The legendary Ted Whitten has been declared the greatest personality in AFL history.
The iconic “Mr Football” was renowned for his prodigious talent on the field but it was also his philanthropic work off it that earned him the accolade.
The AFL has had no shortage of larger-than-life characters but Whitten beat the likes of Kevin Sheedy, Ron Barassi, Lou Richards and the late Jim Stynes to be named the sport’s top personality at an annual Legends Luncheon charity fundraiser on Thursday.
Whitten became synonymous with State of Origin as a passionate player and promoter, while playing a then-record 321 games for Footscray.
Whitten, known for his famous catch phrase “stick it up ’em”, died of prostate cancer in 1995.
The award was accepted by Ted Whitten Jr, who said his father’s gift was the ability to make everyone around him feel special.
“He was a people person, he had the ability to mix with people from all walks of life and, at the end of the day, they all felt great to be in his company,” he said.
“It was a great privilege for him to be able to support other people.”
Greater Western Sydney coach Sheedy placed second, while indigenous hero Michael Long came in at No.6.
The award was voted for by the AFL Players’ Association Committee.