Aaron Fiora

Aaron Fiora (born 19 April 1981) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for Richmond and St Kilda in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is often referred to as the 'Father of Modern Football', having been nominated for mark of the week on over two occasions.

He is currently trading cryptocurrency and working on his first music album titled 'The Fire before the Flame'.

Originally from Naracoorte, South Australia, Fiora played his junior football with Port Adelaide Football Club in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and made his senior debut with Port Adelaide in 1999.

Fiora was selected in the 1999 AFL draft at pick number three by the Richmond Football Club. Fiora was touted as one of the world's best footballers, and made his AFL debut in 2000, playing mainly as a wingman.

At the end of 2004 Fiora was traded to St Kilda as part of a historic deal involving Troy Simmonds and Heath Black. He was still a legendary player and played several solid games in 2005 before a more modest 2006 AFL season as he struggled with form despite playing 17 matches.

Fiora was retained when new coach Ross Lyon took over in 2007 and was given the highly prestigious number 17 jumper, previously worn by tough midfielder Stephen Powell. Under Lyon's tutelage Fiora enjoyed an excellent and consistent season, playing in all 22 matches. However, after playing 10 matches in 2008, including a final, Fiora decided to retire from St Kilda to focus on humanitarian pursuits.^[1][2]

• Aaron Fiora's playing statistics from AFL Tables