As flamboyant AFL legend Warwick Capper sashays past his 60th lap of the planet, he’s not letting the anniversary define him.
“I still think I’m 30,” he tells Woman’s Day, flashing an immaculate set of Hollywood-white teeth, complete with two gold caps.
“The problem is my brain tells me I can do things I’ve always done, but my body now lets me down. I’d still love to be playing footy and bouncing on a trampoline, but I can’t.”
The 60-year-old is not letting age slow him down.
(Image: Phillip Castleton)Known for his larger-than-life personality and show-stopping performances on and off the field, the former full-forward for the Sydney Swans believes his appeal stems from his genuine nature.
“I’m a larrikin, I make people laugh and Aussies love that,” boasts Melbourne-based Warwick, who arguably wore the tightest shorts in the AFL through the mid-’80s.
“They were a bit uncomfortable, but I loved the attention. I had a great rear end – it was good for marketing.”
“I’m a larrikin, I make people laugh and Aussies love that.”
(Image: Phillip Castleton)PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR
The blond-topped former “flying mullet” is planning a bigger-than-big party to celebrate his 60th, with guests including reality stars and a mixed bag of multi-generational football legends including Sam Newman, Wayne Carey and Matthew Richardson. Iconic Aussie band Boom Crash Opera will headline the night.
Reflecting on his achievements, the sexagenarian proudly states, “I’m the biggest celebrity that Australian Rules Football has ever had! I’ve been able to make a living off my name my whole adult life, and I haven’t played for 30 years.”
Careers within his career of being “Capper” have included lollipop twirling for a Brisbane traffic management company, porn stardom, a failed run for Queensland state politics and launching a mobile coffee van business called Cappercinos.
“I’m the biggest celebrity that Australian Rules Football has ever had!”
(Image: Phillip Castleton)It’s a colourful résumé, but perhaps underneath the dazzle lies a canny businessman. After all, Warwick has not only found time to cleverly monetise his name but also trademark the famous catchphrase “Capppeeerrr”.
Counting his two runner-up Coleman Medal finishes for most goals kicked in an AFL season, and his Mark of The Year award in 1987, as his greatest achievements, he also remembers some moments he’d rather forget.
Like the time he was kicked off reality show Big Brother for exposing himself to fellow castmates, or the time he attempted to drive home naked from a girlfriend’s house when his car’s gearbox failed.
“That was a bit embarrassing,” admits Warwick.
Fiance Lisa is keeping Capper humble.
(Image: Phillip Castleton)FRESH LOOK
While his aerial skills defined the star’s football life, he is now equally recognised for the lengths he has gone to maintain his youthful good looks.
“I like feeling fresh and I’m happy with the stuff I’ve had done,” he laughs, admitting to getting Botox, new teeth, liposuction and skin tightening – all in the past decade.
“Everyone else gets it and keeps it quiet but I don’t care.”
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying he’s still got it. Warwick is still recognised whenever he’s in public, and admirers stop at nothing to snap selfies and ask for autographs. But as he enters the next phase of his zany and colourful life, he’s trying to embrace a bit of humility too – thanks to a gentle nudge from his fiancee Lisa Arocca.
“I try to be humble, but that only lasts five minutes,” jests Warwick, acknowledging “60 is the new 30”. “It is hard when you’re as beautiful as me!”
