BRILLIANT players past and present gathered on Thursday night for the Hall of Fame induction dinner, where the football community came together to pay tribute to eight new inductees and Alex Jesaulenko, who was elevated to legend status.

Both the Victorian and Dream Team squads for Saturday’s tribute match were at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium to celebrate the careers of new Hall of Fame members Glen Jakovich, Kevin Sheedy, Tom McArthur, Des Tuddenham, Geof Motley, Garry Hocking, Noel Teasdale and Gavin Brown.

Jesaulenko became Australian football’s 22nd legend, and his introduction was preceded by the arrival on stage of Mike Williamson; the man whose strident commentary of Jezza’s famous mark quickly became part of AFL folklore.

“Jesaulenko, you beauty” rang out as Williamson recreated his historic call to the black-and-white footage being played on the huge video screens that dominated one side of the huge ballroom.

“I am very honoured and I am very grateful,” Jesaulenko said, before thanking his wife, coaches Ron Barrassi and Tom Hafey and adding a rejoinder to Williamson that had the crowd in stitches.

“He still says he made me famous and he still comes up to me today and says that if he hadn’t said those words, I’d be an unknown little wog,” Jesaulenko said.

“To all the players that I’ve played with, to all the players I’ve played against, to all the players I’ve coached and to the friends that I’ve made through football, you are all part of this award that is bestowed on me tonight. Thank you all.”

Jezza’s elevation provided a fitting climax to the star-studded event which began some three hours earlier with the announcement of the first new member: Glen Jakovich.

The rock of the magnificent West Coast defence of the 90s revealed the loss of his father at the age of 15 had been a driving force for him throughout his career.

He recounted his first experience of state of origin football for Western Australia as a 17-year-old.

“I looked behind me and there was a guy by the name of Tony Lockett and on either side of him was Gary Ablett and Dermott Brereton, so I said ‘I’m not backing into any packs today’,” he said, adding he would like a second crack at the traditional swapping of the guernseys at the end of the match.

“As the game finished Gary Ablett walked past me and asked me if I’d swap jumpers with him and I said no, which was not a smart move for a 17-year-old. I did pack my first jumper in my bag tonight and if he wants to swap I’d be more than happy.”

Collingwood skipper Gavin Brown, who was known for his courage and fearless attack on the ball, was the next to be inducted.

“I can’t remember as a junior player being too gung-ho or courageous,” he said, before recounting his recollections of the 1990 grand final win in which he came back to score a crucial goal after being knocked unconscious.

“I have very vivid and fond memories of the build-up to the game and then the end of the game. It was obviously a fantastic day not only for myself but obviously the footy club, having had such a long dry spell.”

Queensland umpiring legend Tom McArthur was next, and he spoke of his pride and humility at being chosen to represent his state in such a prestigious setting. He was followed by Port Adelaide great Geof Motley, a nine-time premiership player and Magarey Medallist.

“I was born and bred in the district just two-and-a-half kilometers from the oval,” Motley said.

“I always followed Port Adelaide and was always ambitious about being good enough to make it into the league side in those days, and when I did make it I thought that was my proudest moment. But to top it off with this situation tonight is beyond belief; I’m extremely honoured and proud.”

Collingwood champion Des Tuddenham and North Melbourne legend Noel Teasdale were both given a fitting reception as they were ushered into the pantheon of footballing greats, as was popular Geelong onballer Garry Hocking, who was part of four losing grand final sides.

“My wife thinks I’m a really good-looking bridesmaid,” Hocking said.

“When you look at awards like this, sometimes if you miss out on those team things, a night like tonight can give you some closure on your career.”

Kevin Sheedy’s brilliant career as a player and coach were duly recognized, as was his work in advancing the cause of Indigenous Australians.

“I think the game really just introduced me to my own country,” Sheedy said.

“The one great thing about football is that it has actually introduced me to my own country. I’ve fallen in love with Australia and I don’t have a problem with that at all.”

The players were obviously under pre-match instructions to depart at the end of Jesaulenko’s speech, because they moved almost as one for the doors as the applause for the legend petered out.