Football Biography

Often described as one of the greatest Adelaide Football Club players, Mark Ricciuto possesses a football bio that will continue to impress future generations for as long as the code exists.

Affectionately and reverently known as the “Roo”, his bio timeline makes for inspirational reading. Covering fifteen playing seasons, Ricciuto’s profile pays homage to a man whose football career reflects his passion, dedication, hard work and great loyalty.

1991 – Recruited as a young 16 year old by the West Adelaide Football Club (SANFL) and Adelaide Football Club (AFL) following a stellar performance in the Riverland Grand Final for Waikerie

1992 – Ricciuto made his SANFL League debut for West Adelaide in Round 1, and represented South Australia as captain at the TEAL Cup

1993 – Ricciuto made his AFL debut.

1994 – With talents already shining through, Ricciuto was just 19 when he was firstly selected to play as part of the All-Australian Team.

1997 – Selected for the second time to be on the All-Australian Team.

1998 – Ricciuto was a part of the Premiership win against North Melbourne; voted best & fairest by the AFC; and, was selected for the All-Australian Team.

2000 – All-Australian Team

2001 – Became Captain of Adelaide Football Club, going on to become the longest serving Captain until his retirement in 2007.

2002 – Selected again for the All-Australian Team.

2003 – Ricciuto won the esteemed Brownlow Medal; gained reselection on the All-Australian Team; and, was voted best & fairest by the AFC.

2004 -- Gained selection as Captain of the All-Australian Team; came second in the Brownlow medal; voted best & fairest by the AFC; and, was awarded the Showdown Medal.

2005 – Gained reselection as Captain of the All-Australian Team; awarded the Showdown Medal; and, AFL Players’ Association Best Captain.

2006 – Played in his 300th AFL game. Was Adelaide leading Goalkicker with 44 goals. Although illness affected his playing in 2006, as Captain he took the Crows to a close second in the preliminary final. He was again awarded the AFL Players’ Association Best Captain.

2007 – Retirement (312 games; kicked 292 goals; played 142 games as Adelaide Captain); All-Australian Team eight times (two as Captain).

2011 – AFL Hall of Fame Inductee.

2014 – Joined the Adelaide Football Club Board of Directors.