Bruce Lindner

Bruce Norman Lindner (born 20 June 1961) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Geelong Football Club and Adelaide Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is the nephew of legendary North Adelaide footballer Don Lindner.

Blessed with high marking and strong hands, as well as having no trouble kicking the ball 50 metres on the fly even into the wind, Lindner made his league debut for West Adelaide on 16 June 1980 but failed to cement his place in the top side, playing only 4 games and kicking 2 goals for a season mainly spent in the reserves. He went on to win the 1981 SANFL Reserves Magarey Medal, despite only playing 10 reserves games for the year. Following this, Lindner was given his chance by senior coach Neil Kerley and he became a regular in Wests top side in 1982, playing 15 games and kicking 37 goals.

"The President", as Linder was known, had his best year with The Bloods in 1983. Playing mainly at Half forward but also at times playing Full-forward, Lindner kicked 77 goals for the season and along with regular full-forward Roger Luders (who kicked 105 for the season) and forward player Mike Smith, West Adelaide had the most potent attack in the league, the three kicking over 220 between them. This, combined with their fast and skillful ruck and mid-field plus a tough back line saw The Bloods win 18 of their 22 minor round games to finish minor premiers and easily won their way into the 1983 SANFL Grand Final with a 76-point win over reigning premiers Norwood in the Second Semi-final. Playing at half forward in the Grand Final in front of 47,129 fans at Football Park, Lindner kicked five goals, including a 60-metre goal from the centre square only seconds before the final siren, described by Channel 7 TV commentator Robert Oatey as having "really pile driven this one", as West defeated Sturt 21.16.(142) to 16.12.(108) for their first premiership since the year of Lindner's birth, 1961. In another coincidence, The Bloods coach on that day in 1961 was none other than Lindner's '83 Premiership coach Neil Kerley.