About Gary Ayres
Gary James Ayres (born 28 September 1960) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Hawthorn Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is currently the senior coach for the Warragul Football Club in the Gippsland Football Netball League (GFNL). Ayres' playing career is honoured by the existence of the Gary Ayres Award, an annual award given to the player judged best-afield by the AFL Coaches Association throughout each AFL finals series. == Playing career == === Hawthorn === Beginning his playing career with Hawthorn in 1978, he had a career spanning from 1978 until 1993, playing 269 games and booting 70 goals. He was part of a total of 5 premiership teams – 1983, 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1991. He won the Norm Smith Medal twice, adjudged best on ground in 1986 and 1988 and is one of only four players in the history of the AFL to do so. Ayres captained Victoria against Tasmania in the 1989 State of Origin contest. He captained the Hawks in his final two years from 1992 to 1993. Gary played most of his football in defence, particular the back pocket position. He was nicknamed "Conan" by fans in reference to his powerful upper-body physique.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.