Dale Weightman

Dale Weightman – AFL Champion & Inspirational Speaker

Tenacious, lightning-fast and fiercely skilled, Dale “The Flea” Weightman is one of the most iconic figures in Australian football. Best known for his dynamic presence in the midfield and unwavering commitment to the game, Weightman enjoyed a decorated career with the Richmond Football Club and on the representative stage.

A 1980 VFL Premiership player, Weightman played 274 games for Richmond and was club captain from 1988 to 1992. He earned two Jack Dyer Medals (1986, 1987) as Richmond’s best and fairest and was selected as an All-Australian on three occasions. His loyalty, passion and brilliance on the field made him a fan favourite and an enduring figure in the club’s history.

Where Weightman truly shone was in State of Origin football. Representing Victoria 20 times, he approached the Big V jumper with a finals-like intensity, especially during the mid-1980s when interstate contests were fiercely contested. In 1985, at the peak of his powers, he was awarded the Tassie Medal for best afield performances against both Western Australia and South Australia – a fitting recognition for a player who consistently delivered on the big stage.

Remarkably, Weightman achieved all of this while managing type 1 diabetes – a challenge he never used as an excuse. His relentless energy, courage, and football intelligence belied the physical hurdles he quietly overcame.

Inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame and Richmond’s Hall of Fame, Dale Weightman is now a sought-after speaker whose stories of resilience, leadership, and elite performance continue to inspire audiences of all kinds.