Career: 1989-2004; 1989-2001 North Melbourne, 2003-2004 Adelaide
Games: 272; 244 North Melbourne, 28 Adelaide
Goals: 727
Brownlow Medal: 127 career votes
Guernsey numbers: 40 - 1989, 18 - 1990-2001
Height: 192cm
Weight: 97kg
DOB: 27 March 1971 (Debut: 18y 14d, last game: 33y 16d)
One of the game's all-time greats, he was a commanding figure at centre half-forward. From Wagga, he followed his brother Dick to Adelaide where he played SANFL reserves at the age of just 15 and would have played seniors the next year. Dick Carey spent hours with his younger brother teaching him how to use his body in contests for the ball.
From the start the youngster showed great hand skills, strong marking and athleticism. As his confidence grew it was apparent that he was something special.
Coach Denis Pagan said that Carey had a 'presence' from the time he arrived at Arden Street. He was a real matchwinner and was looked up to by all North players. He was a strong mark and kick even in wet conditions.
He dislocated his left shoulder just eight minutes into the second quarter of the opening round of 1997 and needed a shoulder reconstruction for the second time in his career. In 1989, he had dislocated his left shoulder in a practice game, and in 1991 he injured the right shoulder.
Early in 1992 he considered leaving North as he was tired of the unrest surrounding coach Wayne Schimmelbusch. He wanted to return to North Adelaide, but his old coach Mick Nunan talked him out of it. In 1993, he became the second youngest captain ever at 21 years and 304 days.
A string of reports in 1994 cast a pall over his career and the situation was exacerbated by comments from the AFL's Ian Collins who said that other stars did not go around whacking people. It angered Carey who believed that his profile was working against him. Later that year he was superb in the finals series despite playing under the handicap of a torn soleus muscle.
In 1996 his game reached an even higher plane than previous. The attention on "No Carey No North" eased a little and his coach Denis Pagan was no longer constantly required to bridle at endless questions about Carey's importance. He got away from the idea of trying to outbody every opponent.
When he returned in mid-1997 after a three month absence he lacked tough and seemed to have lost a lot of upper body development. He had 'no swagger, no arrogance" according to one observer. Part of his return involved playing at centre half-back and it was difficult when the football world expected him to instantly return to his best.
Carey was always the consummate big game performer and played key roles in the 1996 and 1999 premiership sides which he captained. He was North's best and fairest in 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1998 and an All-Australian from 1993 to 1996. Carey was also named All-Australian captain from 1998-2000, but was troubled by groin and other injury problems in 2001.
Profile from 'The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers'
VFL/AFL: 10041st player to appear
North Melbourne: 801st player to appear
News articles:
Carey's honour worth waiting for - 3rd June, 2010
Footy Flashbacks: Carey's 11 - 29th April, 2010
Crocker's door open for Carey - 16th July, 2009
Carey input welcome: Crocker - 7th July, 2009
Carey named in North Melbourne's Hall of Fame - 22nd March, 2009
Laidley backs Carey's return - 16th March, 2009
Carey, Pagan talk of Kangaroo pride - 19th March, 2005
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