FORMER Port Adelaide and Essendon star Gavin Wanganeen says he's humbled by his induction into the prestigious Australian Football Hall of Fame.
On Thursday night Wanganeen was one of six players, including Wayne Carey, Brian Dixon, Stan Heal, Tony Shaw and Ross Smith, formally recognised for their contribution to the game.
Wanganeen played exactly 300 games for Essendon and Port Adelaide from 1991 to 2006, winning a premiership at each club.
The skilful defender also took home the Brownlow Medal in the Bombers' premiership year of 1993 and was named All-Australian on five occasions.
The 36-year-old said he was blown away when he received a letter in the mail informing him of his induction a few weeks ago.
"I saw the AFL logo on the envelope, so I opened it up to see what it was all about and I couldn't believe what I was reading," Wanganeen said.
"Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is quite amazing … I'm a bit lost for words. I don't know how to describe how I'm feeling, but I do know that the AFL has recognised that I've done some good things on and off the footy field and it feels nice to be recognised in this manner."
Wanganeen is the first Power player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Former Port Magpies champion Russell Ebert and legendary coach Fos Williams are also members of the exclusive group.
Wanganeen was drafted by Essendon in 1989, played in the SANFL in 1990 and spent six years at Windy Hill before returning to Port Adelaide for the club's inaugural AFL season in 1997.
The AFL life member described his decision to leave the Bombers as the toughest of his life, but said the move paid off when he stood on the dais on grand final day as part of the Power's maiden premiership side in 2004.
"I wasn't sure whether I'd get another flag before I retired, so to get it with the Power at 31 years of age was quite special," Wanganeen said.
"The first premiership with Essendon was quite special for me. I was playing with a group of young guys - the ‘Baby Bombers’ - as we were called back in those days, so to share that with those guys was really special.
"It's pretty hard to split the two premierships, but it's fair to say that the first one and being only 20 years of age I probably didn't appreciate things as much. The second one I learned to appreciate so much more because you know how hard they are to win."
Wanganeen kicked four goals in Port Adelaide's grand final win over the Brisbane Lions, but is perhaps best remembered by supporters for his heroics in the preliminary final against St Kilda a week earlier.
The minor premiers appeared in danger of missing the grand final for the third straight year, until an inspired second-half performance from Wanganeen propelled the club to a famous win.
"The Saints were absolutely destroying us. Literally, I'd had one kick and Choco (coach Mark Williams) gave me a fairly big spray at half time," Wanganeen said.
"I'd never copped many sprays and that was one of the better ones. I went out there after half time and luckily enough I was able to kick a couple of goals and help us get over the line."
Wanganeen doesn't get to many AFL games these days.
Instead, he spends his weekends with daughter Mia, an aspiring netballer, and six-year-old son Tex.
Tex has already showcased his superior lineage in the Walkerville under-eights and Port Adelaide and Essendon could be jostling for his services in 12 years' time. He will be eligible for father-son selection at both clubs.
"It'll be tough decision if it happens and it all depends on Tex. He qualifies for both, so it'll be his decision. Hopefully, he'll play footy but who knows what he'll do," Wanganeen said.
