Former AFL player Graham Polak, and his wife Alyce, welcomed their first child in Perth on January 11. They have named their daughter London Joy.

Graham and Alyce chose her name in tribute to both their fathers, whom they have lost. Alyce’s dad grew up in London, and Graham’s dad is named Don. Joy is the middle name of Alyce’s mother.

Graham began his career playing for Fremantle Dockers, and was traded to Richmond Tigers in 2006. He suffered severe brain damage when he was hit by a tram on a Melbourne street in 2008. It took more than a month for Graham to recover his memory. He played football 14 months after his accident, but after getting concussion during a game, retired due to ongoing health concerns.

Alyce Polak, nee Oksuz, is a former model. She and Graham were married in October 2010.

London Polak is now the third celebrity baby announced as born on January 11, getting the year off to a flying start.

(Story and photo from the Sunday Herald Sun, January 15 2012)