Ray Gabelich (3 July 1933 – July, 2000) was an Australian rules footballer of Croatian heritage who played with Collingwood in the VFL.
Gabelich was a premiership player with Collingwood in 1958. He won the Copeland Trophy for Collingwood's Best and Fairest in 1960 having finished 3rd in the Brownlow the previous season. In 1961 he returned to WA where spent a season with West Perth as well as representing his state at the Brisbane Carnival where he earned All-Australian selection. He returned to Collingwood and captained the club for the entire 1964 season and part of 1965.
Gabelich is perhaps best known for his goal in the dying minutes of the 1964 Grand Final. He had gathered the ball from his forward 50 and run in to kick what looked like being the match winning goal. It was not to be, however, and Melbourne defender Neil Crompton replied with a goal to give his side victory by 4 points.
Edit: Gabbo was the main reason W.A. beat Victoria for first time in 1961 carnival.
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Gabbo's Run
Warren you are a legend mate, just as gabbo was.
Piratekombi
Mmmm, maybe I should change my username to "Jezza's Mark" - after all, it happened in the legendary "handball handball handball" grandfinal, in front of 122,000 at the MCG. Carlton came from 44 points behind at half-time to beat Collingwood by 10 points - undoubtedly the greatest grand final ever!
