Biographies
This chapter comprises featured content from the 2017 edition of Reading Australian Rules Football, and comprehensive content from the 2005 edition, Reading the Game. Thecontent includes biographies, autobiographies and anthologies of biographical works, mainly involving famous or popular elite footballers. It also includes memoirs and reflective pieces with personal insights and analysis from various football identities, including players, coaches, administrators, commentators and umpires. Generally only books have been surveyed. Shorter biographical pieces, whether articles in newspapers or magazines, or sections or chapters in books, have only been selectively included. Online material has generally not been surveyed for this chapter.
Most anthologies of biographical works have been included. Some examples of these are Fallen – The Ultimate Heroes: Footballers Who Never Returned from War, (2002), by Jim Main and Dave Allen, and The Wild Men of Football (1968) by Dyer and Hansen. Encyclopedias, such as The Encyclopedia of League Footballers, by Jim Main and Russell Holmesby, first published in 1992, are more like a reference work as they generally contain only truncated summaries of players’ careers. Hence it and similar encyclopedias have been included in the ‘Statistics, Records and Reference’ chapter.
This chapter comprises featured content from the 2017 edition of Reading Australian Rules Football, and comprehensive content from the 2005 edition, Reading the Game. Thecontent includes biographies, autobiographies and anthologies of biographical works, mainly involving famous or popular elite footballers. It also includes memoirs and reflective pieces with personal insights and analysis from various football identities, including players, coaches, administrators, commentators and umpires. Generally only books have been surveyed. Shorter biographical pieces, whether articles in newspapers or magazines, or sections or chapters in books, have only been selectively included. Online material has generally not been surveyed for this chapter.
Most anthologies of biographical works have been included. Some examples of these are Fallen – The Ultimate Heroes: Footballers Who Never Returned from War, (2002), by Jim Main and Dave Allen, and The Wild Men of Football (1968) by Dyer and Hansen. Encyclopedias, such as The Encyclopedia of League Footballers, by Jim Main and Russell Holmesby, first published in 1992, are more like a reference work as they generally contain only truncated summaries of players’ careers. Hence it and similar encyclopedias have been included in the ‘Statistics, Records and Reference’ chapter.
Reading Australian Rules Football, 2017 Featured Content
For complete content see
Reading Australian Rules Football,
print edition,
available from Walla Walla Press.
For complete content see
Reading Australian Rules Football,
print edition,
available from Walla Walla Press.
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Ackerly, Douglas, Coleman: The Untold Story of an AFL Legend, Doug Ackerly: Carlton, Vic., 2014. A very comprehensive biography (576 pages) of the Essendon champion. Covers his entire career. It includes a very detailed account of Coleman’s clash with Harry Caspar of Carlton, which saw him suspended from the VFL finals in 1951. TH. |
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Amy, Paul, Fabulous Fred: the Strife and Times of Fred Cook, Melbourne Books: Melbourne, 2014. Fred Cook played 33 games for VFL team Footscray in the late 1960s but is much more known as a star full-forward with VFA team Port Melbourne. After his football career ended his life took a few wrong turns and he spent some time in prison and battling drug addiction. TH. Barassi, Ron and McFarlane, Glenn, Ron Barassi: Chronicling His Football Career Using His Scrapbooks and Memorabilia, Icons of Australian Sport, HyperActive: Springwood, NSW, 2008. Beautiful pictorial presentation of Barassi’s career is enhanced by reflections at the beginning of each chapter by key people from each stage of his career. These include John Nicholls, Brian Dixon, Alex Jesaulenko, Allen Aylett, Jim Stynes, Paul Kelly, Malcolm Blight, and several others. TH. Bartlett, Kevin and Bartlett, Rhett, KB: A Life in Football, The Slattery Media Group: Docklands, Vic., 2011. Kevin Bartlett played 403 games for the Richmond Football Club and was one of its greatest players during a period of five premierships in 13 years. He later coached the club without much success and left the club amid great bitterness. TH. Carey, Wayne and Happell, Charles, The Truth Hurts, Macmillan: Sydney, 2009. Carey is considered one of the greatest players of his era, and widely regarded as one of the best key forward position players of all time. He also achieved notoriety off-field for his infidelity, and for alcohol and drug addictions. This book covers his life story from a troubled upbringing in Wagga Wagga to his playing days as a premiership captain for North Melbourne, and continues to when his personal life attracted more attention than his football. TH. Cullen, Barbara, Harder than Football: League Players at War, Slattery Media Group: Richmond, Vic., 2015. A comprehensive account of football players who have served in armed conflicts for Australian services between 1897 and 1972, from the Boer War to the Vietnam War. It contains 2494 war and sporting stories of men who played at least one game of senior football in a major league in Australia. Very well presented publication in keeping with many other publications produced by the Slattery Media Group. TH. |
Biographies, 2005 Reading the Game List
This section comprises biographies, autobiographies and collective biographical works, mainly involving famous or popular elite footballers published up to 2005.. It also includes memoirs and reflective pieces with personal insights and analysis from various football identities, including players, coaches, administrators, commentators and umpires. Only substantial biographical works have been listed. Biographies, autobiographies’ and collective biographical works are all included. Books, book chapters, sections in books and journal articles have also been surveyed, but the volume of biographical articles published in magazines and newspapers are too numerous to be surveyed and included here.
