When cultures combine
Three North Melbourne greats have been recognised in the Multicultural Team of Champions.
Wayne Schwass, Peter Bell and Saverio Rocca were among those named in the inaugural Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions on Tuesday.
Schwass, named on the half-back flank was born in New Zealand and played over 280 games at North and Sydney, while Rocca’s father was born in Italy.
Former Roo and Docker Bell was born in Korea before making his name as an AFL star. He was named in the forward pocket.
A selection panel consisting of AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, Seven Network commentator Dennis Commetti, Carlton coach Mick Malthouse and several AFL executives decided on the best 22 multicultural players from a squad of 50 who have played between 1896 and 2013.
North captain Andrew Swallow was one of just 11 current players named in the initial squad, with his father Ian born in England.
The Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions:
B: J. Worsfold (England) S. Silvagni (Italy) M. Scarlett (England)
HB: W. Schwass (New Zealand) G. Jakovich (Croatia) A. Koutoufides (Italy, Greece)
C: R.DiPierdomenico (Italy) I. Stewart (Italy) P. Matera (Italy)
HF: A. Jesaulenko (Ukraine, Russia) N. Riewoldt (Germany) D. Brereton (Ireland)
F: P. Bell (Korea) A. Lynch (England) P. Daicos (Macedonia)
Foll: R. Cazaly (England, Scotland) S. Black (New Zealand) D. Kerr (India)
I/C: A. LA Fontaine (France) C.H. Pannam (Greece) S. Rocca (Italy) J. Stynes (Ireland)
Coach: Jock McHale
Captain: Alex Jesaulenko
Peter Bell
Born in Korea and Father born in Korea
Playing Career: Fremantle 1995, 2001-08; North Melbourne 1996-2000
Games: 286, Goals: 250
Finals: 19, Grand Finals: 1996, 1998-99
Premierships: 1996, 1999
State of Origin games: 2 (Western Australia)
2 International Rules matches for Australia
Best & Fairest: 2000-01, 2003-04
All Australian: 1999, 2003
Fremantle Captain: 2002-06
Wayne Schwass
Born in New Zealand
Playing Career: North Melbourne 1988-97; Sydney 1998-2002
Games: 282, Goals: 154
Finals: 14, Grand Finals: 1996
Premierships: 1996
State of Origin games: 3 (Victoria)
Best & Fairest: 1994, 1995, 1999
All Australian: 1999
Saverio Rocca
Father born in Italy
Playing Career: Collingwood 1992-2000; North Melbourne 2001-06
Games: 257, Goals: 748
Finals: 3
Best & Fairest: 1995
Collingwood leading goal kicker: 1993-99
North Melbourne leading goal kicker: 2001-02, 2004