Bolt from the Blue: Ranking the top 10 AFL surprise standouts

In the wake of Sydney forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr's incredible seven-goal performance against Melbourne, it got the brain cogs thinking about similar standout efforts in football. Rosas, in a forward line consisting of Charlie Curnow, Joel Amartey and Tom Papley as well as midfielders Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, wasn't tipped to heavily impact the scoreboard, but was the surprise packet in the Swans victory. The former Gold Coast Sun's performance inspired a thought train, researching some of the best 'bolt from the blue' moments in football. However, he didn't make it inside the top 10. Nor did Karmichael Hunt's goal after the siren to defeat Richmond in 2012. Despite an embarrassment of riches, we've ranked the top 10... Martin masterclass Overlooked in multiple drafts, Essendon picked up Nic Martin via the Supplemental Selection Period ahead of the 2022 season. Martin only needed three months at an AFL club to prove his worth, and earned a top-flight debut in Round 1 against Geelong. He didn't disappoint. He kicked five goals from 27 touches and the umpires awarded him with two Brownlow votes despite the Bombers losing by 66 points. Fitzy the Freak Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald is mostly known for his exploits in the media, being part of a host of TV shows and radio channels. But before that, Fitzgerald was a handy footballer, and his first game of AFL footy excited Sydney fans about the player he could become. Playing as a key forward, 'Fitzy' kicked five goals from nine touches on debut, and impressed in the weeks following. However, crippling knee injuries curtailed his professional career, putting a full stop to it after 18 matches. King Tutt Western Bulldogs unleashed Jason Tutt in 2011 against Port Adelaide, and boy were they ecstatic with his performance. Tutt produced one of the highest player ratings on debut since 2010, amassing 26 disposals and kicking four goals. He slotted three majors with his first three kicks. He claimed a Brownlow vote in the 60-point victory. However, his time at Whitten Oval was short lived, and he took up an opportunity at Carlton that wasn't as fruitful as desired. Anzac Day Medal at 17? That was the reality for Collingwood's Mark McGough. In 2002, at the inexperienced age of 17, McGough stood tall for the Pies in a miserable, rainy day against Essendon at the MCG. He was still a student at the time at Northcote High School, and was getting lifts to the game with teammate Anthony Rocca. McGough collected 24 possessions, six marks, four clearances and the three Brownlow Medal votes. He'd finish his career with 49 AFL games, spending a pair of seasons at St Kilda before heading to WA. An American dominating on the MCG It's a rare sight. But Mason Cox's preliminary final performance has gone down in Collingwood football folklore. The Pies faced the reigning premiers, Richmond, in the penultimate week, and the Tigers stood no chance against a rampaging Cox, who turned the game in the second quarter. He kicked three goals from 15 possessions and 11 marks. Bruce McAvaney called him a "colossus". Georgiades gem It didn't take long to make his presence felt in the tri colours, but John Georgiades, father of Port Adelaide gun, Mitch, dominated on debut. Facing a strong Carlton team in the 1980s, Georgiades had his hands full from the get-go, but managed to cause chaos in the front half, slotting eight majors. However, his time in the VFL was short lived, returning to WAFL club Subiaco at the end of 1991, only two years after joining the Bulldogs. Ronke riot A Swan in his third AFL game wasn't overawed by Friday night lights at the MCG in 2018, nor the level of Hawthorn's defence. Ben Ronke, in a close affair against the Hawks, kicked seven goals as one of three Sydney players to slot majors. The others were Will Hayward (three) and Luke Parker (two). The Swans won by eight points, with Ronke earning three Brownlow votes. He remained on Sydney's list until the end of 2022, but never again reached the heights of his seven-goal performance. Reimers rampage Many used to gang up on the Suns, but Essendon and Kyle Reimers set records back in 2011 under the roof at Docklands. The Bombers piled on 15 goals in the opening term against the AFL's newest side in Round 6, and Reimers was the major beneficiary in the 139-point win. The small forward slotted eight goals from 20 possessions. However, his time at Tullamarine didn't last long after that, departing the Bombers at the end of 2012. Beaumont beauty Another Carlton classic, Simon Beaumont wreaked havoc on arch rival, Collingwood, in Round 17 1999 at the MCG. Beaumont had begun establishing himself in the Blues senior side, but this coming-of-age game at 24 was special. The half-back flanker was moved forward and gave Carlton a boost, slotting eight goals in the first half. His efforts only warranted two Brownlow votes. Somehow. 19th man saves the day for the Blues The 1970 VFL Grand Final between Carlton and Collingwood was made famous for many reasons. The Blues' massive comeback to beat the arch rival. The biggest ever crowd (121,696) flocked to the MCG, setting a new record. But Ted Hopkins, who was listed as the 19th man for Carlton, produced a purple patch that turned the tide of the contest. Hopkins replaced Bert Thornley at half-time, which was a masterstroke by coach Ron Barassi. He kicked three goals in 15 minutes, and gave one off to Alex Jesaulenko, helping erase a 44-point deficit. Hopkins kicked his fourth in the final term, helping secure the flag. He played only one more game for Carlton before pursuing other interests.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	SYD	8	7	1	28	165.5
2	FRE	8	7	1	28	133
3	HAW	8	6	1	26	121.2
4	BL	8	5	3	20	126
5	GC	8	5	3	20	116
6	GEEL	8	5	3	20	114.6
7	MELB	8	5	3	20	100.2
8	COLL	8	4	3	18	108.6
9	STK	8	4	4	16	114.9
10	NMFC	8	4	4	16	106.1

Bolt from the Blue: Ranking the top 10 AFL surprise standouts

An under-the-radar Swan delivers big, sparking memories of the game’s most surprising individual efforts.

6An American dominating on the MCG

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Latest News

The Top 10 rated AFL rucks in 2026

How Melbourne recruit will prolong Demon champion’s career

Brisbane co-captain addresses ‘whiteboard gate’, denies culture problems

Adelaide veteran provides positive update on injury, captain availability

AFL whispers: Victorian powerhouse shows interest in flag Lion

FOLLOW US