Collective biographical works, such as Fallen – The Ultimate Heroes: Footballers Who Never Returned from War, by Jim Main and Dave Allen (2002), providing short but relatively complete summaries of the lives and careers of Australian Rules footballers, are included here. Encyclopedias, such as The Encyclopedia of League Footballers, by Jim Main and Russell Holmesby, first published in 1992, which contains very short articles have been listed in the Reference Works section. Works by or about fans and spectators are listed in the Fan Culture section.
The Australian Football Hall of Fame, HarperCollins: Ryde, NSW, 2000.
Volume 1 of this series of biographical profiles covers inductees in the Australian Football Hall of Fame from 1996 to 2000, with subsequent annual volumes including new inductees. TH.
Australian Rules: 100 Greatest Players, Murray Sports Nostalgia Series, Murray: Sydney, 1978.
Ablett, Gary, Gary Ablett, Ironbark Legends, Macmillan: Ironbark: Sydney, 1996.
Advertiser Newspapers Ltd, AFL Superstars 2003 Football Collector Card Album, Advertiser and Sunday Mail: [Adelaide], 2003.
Akermanis, Jason & Smart, Gary, Open Season, Hardie Grant Books: Prahran, Vic., 2010.
Say what you like about Jason Akermanis - footballer, showman, show-off, troublemaker - there's no denying that he's made an impression in his 15 years as an AFL star player. Now, after more than 300 games, three Premierships and a Brownlow Medal, the curtain has come down on his extraordinary career. No longer restrained by contractual obligations and free to speak at last, Aker reveals a no-holds-barred look at a stellar sporting career. Publisher’s blurb.
Akermanis, Jason, Smart, Gary, Aka: The Battle Within, Geoff Slattery Publishing: Docklands, Vic., 2004.
The Brisbane Lions Brownlow Medallist and three time premiership player, tells his story in a characteristically outspoken, honest style. Akermanis describes his humble upbringing, growing up without his father, the early death of his mother and his career at Brisbane during its most successful era. He concludes with thoughts on the 2004 Grand Final loss to Port Adelaide. There are no career statistics, or lists of great players he has seen, but plenty of insight into this star's emotions, motivations and relationships with his family, wife and coaches at Brisbane. TH.
Alves, Stan & Davies, Col, Sacked Coach: Rising from the Ashes in Life and Beyond, New Ed., Bas: Seaford, Vic., 2008.
Earlier edition published in 2002.
Ampol Petroleum & Victorian Football League, Peter Hudson, Hawthorn, VFL Champions, Ampol Petroleum with the Victorian Football League: [Melbourne], 1968.
Australian Football League, Australian Football Hall of Fame 2001, Introducing Barrie Robran, the 17th Legend, Australian Football League: [Melbourne], 2001.
Australian Football League, Eagles Superstars: West Coast Eagles, Celebrity Books: Malaga, WA, 2000.
Aylett, Allen & Hobbs, Greg, My Game: A Life in Football as Told to Greg Hobbs, Macmillan: South Melbourne, Vic., 1986.
Aylett was a brilliant player for North Melbourne in the 1950s and 1960s, but made an even greater impact upon the game as a football administrator. Aylett describes his early life and family background, with a few chapters on his career as a player, before devoting the majority of the book to his time as President of North Melbourne and later the VFL, during the 1970s and 1980s. Aylett led and presided over many significant changes in Victorian football, most notably the introduction of an independent administrative commission. He provides plenty of comment on his contribution to this process and many other issues such as player transfer regulations, ground rationalisation, South Melbourne’s transformation to the Sydney Swans and Sunday football. Each chapter has a section titled 'Aylett's Alphabet', where he gives his thoughts on miscellaneous issues, clubs and personalities. It does not include career statistics or records but is indexed. TH.
