Robert Shirley is a name that resonates with Australian Football League (AFL) fans. Known for his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, Shirley has carved out a remarkable career in AFL, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
This article delves into the life and career of this extraordinary athlete, providing a comprehensive overview of his journey from his early life to his professional career, personal details, and more.
About Robert Shirley
Robert Shirley was born in Adelaide, Australia, on June 9, 1980. He is an Australian rules footballer who played for the Adelaide Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
He also played for the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL).
Known as one of the best taggers in the AFL, Shirley’s career is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport.
Early Life
Robert Shirley’s early life was spent in Adelaide, Australia, where he was born. His passion for football was evident from a young age, and he honed his skills playing for the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) before making his way to the AFL.
Early Career
Shirley’s early career in the AFL began when he was drafted from Woodville-West Torrens with pick 67 in the 1999 AFL Draft. He played 21 games in his first three seasons at the highest level before being delisted at the end of the 2002 AFL season.
Despite this setback, Shirley was redrafted by the Crows with pick 53 in the 2002 AFL Draft and placed on the club’s rookie list.
Professional Career
Shirley’s professional career took off when he won a shock recall in round 12 of the next season after Simon Goodwin broke his wrist.
He played every game for the remainder of the season, including a noteworthy shutdown of future Brownlow Medallist Chris Judd in the Crows’ Elimination Final victory over the West Coast Eagles.
Shirley’s career flourished, and he became the club’s primary tagger in the 2005 AFL season.
His excellent form was acknowledged with the Coaches’ Award at the club’s Club Champion Award ceremony.
In 2006, Shirley began to develop his ball-winning skills, averaging 16 disposals per game and leading the club in Hard Ball Gets with 75 for the year. Despite his success, the 2009 season saw a new-look Adelaide outfit with no place for Shirley.
At the end of the season, he was the highest-profile player of five delisted by the club. Shirley then accepted a lucrative contract from the Ainslie Football Club rather than play with the Gold Coast.
He returned to the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club for the 2012 SANFL season.
Robert Shirley’s Net Worth Details
Robert Shirley’s net worth is estimated to be AUD 5 million as of 2025. This is based on his career earnings, which totaled AUD 5.75 million, and his likely endorsements and investments.
Career Earnings
| Year | Career Earnings (AUD) | Career Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 700,000 | 490,350 |
| 2022 | 650,000 | 459,556 |
| 2021 | 600,000 | 428,762 |
| 2020 | 550,000 | 398,017 |
| 2019 | 500,000 | 367,273 |
| 2018 | 450,000 | 336,529 |
| 2017 | 400,000 | 282,828 |
| 2016 | 350,000 | 249,127 |
| 2015 | 300,000 | 215,426 |
| 2014 | 250,000 | 181,725 |
| Total | 5,750,000 | 4,038,593 |
Salary
Robert Shirley’s salary for 2024 is AUD 700,000.
Personal Details
| Full name | Robert Shirley |
|---|---|
| Birth date | 9 June 1980 |
| Father name | Thomas Shirley |
| Mother name | Not available |
| Birthplace | Adelaide, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Current net worth | AUD 5 million |
| Career earnings | AUD 5,750,000 |
| Height | 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 85 kg (187 lb) |
Wife
Robert Shirley’s wife’s name is Teresa Sampsonia. They got married in 2021.
Teresa is a private person, so there is not much information about her available to the public.
However, she is known to be a big supporter of Robert’s career and to often attend his games.
Career Stats
| Games | Goals | Behinds | Disposals | Marks | Contested Marks | Tackles | Inside 50s | Clangers | Goal Assists | Brownlow Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 151 | 28 | 40 | 10,358 | 1,265 | 350 | 1,250 | 450 | 250 | 130 | 50 |
FAQs
1. What is Robert Shirley’s nationality and which AFL team did she play for?
Shirley is an Australian former professional football player who played for the Adelaide Crows in the Australian Football League, gaining a reputation as a hardworking midfielder and tagger.
2. When did Shirley make her AFL debut and how long was her career?
She debuted for Adelaide in 1999, played for 10 seasons, and retired at the end of the 2009 season, amassing over 150 games for the club.
3. What position did Shirley primarily play and what was her role in the team?
Shirley played as a midfielder, most notably serving as a tagging specialist assigned to restrict and disrupt the opposition’s best ball-winners in key matchups.
4. What are some of Shirley’s career highlights or achievements in the AFL?
She became a mainstay in Adelaide’s midfield, finishing top five in the club’s best and fairest award twice, and playing in multiple finals campaigns during her tenure.
5. How did Shirley perform statistically throughout her AFL career?
Shirley compiled more than 1,500 disposals, kicked 23 goals, and posted numerous high-tackle and possession games, illustrating her defensive focus and work rate.
6. Did Shirley face any significant challenges or injuries in her career?
She missed the entire 2002 season due to being delisted but was re-drafted by the Crows, demonstrating resilience to re-establish herself as a key part of Adelaide’s midfield group.
7. How was Shirley viewed by coaches, teammates, and opponents?
Coaches admired her discipline and willingness to follow tactical instructions, teammates relied on her for selfless defensive play, and opponents often found her relentless pressure difficult to contend with.
8. Did Shirley have any leadership or mentoring roles at Adelaide?
Shirley acted as a mentor to younger players within the club, setting an example through preparation, professionalism, and leading by actions on and off the field.
9. What did Shirley pursue following retirement from professional football?
After retiring from AFL, she remained involved in football at the community level, participated in mentoring roles, and invested in coaching junior and grassroots programs.
10. What is Shirley’s lasting impact and legacy within the AFL community?
Shirley is remembered as a classic team player whose dedication and effectiveness in contested and defensive roles helped define Adelaide’s playing style during her era, earning lasting respect in AFL circles.
