As part of our celebration of 100 years of the Phelan Medal, each week we’re spotlighting a past Phelan Medallist and their contribution to AFL Sydney history.
Football Background
Full Name: Brian Leslie Tyler
Nickname: Toby Tyler
Playing Position/s: Centre
Playing Status: Retired
Phelan Medal Receipt Year/s: 1969, 1974
Years playing in Sydney: 1966 -1974
Sydney Senior Club/s: South’s then Easts
Sydney Junior Club/s: Mt Lawley in Perth
Pocket Profile Questions
Toughest Opponent in Sydney?
Ian Allen
What did winning a Phelan Medal/s mean to you?
I was a better player than I thought I was.
What impact did winning a Phelan Medal have on your playing career?
I retired satisfied.
What is your most memorable moment from your career in Sydney?
Being selected to represent NSW and playing on The MCG.
Did you have any pre-game superstitions or routines?
Always clean boots and socks up,
What is the best advice you received as a player and from who?
Jackie Armstrong always told me to back myself.
What would be one piece of advice for young players coming into AFL Sydney?
Train hard and try to be the best you can.
If retired, what do you miss most about footy?
Coming from WA and joining East knowing nobody the team made me feel welcome and the mateship was amazing and life long friends till today.