Carlton mourns the loss of one of the greats of the game

The Australian football world is in mourning following the passing of one of the game's most electrifying figures, Peter Bosustow, aged 67.

Bosustow, affectionately known as "The Buzz", died early Monday morning in Perth after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife Shelley, son Brent and daughter Brooke, who were by his side to say their final goodbyes.

The son of former Carlton player Bob Bosustow, Peter lit up Princes Park from the moment he crossed from Perth in 1981, joining fellow Western Australian Ken Hunter. Both became instant sensations, but it was Bosustow's acrobatics, sharp goal sense and larger-than-life personality that quickly made him a Carlton cult hero.

In just three seasons and 65 games for the Blues, Bosustow made an indelible impact, booting 146 goals and helping lead the club to back-to-back premierships in 1981 and 1982. His inaugural season remains one of the most memorable in AFL history, winning both the Goal of the Year and Mark of the Year awards, alongside lifting the premiership trophy.

Former teammate Ken Hunter remembered Bosustow fondly, saying, “I think of what a character ‘Buzz’ was and how much he took to the big stage. He was a unique character and a rare football talent in equal measure. The Carlton people loved ‘Buzz’ and he loved Carlton.”

Bosustow's highlight reel moments – none greater than his soaring mark over Geelong's John Mossop at Princes Park and his instinctive goal against Ian Nankervis at VFL Park – are still cherished by Blues fans. His ability to turn a game in a few magical moments made him a constant crowd favourite.

Former Carlton coach David Parkin paid a heartfelt tribute, describing Bosustow as “an exceptional talent” who was "probably as exciting a player to watch as we ever had". Parkin recalled Bosustow's breathtaking smother, gather and goal during the 1981 semi-final as the quintessential example of his rare brilliance.

After three seasons, Bosustow returned to WA in 1984 due to his father's illness. He continued to shine at WAFL level with Perth, where he played 141 games and kicked 379 goals, also representing WA against Victoria and South Australia. He topped Perth’s goalkicking three times and was later named in the club's Team of the Century.

A comeback attempt at Carlton in 1986 ultimately fell short, but his connection with the club and its supporters never wavered.

Bosustow's final years were marked by courage in the face of illness. Diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer, he fought valiantly and even celebrated a brief cancer-free period in 2023. However, his second battle with cancer recently became public, and earlier this month he was hospitalised in Perth.

Remarkably, Bosustow spent his final evening watching his beloved Blues claim a stirring victory over Geelong at the MCG – the same club against which he once performed some of his most iconic feats. According to reports, he raised a fist in celebration at the final siren.

Throughout his illness, Bosustow received widespread support from the football community, with fundraising efforts in 2022 attended by many of his former teammates and friends.

Peter Bosustow leaves behind a legacy as one of football’s most charismatic and spectacular talents. His high-flying marks, impossible goals and infectious spirit will forever be part of Carlton's rich history — and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to witness "The Buzz" in full flight.

Images: Carlton FC