Australians pride ourselves on being fast on the wit and quicker on the lip.

Nowhere is this trait quite as self-evident as it is at football clubs, where nicknaming teammates becomes almost as much of a sport as the football itself.

Whether it be for a physical trait, a play on a player's name, or an incident of infamy, Australian rules football has a proud history of players nicknaming each other, adorning their mates with aliases creative and otherwise.

Here's a look at 21 of the very best that have risen to ubiquity over the journey.

6. Stephen "SOS" Silvagni

The greatest fullback who's ever lived followed in his father's footsteps in representing the Navy Blues. He'd win flags, best and fairests, Team of the Century nods, legions of fans and general acclaim for the way he went about it.

SOS is an acronym for Son of Sergio, and quickly became the most affectionate of nicknames possible.

What a legacy that family boasts at Princes Park.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - 1996: Stephen Silvagni of the Blues in action during the round two AFL match between the Carlton Blues and Essendon Bombers held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground 1996, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - 1996: Stephen Silvagni of the Blues in action during the round two AFL match between the Carlton Blues and Essendon Bombers held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground 1996, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)

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