13 Facts About Gary Malarkey

Gary Robert Malarkey was born on 23 May 1953 and is a former Australian rules footballer, who represented East Perth, Geelong, Geelong West, Western Australia, and Victoria.

An All Australian and a Victorian as well as West Australian representative prior to state of origin football, Malarkey was recognised as the most effective full back of his era.

Gary Malarkey was born at Armadale, but learnt the Australian game at Trinity College and joined East Perth at the age of 18.

Gary Malarkey had excellent anticipation and good pace over the first 20 metres as well as being a strong mark and superb kick, often challenging the centre circle with his punts from the full back line.

Gary Malarkey was signed by Geelong but East Perth imposed a minimum service requirement of 100 league games before a clearance would be granted.

Gary Malarkey thus stayed for a further 3 years before finally crossing to the Cats in 1977.

At Geelong, Gary Malarkey was an immediate and outstanding success in his customary full back position and represented Victoria.

Gary Malarkey was widely recognised as the finest full back in Australia over the following 10 seasons and was remarkably consistent in one of the toughest roles in Victorian football.

Gary Malarkey was a regular WA state of origin representative whilst at Geelong and gained all Australian selection after the 1979 State of Origin carnival.

Gary Malarkey was named in the VFL Team of the Year in 1983 and he was runner up in Geelong's fairest and best award that season.

Unfortunately no agreement could be reached with East Perth, or any other WAFL club and Gary Malarkey returned to Geelong.

Gary Malarkey quickly forced his way back into the side but a shoulder reconstruction two years later brought an unfortunate end to a long and distinguished senior career.

Gary Malarkey had played 283 senior games but later had a final playing stint at the Geelong West club in the Victorian Football Association and he was the last coach of that club in 1988.