Ex-Eagles star Chris Masten on how Adam Simpson told him his career was over, reveals Heath Ledger connectionZach MargoliusPerthNowThu, 6 November 2025 4:43PMCommentsCommentsEmail Zach Margolius
Former Eagles midfielder Chris Masten has told of how an expensive wine bottle previously owned by Heath Ledger came into his possession, and why it’s one of two drops he’ll “never drink”.
Speaking on the Top Up Wines podcast, the 36-year-old explained that his close friend and former Eagles teammate Tom Barrass is married to Nadia Rosa — the step daughter of Ledger’s father, Kim.
“When Emmi and I got married, Nadia was a bridesmaid for Emmi, and they gave us a bottle that Heath had in his cellar, and it was a 1996 Penfolds Grange that was Heath’s, and that’s in my cellar, off-site cellar, and that’ll never be drunk,” Masten said.
“I want to have that forever. That’s what wine is, though, it’s important so for me, anyway, it’s hell important for me.”
Ledger was awarded a posthumous Oscar for his starring role as The Joker in the 2008 The Dark Knight, leaving behind daughter Matilda whom she shared with actress Michelle Williams.
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Masten said the other bottle he’ll likely never crack was one gifted by former Eagles coach Adam Simpson, who delivered it with bitter sweet news.
The 2018 premiership player welcomed Simpson to his home, where he was then advised that his playing career would be over.
“The meaning was good, really great, beautiful and I appreciated it, but it’s f****** Penfolds as well,” Masten recalled.
“Simmo’s come in to my house to tell me that my 13-year career, we’re done, and he’s like, that’s my parting present.
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“And he knows that I give a **** about wine so he went and bought this expensive bottle of wine (to say) ‘we love ya, thank you’.”
“I haven’t drunk it and I don’t think I ever will.”
Masten — who has parlayed his passion for wine into a career — is an area manager for South Fremantle-based wholesaler Off the Vine Distributors.
He was taken by the Eagles with pick three in the 2007 draft and played 215 games for the club, departing in September 2019.
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