Dipper DiPierdomenico

Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico – AFL Great, Media Personality & Iconic Entertainer

A larger-than-life figure both on and off the field, Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico is a bona fide legend of Australian Rules Football. Beginning his career with the Hawthorn Football Club in 1975, Dipper took time to cement his place in the senior team, playing 99 reserve grade games before emerging as one of the toughest and most colourful characters in the game.

He burst onto the scene with a best-on-ground performance in the 1978 VFL Grand Final and went on to become a cornerstone of Hawthorn’s golden era. Over his career, he played 240 games, kicked 130 goals, and was part of five day and five night premiership teams. Known for his trademark moustache, rugged style, and uncompromising approach, Dipper was as beloved by fans as he was feared by opponents.

In 1986, he capped off a brilliant season by winning the Brownlow Medal (shared with Greg Williams) and added another premiership medallion days later. His toughness reached mythical levels during the 1989 Grand Final, where he played through the match with broken ribs and a punctured lung—only discovering the extent of his injuries after collapsing post-match.

After retiring in 1991, Dipper reinvented himself as a national media personality. He became a household name through his work on Channel 7 as a boundary rider and later as part of radio’s 3AW coverage. His vibrant personality made him a favourite on TV programs such as Before The Game, Postcards, Mornings with Kerri-Anne, and The Today Show.

Today, Dipper is the National Ambassador for the AFL’s Auskick program, travelling across the country to introduce the next generation to the game he loves. He’s also a proud NAB ambassador and continues to promote Australian football through corporate and community initiatives.

A gifted storyteller and entertainer, Dipper is one of the most in-demand after-dinner speakers in the country. His hilarious anecdotes, larger-than-life personality, and deep love for the game make every event he attends unforgettable.