18 Facts About Paul Salmon

Paul Salmon was born on 20 January 1965 and is a former Australian rules footballer who played in the Australian Football League for Essendon and Hawthorn.

Also known as "Fish", Paul Salmon was a well-known full-forward and ruckman in the Australian Football League over a long period of time.

Paul Salmon made his debut in 1983 with Essendon; however, it was during the 1984 VFL season that he established himself as the league's leading full-forward, kicking 63 goals in 13 games.

From this point onward, the 20-year-old Paul Salmon would rotate between full-forward and his favoured ruck position with Simon Madden.

Paul Salmon has been quoted saying that, while he has great respect for Sheedy, he felt at times he didn't get the best out of him, from perhaps lack of communication.

In such situations such as in late 1985 when Paul Salmon had recently come back from injury, and was out of form and playing in the reserves, Sheedy made a deal with him that, if he trained hard and if Essendon made the Grand Final, he would play him regardless of his form, a promise that was delivered by both parties.

Paul Salmon became vice-captain in 1998 and finished in the top ten in every best and fairest in each of his five years at the club.

In 1997, Paul Salmon achieved All-Australian selection, being named in the ruck.

Paul Salmon retired from playing football at the end of the 2000 season.

Paul Salmon made a comeback in 2002, after being drafted by Essendon at 37 years of age.

Paul Salmon played 15 games in 2002 before permanently retiring from AFL football.

Paul Salmon had a prolific State of Origin career, kicking 45 goals in 14 games.

Paul Salmon first played for Victoria in 1984, against South Australia, kicking 5 goals.

Paul Salmon next played at State of Origin level in 1986 against South Australia, kicking 4 goals.

Paul Salmon last played for Victoria in 1997, against South Australia.

Paul Salmon has worked in the media co-hosting Sportsworld for the Seven Network and Time Out for Serious Fun for the Nine Network, and he has released several books.

Paul Salmon released an autobiography called The Big Fish: Paul Salmon's Own Story in 2001; Fish Tales, a book recalling humorous on- and off-field incidents, in 2002; and he followed up in 2003 with another book, called More Fish Tales: Favourite Yarns From A Footballing Life.

Paul Salmon worked as a coach of the First XVIII Football team at Carey Baptist Grammar School; he retired from that position in 2008 to spend more time with his family and concentrate on business interests.