Former AFL premiership player Matt Suckling and orienteering champion Robert Vincent have been added to the Wagga Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame. Photo: Museum of the Riverina.
Two-time AFL premiership winner Matthew Suckling and orienteering champion Robert Vincent have become the two latest inductees into the Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame.
The two sporting heroes join more than 90 other inductees, including Paul Kelly, Peter Stirling, Mark Taylor and Sally Shippard, to receive the honour.
Meanwhile, AFL coach, player and volunteer Shane Lenon has had his contributions in developing AFL in the region recognised after being named a Local Legend.
The trio were inducted at a ceremony at the Museum of the Riverina’s Botanic Gardens site on Friday (28 November), when their names, alongside 2019 inductees Kate Blackwell (cricket), Alex Blackwell (cricket) and Brian Lawrence (cricket), were officially honoured. (2019’s ceremony was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.)
Nominations for the Sporting Hall of Fame and Local Legend Awards were open during July 2025 and were assessed by a panel before being endorsed by the city council.
Wagga Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout said the calibre of the nominees reflected Wagga Wagga’s reputation as the City of Good Sports.
“We are pleased to be able to add another three names to the Sporting Hall of Fame, joining the long list of elite athletes, sporting champions and local sporting administrators, coaches, volunteers, or coordinators,” Councillor Tout said.
“It’s a way for all of us to recognise the achievements of these representatives of Wagga Wagga who have reached the pinnacle of their sporting careers at the national or international level or have made invaluable contributions to supporting and growing sport within the local community.”
Suckling was born in Wagga Wagga and played 178 games at the elite AFL level for Hawthorn (102 games and dual-premiership player) and Western Bulldogs (76 games) before retiring.
Matt Suckling playing for the Western Bulldogs during his impressive AFL career. Photo: Supplied.
Suckling also represented Australia in the International Rules Series against Ireland in 2011. The nomination was submitted by his junior AFL club, East Wagga Kooringal Hawks, and endorsed by AFL Riverina.
Vincent competed at the highest level, representing Australia in orienteering for several years while living in Wagga Wagga.
He competed in three World Orienteering Championships and contributed to the development of the sport by becoming the president of the WaggaRoos Orienteers in 1984.
His nomination was submitted by the WaggaRoos Orienteers.
Lenon has provided long and distinguished service to AFL in the Riverina as a player and a coach, and is recognised as a key contributor to the sport’s development.
He has won 12 premierships (seven playing, five non-playing) and four league best and fairest medals, and his devotion to the game has seen him play multiple roles on game day, including umpiring junior matches.
Lenon’s nomination was endorsed by Collingullie Football Club and AFL Riverina.
The Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame can be found at the Museum of the Riverina’s Botanic Gardens site.
