The AFL and WAFL community is mourning the death of former Carlton and Perth favourite Peter Bosustow, aged 67. A member of the WA Football Hall of Fame, Bosustow passed away in Perth on Monday morning following a battle with rectal and liver cancer.
Known affectionately as "The Buzz," Bosustow was renowned for his incredible highlight reel throughout a 13-season career with the WAFL’s Demons and the VFL’s Blues, including two premierships with Carlton in 1981 and 1982.
His 1981 campaign included the extraordinary feat of winning both the VFL’s Mark of the Year and Goal of the Year in the same season—an achievement matched only by Richmond’s Michael Mitchell in the league’s history. Bosustow kicked 146 goals in 65 games at Carlton, winning 49 of those games in a dominant era for the Blues, before returning to WA in 1984 after his father, fellow former Blue Bob Bosustow, became ill.
In total, Bosustow booted 379 majors in 141 WAFL appearances for Perth, including a role in the club’s most recent premiership in 1977. He also represented WA eight times for 17 goals before calling time on his career in 1987. His legacy was cemented when he was named on a half-forward flank in the Demons’ Team of the Century and earned his WA Football Hall of Fame induction in 2017.
Perth president Adrian Barich described Bosustow as a legendary figure who “left a lasting mark on the game.” Barich stated, “Known affectionately as ‘The Buzz,’ Peter thrilled fans with his electrifying style, spectacular high-flying marks, ferocious tackling, and unmistakable flair on the field. At both the Perth Football Club and Carlton, Peter Bosustow’s career was marked by brilliance and passion. He was a premiership player for the Demons and a dual premiership player with Carlton and a celebrated personality in the football community.”
“Beyond the goals and the marks, he was a character of the game—larger than life, and unforgettable to those who saw him play. A cult hero who, put simply, was a footballing genius. Today, we remember Peter Bosustow not just for his achievements, but for the joy he brought to fans across the country. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire football community. Our thoughts are with Shelley, Brooke, and Brent. Peter Bosustow was one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed.”
Carlton also paid tribute to one of the club’s all-time fan favourites, stating, “The great Australian game has lost a little of its lustre today, with the untimely passing of one of its most spectacular exponents, the two-time Carlton premiership forward Peter Bosustow. Bosustow, 67, died in Perth early this morning after a long illness. He leaves behind his beloved wife Shelley, son Brent, and daughter Brooke who were all with him to say their goodbyes.”
Upon revealing the start of his cancer battle in 2021, Bosustow told The West Australian that he would apply his trademark fight on the footy field to his medical challenge. He stated, “I am going to meet it head on. Whatever comes up I will meet it then.” However, Bosustow and his wife Shelley had been under significant financial stress following the collapse of home lease scheme operator Sterling First, which resulted in more than 100 tenants losing their life savings.
Former Blues teammate Ken Hunter described Bosustow as “a unique character and a rare football talent in equal measure.” Hunter remarked, “That talent was obvious in Perth but it went to another level when he came to Melbourne. The Carlton people loved Buzz and he loved Carlton.”
Richmond great and columnist for The Nightly, Matthew Richardson, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Bosustow was an inspiration for forwards like himself, saying, “When I first started following the Tigers in the early 1980’s ‘The Buzz’ was a star. I enjoyed players that could leap and kick goals. Peter at that time did it as well as anyone. Gone way too young.”
Peter Bosustow’s impact on Australian rules football is indelible, and his legacy will continue to resonate with fans and players alike. As the football world reflects on his life and contributions, it is clear that he was not just a player but a vibrant personality who brought joy and excitement to the game.
In conclusion, the passing of Peter Bosustow marks a significant loss for the AFL community. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, will be remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of witnessing his talent and charisma.
