Alan Toovey
A relentless and selfless defender whose clutch performances in Collingwood's backline were instrumental in securing the 2010 AFL premiership.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Australian rules footballer·Birthday: March 23·Millennials
Biography
Alan Toovey's story is one of persistence paying off. Plucked from Western Australian football with pick No. 2 in the 2006 rookie draft, he carved out an essential role at Collingwood not with flashy stats, but with grit, speed, and an unyielding commitment to the team structure. Operating across half-back and as a shutdown small defender, Toovey became famous for his desperate spoils and courageous contests. His career pinnacle came in the 2010 AFL Grand Final replay, where his composed and tenacious defensive efforts helped stifle St Kilda and deliver the Magpies a famous flag. A series of knee injuries eventually curtailed his career, but he retired as a one-club player, remembered by fans and teammates as the ultimate role player who consistently outperformed expectations.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alan was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Alan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a key defensive role in Collingwood's 2010 AFL premiership victory.
- Played 159 AFL games exclusively for the Collingwood Football Club.
- Earned a reputation as one of the league's most reliable and courageous small defenders.
- Was a mainstay in the Collingwood side for nearly a decade, from 2007 to 2016.
Did You Know?
He was originally recruited from the Perth Football Club in the WAFL.
He famously played in the 2010 drawn Grand Final and the subsequent replay victory.
After retirement, he transitioned into a role as a development coach at the Collingwood Football Club.
“My job is to lock down my man and give our runners a chance.”
