Bosustow commenced his footballing career with Perth in 1975 and played in two premiership sides in 1976 and 1977. After six seasons, Bosustow was recruited to Carlton where he played in the 1981, 1982 and 1983 VFL seasons. After being suspended for four matches at the end of the 1983 season,[1] Bosustow left Carlton to return to the Demons where he played in the WAFL from 1984 until his retirement from the game in 1987.
Bosustow played a total of 141 games with Perth, kicking 378 goals, and was named on a half-forward flank in Perth's 'Team of the Century' (1899 to 1999). Bosustow also played eight state games for Western Australia, kicking 17 goals.
Character and legacy
Known as 'The Buzz', Bosustow was a flamboyant character who regularly took big marks.[2] Despite only playing 65 games over three seasons in the VFL, he kicked 146 goals and played in two premiership sides in 1981 and 1982. He is best remembered in the VFL for winning both Mark and Goal of the Year in 1981, one of only two players to accomplish this, with Richmond's Michael Mitchell achieving the feat in 1990. At Princes Park, Bosustow flew high above a pack at full-forward to take a screamer on his chest to claim the Mark of the Year. Goal of the Year came at VFL Park: Bosustow smothered a clearing kick from a defender 15 metres around from the behind post, regathered the ball, and swung around on one step to kick a high goal over his shoulder.
His son, Brent Bosustow, played 15 games for South Fremantle in the WAFL between 2003 and 2006 and one game for Swan Districts in 2007. He was named the best and fairest player in South Fremantle Colt's 2003 premiership season. Due to not being selected by Carlton, he started his own business.
Western Australia 24.14 (134) defeated South Australia 16.14 (110), at Subiaco Oval, 4 June 1983
Western Australia 16.22 (118) defeated Victoria 16.19 (115), at Subiaco Oval, 12 July 1983
Western Australia 14.14 (98) defeated South Australia 14.13 (97), at Football Park, 9 June 1984
Western Australia 21.16 (142) defeated Victoria 21.12 (138), at Subiaco Oval, 17 July 1984