The Australian Football League – Australian rules football at its highest level – community is in mourning over the untimely death of popular player Peter Bosustow. His fans affectionately called him “Buzz.” His demise at the age of 67, with his family by his side following a brave fight against cancer, has given comfort to many. Bosustow’s legacy, however, lives on as one of the game’s most electrifying talents. He bewitches audiences with his other-worldly creativity, leaving them spell-bound in the air and on the floor.
Bosustow aroused intense passions and was a major celestial body during a three-year Kookaburra NFL career. He appeared in just 65 games from 1981-83. He became an immediate fan favorite, famous for his jaw-dropping capacity to take spectacular high marks. In 1981, he won the coveted Mark of the Year and Goal of the Year awards, both feats coming against Geelong. His efforts were vital in carrying Carlton to premiership success in 1981 and 1982.
Prior to his selection in the VFL, Bosustow was a star with Perth’s WAFL team. He carved his own reputation from his time playing in Perth. He booted a then-remarkable 379 goals in just 141 games and was elected to Perth’s Team of the Century. Moreover, he played for Western Australia in eight state matches proving his mettle at a bigger platform.
His exceptional abilities did not go unnoticed. Bosustow remains one of just two indigenous players in the history of the AFL. Incredibly, he won the Mark of the Year and Goal of the Year double in the same season. When he landed in Melbourne, his leap and goalkicking talents turned him into a national superstar. I hope you can understand how deeply his influence on the game was.
Ken Hunter, a teammate at Carlton, later mused about Bosustow’s unconventional nature and gift.
“I look back on him in his first year, winning Mark of the Year, Goal of the Year and a Grand Final – him being a half forward, me being a half back,” – Ken Hunter
Hunter impressed on the crowd that Bosustow was a phenomenal player. He too mentioned how Bosustow made a positive impact on everyone he encountered.
“He used to joke that I was the extrovert and him the introvert, when it was obviously the other way around. He was a unique character and a rare football talent in equal measure,” – Ken Hunter
Parkin further infused Bosustow’s dynamic presence into the documentary, emphasizing what made him one of the most exciting players on the field during his era.
“I’ve coached some outstandingly talented players, but on his day Peter could do things on a footy field few could emulate – a case in point that smother, gather and goal,” – David Parkin
Jason Bennett, Portland Timbers FC director of youth soccer development, wrote poignant words about Bosustow’s indelible effect on fans and players.
“Peter had remarkable capacities in the air and on the ground, and was probably as exciting a player to watch as we ever had,” – David Parkin
Jason Bennett also shared heartfelt sentiments about Bosustow’s lasting impact on fans and players alike.
“The Buzz was a sensation when he arrived in 1981 with a phenomenal leap & freakish goalkicking. Every kid in the playground was him. Only played 3 years before returning home for family, yet still so loved 40 years later – says it all. A nicer bloke you’ll never meet. Vale, Buzz,” – Jason Bennett
