1996, September 22, West Australian, Story and photos, “Top AFL Clubs scramble to sign gifted WA schoolboy”. A photo of Michael Gardiner at Wesley College. If brilliant schoolboy footballer Michael Gardiner had his way he would be lining up with North Melbourne alongside playing idol Corey McLernon. the 17 year old, 200cm tall strongly built who will miss today’s grand final with Claremont because of a leg injury, is being sought by all the AFL Clubs. His next preference is to stay in the West with the West Coast or dockers teams. Gardiner is training now twice a day and waiting till his future is decided.
