Jason McCartney

Jason McCartney is a national hero who inspires audiences with his remarkable accounts of how he overcame adversity through amazing support from family, friends and team mates.

Jason became a national hero in the wake of the Bali Bombings in 2002 and epitomises the Australian fighting spirit. His story is one of humanity overcoming adversity. Jason, a young Australian with an exceptional talent to play Australian Rules Football, was thrust into the hearts and minds of all Australians through his courageous fight-back from horrible burns he suffered in Bali.

Few will forget his triumphant return to AFL football on the evening of June 6, 2003. He helped in scoring the winning goal, but his ultimate glory was a victory over terrorism and a “win” for all those who survived Bali. Jason was awarded an OAM in October 2003.

Jason started his career when he was drafted at pick number four in the 1990 National Draft by the Collingwood Football Club. Following four seasons with the Pies, Jason crossed over to the Adelaide Crows where he spent another three seasons. In 1998, Jason returned to Victoria, playing the next 6 seasons for his beloved Kangaroos. In 2002 he was inducted into the AFL 200 Games Club.

Jason has previously worked with the Australian Football League as the AFL National High Performance Manager, the Western Bulldogs Football Club (2016 AFL Premiers) as List Manager and is currently the List Manager at the GWS GIANTS Football Club. Jason is also involved with many charities, including KIDS Foundation, Peter Hughes Foundation and the Live for Lily Foundation.