Rodney Albert Austin (born 26 January 1953) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Carlton Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL). Nicknamed "Curly" due to his mop of wavy black hair, Austin was a player with a distinctive unorthodox kicking style whose athleticism, intelligence and courage enabled him to be used in a variety of roles in defence, whether as a second full-back or on rovers resting in the forward pocket. After retiring, Austin became a respected coach and AFL administrator.