Heath Black
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| Personal Info | |
|---|---|
| Birth | May 28, 1979, |
| Recruited from | Oakleigh U18 (TAC Cup)
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| Playing Career¹ | |
| Debut | Round 4, April 19, 1997, Fremantle vs. Richmond, at Optus Oval |
| Team(s) | Fremantle (1997-2000, 2005-)
74 games, 48 goals St Kilda (2001-2004) 97 games, 23 goals |
| ¹ Statistics to end of 2005 season | |
| Career Highlights | |
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Heath Black (born May 28, 1979) is an Australian rules footballer.
The 177cm wingman is noted for his speed and long left foot kicking. Beginning his career in 1997 he was seen as a bright prospect and several years down the track that has been proven correct. Black was recruited at no. 12 in the 1996 AFL Draft and began his career with Fremantle in 1997. After spending 4 seasons at the Dockers, and after finishing 2nd in the George Doig Medal (best and fairest) in 2000, he was traded to St Kilda.
He was a vital part of the Saints' midfield during his relatively brief time there, and at the end of 2003 requested to be released so he could go back to Perth. However, the Saints lodged the trade request after the deadline and Black stayed on with St Kilda for another season. At the end of 2004 he was eventually traded back to the club which he began his career at.
In 2005, Black was one of the few consistent players in a mediocre season for Fremantle. He finished fourth behind Peter Bell, Shane Parker and Matthew Pavlich, in the count for the club's best and fairest award, the George Doig Medal.
In February 2006, it was rumoured that Black would take part in a publicity stunt similar to the Garry Hocking "Whiskas" incident in 1998, in that Black would change his name to Heath Purple. [1] While Whilst Hocking's name change only lasted for a week, Black's will last for the entire 2006 AFL season as part of a promotion with Ribena. By early March 2006, this had not yet occurred. Black's involvement in a fight at the Perth Cup on New Year Day 2006 and subsequent police charges of assault occasioning bodily harm, obstructing police and assaulting a female police officer may be a reason the promotion has been postponed or cancelled. [2]