Barassi, Ron & Mcfarline, Peter, Barassi: The Life Behind the Legend, Simon & Schuster: East Roseville, NSW, 1995.
This is a high-quality biography of a football legend which provides a portrait of the man, the player, the influences on his life and his immense influence upon Australian Football. In addition to several chapters on his career as player and coach, there are chapters on his life outside football as a businessman, motivational speaker and family man. It includes a selection of best teams of players or opponents he has seen and coached, a brief statistics section, good quality black and white pictures and an index. TH.
Barnes, John & Mithen, Anthony, Talking Football. II: The 1998 Club 10 Diaries of John Barnes, Matthew Richardson, Stewart Loewe, Corey Mckernan and Mark Ricciuto, Ironbark: Sydney, 1998.
Features the diaries of AFL players John Barnes, Matthew Richardson, Stewart Loewe, Corey McKernan and Mark Ricciuto. Produced for a popular mass market by the Club 10 management group. TH.
Bernstein, David H., Diamonds and Demons: The Joseph Gutnick Story, Lothian: Port Melbourne, Vic., 2001.
A biography of the multi-millionaire mining entrepreneur who became President of the Melbourne Football Club in the wake of the failed merger attempt with the Hawthorn Football Club. TH.
Beswick, Mark, Mark Beswick's SANFL Players List, 1907-2001, 10th Ed., Mark Beswick: Lockleys, SA., 2001.
Brayshaw, Ian & Lewis, Chris, Football's Magnificent Seven: A Collection of Stories from Seven Members of WA's Victorious 1985 Teal Cup Team, Cal Bruton Enterprises: Subiaco, WA, 1991.
Brown, Gavin, Collingwood Forever, Ironbark: Chippendale, NSW, 1997.
Brown, Mal & Hansen, Brian, Mal Brown & Mongrels I've Met, Brian Edward Hansen: Mt Waverley, Vic., 1994.
Buttler, Mark & Milne, Steven, Sons of the 'Scray: Footscray's Finest 50, M. Buttler and S. Milne: Brunswick, Vic., 1994.
Campbell, Melissa, Ang Christou, Livewire Real Lives Series (Hodder Headline), Hodder Education: Sydney, 1998.
Capper, Warwick & Kotton, Howard, Capper: Fool Forward, Bas Publishing: Melbourne, 2005.
Carey, Wayne, Talking Football: The 1997 Club 10 Diaries of Wayne Carey, Glen Jakovich, Tony Lockett, Michael Voss and Gavin Wanganeen, Pan Macmillan: Sydney, 1997.
Carnegie, Jon, Watson, Tim, & Royal Children's Hospital (Melbourne Vic.), What It Takes, Trinity Grammar School Press for the Royal Children's Hospital: Kew, Vic., 1995.
Carroll, Ray, 'Just Crackers': Keenan and Football, RayRon Books: Kilmore, Vic., 1982.
Cheek, Bob, Cheeky: Confessions of a Ferret Salesman, Pipeclay Publishing: Sandy Bay, Tas., 2005.
Christison, Darren, Superstars of Winter, Ironbark, Pan Macmillan Australia: Sydney, 1996.
Christison, Darren, Talking Football: The 1997 Club 10 Diaries of Wayne Carey, Glen Jakovich, Tony Lockett, Michael Voss and Gavin Wanganeen, Ironbark: Sydney, 1997.
Christison, Darren, Tony Lockett, Ironbark Legends, Pan Macmillan: Sydney, 1999.
Clark, Mavis Thorpe, Pastor Doug: The Story of Sir Douglas Nicholls, Aboriginal Leader, Landsdowne Press: Melbourne, 1972.
This biography provides references to the football career of prominent Aboriginal leader Doug Nicholls in three chapters titled ‘Doug Makes the Team’, (pp. 51-56), ‘The Flying Abo’(pp. 56-67) and ‘Change of Course’ (pp. 74-83). Nicholls played for Northcote in the VFA and then briefly for Fitzroy in the 1930s. One of the more interesting stories in the book is Nicholls’ account of the kindness and respect shown to him by legendary player Haydn Bunton, which was apparently in contrast to other team mates at Fitzroy and previously Carlton. TH.
Cleary, Phil, Cleary Independent, HarperCollins: Pymble, NSW, 1998.
This book is mainly about the political career of Phil Cleary as well as his campaign to reform criminal law in order to protect women from violent partners. However there are significant sections in the book about his long career in the VFA as a player and coach and a brief account of when he trained with the Carlton Football Club squad. TH.
