Radio host and former AFL footballer Ryan Fitzgerald has revealed a brutal, yet hilarious sledge directed at him on his debut by Wayne Carey.

Fitzgerald played eight games for Sydney and 10 games for Adelaide between 2000 and 2002 after being selected with pick No.4 in 1998 National Draft by the Swans.

1990: Wayne Carey of North Melbourne in action during the Round 15 AFL Football match against St Kilda in Melbourne, Australia. Mandatory Credit: Hamish Blair /Allsport
1990: Wayne Carey of North Melbourne in action during the Round 15 AFL Football match against St Kilda in Melbourne, Australia. Credit: Hamish Blair /Allsport

However, after 18 games and 23 goals, injuries got the better of the young key forward, who called time on his career after two knee reconstructions.

21 Mar 2001: Ryan Fitzgerald #18 of the Sydney Swans poses for a portrait headshot during a photo call in Sydney, Australia. Mandatory Credit: Allsport Australia/ALLSPORT
21 Mar 2001: Ryan Fitzgerald #18 of the Sydney Swans poses for a portrait headshot during a photo call in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Allsport Australia/ALLSPORT

Speaking on FoxSports' Back Page Live, Fitzgerald recalled a sledge from North Melbourne legend Wayne Carey, as he was lining up from a long range goal, in what was Fitzgerald's first game.

“Stop the game, stop the game,” Fitzy recalled Carey yelling from behind him.

“Who is this? I don’t even know who you are. Who’s this praying mantis?

“You’re 55 out and you’re thinking about having a shot?

“Stuff you, I’m gonna have a crack here,” Fitzgerald replied.

However, he missed the resulting shot on goal, which he sprayed badly and kicked out on the full.

However, Fitzy ended up kicking five goals on debut and looked set for an impressive career, before several injuries cruelly cut short his time in the game.

Comments are closed.