Scott SpitsUpdated June 9, 2026 — 8:11pm,first published 7:00pm8.11pmWorsfold knew how to ‘sniff a shirtfront out’By West Coast great John Worsfold is on stage. He got a warm round of applause after his name was announced.Worsfold is remembering his formative years as a player.“I’m such a proud South Fremantle body, growing up there, playing at the high school … they certainly provided me with some opportunities… which went a long way to shaping the player I became,” he said.Worsfold is asked about the ‘Magnificent Seven’ - young players to join the Eagles in the club’s early years.“1985 - playing in the Teal Cup was the first time I came across some teammates who went on to play in the AFL,” Worsfold says, naming players including Chris Waterman, Chris Mainwaring and Chris Lewis.8.08pmThe second inductee: It’s WhoosaBy West Coast Eagles playing and coaching great John Worsfold is in.A two-time premiership player with the Eagles and 2006 AFL premiership coach, Worsfold also coached Essendon after the club’s drugs saga. His impact on the game has been profound.8.08pmPort Adelaide star Tim EvansBy Port Adelaide star Tim Evans was unavailable to attend the function, but he provided a statement, which was read by Gerard Whateley.“I’m very honoured to be induced into the hall of fame,” he said.“I played to be part of team success.“I want to sincerely thank my past players and teammates.”8.03pmAnd the first inductee is ....By A great in the SANFL, who originally came from Tasmania – Tim Evans.He is the final eligible 1000-goal player to be inducted into the hall of fame (Lance Franklin is not yet eligible) and a four-time premiership player. He kicked the ton in three seasons, including 146 goals in 1980, as well as ending three seasons in the nervous 90s.7.56pmPodcast: Catch up on our latest editionBy 7.45pmThe hall of fame’s 34th LegendBy It’s a Western Australia star, Bill Walker, who was named as a new Legend back in February. Walker is his 80s but is at the function, and is about to speak to the crowd.Walker says he defied his father’s orders and went north in WA to play in the bush.“Football started very young,” he said.“It was either play seniors, or not play.”Walker played in flags in his first three seasons after making his debut in 1961. A classic rover-forward, he kicked 456 goals in 305 matches with Swan Districts and played 21 state matches for Western Australia. He finished his career in 1975 as a four-time premiership player and five-time club best and fairest.7.41pmVideo: King’s Birthday at the MCGBy It was quite an event on the footy calendar yesterday.7.36pmPHOTOS: Scenes from the roomBy Fox Footy’s host Sarah Jones speaks from the podium.AFL Photos via Getty ImagesGary Ablett Junior and his wife Jordan.AFL PhotosMatthew Pavlich in the room.AFL Photos7.28pmFlashback: Swanny stole the show two years agoBy Collingwood star and Brownlow medallist Dane Swan stole the show with a classic speech at this function in 2024.He made several references to Swan’s close friends, and his prized “rat pack”.Two years ago he said the biggest thing he missed from footy was spending time with his teammates, even though they had an annual catch up each December – something he relishes.“If me having to win this thing [getting in the hall of fame] gets us all here [in the room] tonight, well, I’m obviously happy to do it,” Swan said then.“Finally, to my family ... for supporting me throughout the years ... they rode the bumps a little bit harder than what I did.”Dane Swan addresses the room in 2024.AFL PhotosRead more on the 2024 function7.18pmLegend Bill Walker was announced in FebruaryBy Swan Districts great Bill Walker – the only man in WA football history to have won four Sandover Medals – would be elevated to Legend status, the AFL announced in February.Walker debuted for Swan Districts in 1961, in the era of representative football before State of Origin, and played in premiership sides in each of his first three seasons at senior level.Across 305 games in the WAFL, as well as 21 games for WA, he was a five-time best and fairest winner and claimed the Sandover Medal four times – in 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1970.“Bill Walker was an incredible player, one of the greatest in West Australian football history, and I’m delighted to announce the AFL Commission has endorsed the recommendation of the hall-of-fame selection committee that he be elevated to Legend status later this year,” said Richard Goyder, then AFL commission chairman, earlier this year.1 of 2