Heath Black

Who is Heath Black?

Heath Black is a former Australian rules footballer who played in the Australian Football League.

The 177 cm wingman is noted for his speed and long left foot kicking. Beginning his career in 1997 he was seen as a bright prospect and several years down the track that has been proven correct. Black was recruited with the 12th selection in the 1996 AFL Draft and began his career with Fremantle in 1997. After spending five seasons at the Dockers, and after finishing second in the Doig Medal in 2000, he was traded to St Kilda.

He was a vital part of the Saints' midfield during his relatively brief time there, and at the end of 2003 requested to be released so he could go back to Perth. However, the Saints lodged the trade request after the deadline and Black stayed on with St Kilda for another season. At the end of 2004 he was eventually traded back to the club which he began his career at.

In 2005, Black was one of the few consistent players in a mediocre season for Fremantle. He finished fourth behind Peter Bell, Shane Parker and Matthew Pavlich, in the count for the club's best and fairest award, the Doig Medal.

In February 2006, it was rumoured that Black would take part in a publicity stunt similar to the Garry Hocking "Whiskas" incident in 1998, in that Black would change his name to Heath Purple. Whilst Hocking's name change only lasted for a week, Black's would have lasted for the entire 2006 AFL season as part of a promotion with Ribena. However, Black's involvement in a fight at the Perth Cup on New Year Day 2006 and subsequent police charges of assault occasioning bodily harm, obstructing police and assaulting a female police officer may be a reason the promotion was cancelled.