Alumni manager, Brad Fisher recently caught up with an old mate in former Carlton fan-favorite, Simon “The Chief” Wiggins.
How old are you now? I’m 31.
Are you married and do you have any children? Yes I got married in 2007 and have a three-year-old girl, Layla, and a six-week-old boy, Alexander.
What have you been up to since you retired from AFL football? I spent 18 months becoming a qualified metropolitan train driver. It is a job I really enjoy, there is a lot of responsibly but also a reasonable level of flexibility.
I have also been doing some footy coaching and playing at local level as well as reading a lot of romantic novels…no don’t put that in.
What do you miss the most about playing elite football? I miss seeing my great mates every day and I also miss standing on blokes heads at the MCG in front on 87,000 fans. (laughing)
Do you keep in contact with many former team mates? If yes, who? I do, I have a lot of very good mates from my playing days. I was in Trent Sporn’s bridal party earlier in the year. I catch up for breakfast with big Adrian Deluca once a week and Digby Morrell and I go and watch the Melbourne Heart play from time to time.
Who is the best player you have seen? This guy may not have won a heap of individual accolades but I just love and admire the way Andrew McKay (former teammate) played the game, he was aggressive, clean, balanced, reliable and very dynamic.
What was the highlight of your career? I’d have to say my 100th game. All my close mates and family were over and we had a big win against the Bulldogs.
Note: Wiggins kicked four goals and received two Brownlow medal votes that day.
How often are you still recognised? Every morning when I get my kids out of bed and occasionally when I’m out and about I hear, ‘You were useless Wiggins’ (laughing).
Do you enjoy the current game? I really do. I know it’s criticised a lot these days but I think the modern game is fantastic. I might be biased, but just look at the Carlton Vs. Richmond elimination final. There was 95,000 fans at the MCG and the game and the brand of football showcased was absolutely first class.
When was the last time you had a work out in the gym? Yesterday – but I have gotten lucky here, before that it had been a couple weeks. I try and get lap or two in around the tan a few times a week.
Who is your favourite musician? I have been a massive Pearl Jam fan for a long time.
What’s on your bucket list? I want to travel as much as possible and I’d love to get to an NFL game and maybe one day the Superbowl.
What’s next for Simon Wiggins? I just want to keep chipping away. Stay out of trouble and stay relaxed. I am loving being a husband and father and I am happy when the family is all happy.
Simon Wiggins was recruited from Glenorchy with Pick 15 in the 2000 National Draft. He played 116 AFL games and kicked 36 goals. He is married to Olympic Diver Loudy Wiggins.