or the boundary, he’s shaped generations of Tasmanian football talent — and he’s still going strong.

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Today on Tassie Footy Life, we’re joined by a bloke whose footy journey has taken him from the Devonport Oval to the big league. Jade Rawlings carved out a stellar AFL playing career with Hawthorn, the Western Bulldogs, and North Melbourne, before stepping into the coaching box where he’s spent the better part of two decades mentoring and leading at some of the country’s most storied clubs.

From caretaker coach at Richmond to backline mastermind at Melbourne and now Fremantle, Jade’s also left an indelible mark in the SANFL – guiding Norwood to a premiership and a grand final appearance in back-to-back seasons. Along the way, he’s become known for his honest leadership, tactical nous, and deep love of the game.

So grab a cuppa, or lace up your runners, and settle in for a cracking chat with a proud Tassie footy product who’s done it all.

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Today we shine the spotlight on Ian Callinan, one of the state’s most respected and determined footballers.

From dominating local footy and excelling in the VFL and SANFL, to finally cracking into the AFL with the Adelaide Crows at the age of 28, Ian’s path is one of resilience, skill, and a love for the game that never wavered.

With a Tassie background rich in junior success, leadership, and a Central District Best & Fairest medal to his name, Ian’s story is a reminder that talent and persistence can take you all the way. Let's dive into his incredible journey.

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We’re diving into the remarkable journey of Justin Plapp, a proud Penguin local who went on to shine on the biggest stages of Aussie Rules.

From booting 98 goals in a single season with Burnie to making an immediate splash in the AFL with Richmond, Justin's footy story is filled with highs, heartbreaks, and a whole lot of resilience.

We’ll talk about the bright lights of the MCG, the move to St Kilda, life back in Tassie, and his evolution into a respected coach in the VFL. This is a conversation about talent, transitions, and what it takes to keep your passion alive in the ever-changing game of footy.

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From the wilds of Wynyard to the AFL big league, and all the way into footy’s backrooms and boardrooms, Chris Bond is the definition of a true football journeyman. A tenacious player and respected leader, Bond played 163 AFL games across three clubs, captained Fremantle, won Richmond’s Best and Fairest, and represented both Tasmania and The Allies with pride.

Off the field, he carved out a new chapter as a coach and footy administrator, helping shape the future of the game he loves. In this episode, we dive deep into the grit, growth, and good old Tassie roots behind Bondy’s remarkable career.

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From Glenorchy to Woodville, from Adelaide to Mayne, and back home again to coach and contribute at multiple levels, Klug’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Known for his magical, uncanny skills, especially his legendary long-range handball, John lit up grounds across the country with moments of brilliance.

Whether dominating the 1986 TFL Grand Final, starring with Woodville in the SANFL, or holding his own at Centre Half Forward for the inaugural Adelaide Crows, Klug left an imprint on the game that is still talked about today.

With over 200 senior games, countless accolades, and an enduring legacy that spans playing, coaching and mentoring, we’re thrilled to delve into the rich footy life of John Klug.

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From the North West Coast, Max has been a cornerstone of the Ulverstone Football Club since 1977. He played 197 senior games, and then went on to coach the club for 332 games – a staggering legacy that includes 7 Grand Final appearances and 4 premierships.

He didn’t stop there – Max also coached Devonport for 6 seasons, taking them to regular finals campaigns. A North West Football Union representative, a Tasmanian Football Hall of Famer, and a respected sporting journalist, Max Brown is known for his unmatched ability to inspire players and build success wherever he goes.

Whether you played under him, coached against him, or just watched his teams in action, you know he’s left an unforgettable mark on footy in Tasmania.