Stephen Tingay

Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Shepparton Football Club supporters took notice when a young fair headed wingman burst onto the scene as a junior.  It wasn’t long before he was promoted into the senior side and performed with class. Stephen’s sporting prowess was not surprising as his father George had been a top footballer with Shepparton and the Swans, and his mother Lorna was a champion Hockey player.  As the GVL was zoned to the Melbourne Demons it wasn’t long before they swooped on the young Shepparton wingman and he was recruited to the Demons in 1989 where he would have a ten year career.

Stephen developed his flat out approach and pace to become a classy wingman with Melbourne.  At one stage his career was disrupted by a fall through a plate glass window.

In 1993 the Demons were delighted with Stephens’ performances as he developed into one of the team’s top line players. He was highly skilled and didn’t mind mixing it in the packs. 1994 was a stellar year when he showed his class as a top wingman. He was selected to wear the big white V as a Victorian representative and subsequently was selected in the All Australian team. The Demon fans loved to see his flashy long blond hair in his early days and loved his work rate. He was a very popular Melbourne player.

Later in his career he suffered recurring hip problems which restricted his performance. He also developed hamstring injuries which ended his career.

Stephen played a total of 162 games with Melbourne and kicked 84 goals during his 10 year AFL career, a career he can be very proud of.  His best year gave him the honour of being an All Australian, and the City of Greater Shepparton is delighted to recognise that a Shepparton Sportsman has been named in the highest level of AFL players. Stephen Tingay is now inducted into the Shepparton Sports Hall of Fame.