Australian Football

Recruited from Noble Park, Mark Bayes was a superbly consistent player for Sydney in 246 V/AFL games between 1985 and 1998. He booted 174 goals. The significance of his all-round contribution to the team during that period was recognised with his selection on the interchange bench in the Swans' official 'Team of the Century'. Although perhaps best noted as a defender, he was capable of fine football at either end of the ground. He possessed excellent skills, and was renowned for his penetrative and accurate left foot kicks. He was Sydney's best and fairest player in 1989, and represented Victoria on five occasions. Later in his career he suffered a series of niggling injuries, but these did not prevent him taking his place in a back pocket in the Swans' losing 1996 Grand Final team against North Melbourne. Comparatively injury free during his last league season, he continued playing consistently telling football to the end.

Author - John Devaney