When Collingwood unveiled debutant Liam Puncher in their win over the Gold Coast Suns last weekend, many sat up and took notice of the kid's tough name.

Puncher. Gosh, that's a strong surname. Heaps of fodder for commentators, fans, and teammates alike. Taken in the recent Mid-Season Draft, the South Australian has taken his Puncher's chance, and run with it. Just wait until he becomes a 100-game pillar of Magpies' backlines of the future. 

It got us here at ZH HQ mulling over some of the 22-year-old's contemporaries in this space.

Have a go at a dozen of my favourite names in the game!

3. Phoenix Gothard

In that same vein, I have to mention the newcomer.

Phoenix Gothard.

That's such a sick name. You could see him being a skateboarder in the X Games, a heavy metal guitarist, or heck, a nimble, game-breaking small forward for an orange-clad expansion club.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 09: Phoenix Gothard of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the round nine AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Essendon Bombers at ENGIE Stadium, on May 09, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 09: Phoenix Gothard of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the round nine AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Essendon Bombers at ENGIE Stadium, on May 09, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

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