Cometti, Dennis & Kennish, Michael, Centimetre Perfect: The Classic Commentary, Allen & Unwin: East Melbourne, 2004.
Conn, Malcolm, Greats of the 80s: Australian Football, Federal Publishing: Alexandria, NSW, 1990.
Cornwall, Peter & Eustice, Ken, Pound for Pound: The High Life, Collapse and Back: The Incredible Journey of Ken Eustice, Harriett Pty Ltd: Parkside, SA., 2005.
Coward, Mike & Norwood Football Club, Men of Norwood: The Red and Blue Blooded, Norwood Football Club: Norwood, SA., 1992.
Crawford, Shane, Exposed, Geoff Slattery Publishing: Docklands [Vic.], 2003.
Daicos, Peter & Niall, Jake, Daicos: Collingwood and Me, Floradale Productions: Kilmore, Vic., 1991.
A standard player autobiography with chapters on his early life, family background and career at Collingwood, with special attention to 1990 premiership year. Contains a mandatory selection of best Collingwood and overall sides in Daicos’s era, toughest opponents, the goal-kicking wizard's seven greatest goals and year-by-year statistics of Daicos’s career. TH.
Davis, Bob, Main, Jim, & Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Woofa: Football Legend, ABC Books for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Sydney, 1996.
The Geelong great of the 1950s and famed football commentator, tells his story with a combination of charm and liberal use of anecdotes. Contains interesting accounts of Geelong's successful era of the early 1950s, a description of the coaching style and methods of premiership coach, Reg Hickey, the recruitment of Polly Farmer and Geelong’s premiership success in 1963 under Davis. A very long career in the media, especially with Channel 7, is recalled, but the description is brief. This volume includes both playing and coaching statistics. TH.
Dawson, Brian & East, Alan, John Todd: Six Decades of Footy, Cambridge Pub.: West Leederville, WA, 2004.
Todd's biography as a great player and coach is told in decade-by-decade format, starting with his childhood in the 1940s, then covering his sensational debut in the WAFL competition, where he won the Sandover medal in his first season at the age of 17. It then describes an injury-riddled career as a player, before turning to coaching. Todd was coach of the West Coast Eagles in 1988-1989 and there are chapters devoted to the formation of the club and Todd's record with the AFL club. Includes Todd's playing and coaching statistics, records and awards, a name index and several black and white images. TH.
De Bolfo, Tony & Kernahan, Stephen, Sticks: The Stephen Kernahan Story, Random House Australia: Milsons Point, NSW, 1997.
The AFL's longest serving captain traces his career from school football in South Australia, SANFL club Glenelg, to a glittering career with the Carlton Football Club in chronological sequence. Provides some detail of family and community background, but mainly a descriptive account of his on-field career, with extensive statistics and best team selections. This is a very well presented book with high quality colour and black and white pictures and an index. TH.
Depasquale, Paul, The Farmer Files: Ken Farmer, South Australian Football's Greatest Figure, Pioneer Books: Oaklands Park, SA., 2002.
Depasquale, Paul, Ken Farmer and the Ideal of Sport, Pioneer Books: Oaklands Park, SA., 2005.
Dickenson, Keith, To Take a Chance, K. Dickenson: Orford, Tas., 2004.
Donald, Chris, Haydn Bunton: Best and Fairest: The Greatest Legend in the History of Australian Rules Football, Pennon Publishing: Niddrie, [Vic]. 2003.
A detailed but generally descriptive biography of the triple Brownlow and Sandover medallist. Bunton's career is described almost match-by-match from press reports and through the recollections of players, administrators and commentators. There are interesting accounts of the sectarian divided teams in the Albury area, where Bunton played junior football and his coaching and umpiring careers. Bunton's death more than fifty years ago no doubt hampered aspects of this biography, but published recollections from Gordon Coventry, Jack Dyer and Fitzroy Aboriginal player Doug Nicholls perhaps could have been explored. It includes very extensive career statistics, a bibliography but no index. TH.
Donald, Chris, Kevin Murray: Heart of the Lion, Pennon: Essendon, Vic., 2005.
A biography of the Fitzroy legend which is similar in style and structure to the author's biography of Haydn Bunton. It includes extensive statistics and detailed coverage of Murray's very long career. TH.
Donald, Chris & Anderson, Jim, Fitzroy: For the Love of the Jumper: 100 Players Who Made the 'Lions' Roar, Pennon Publishing: North Essendon, Vic., 2002.
A chronological, decade-by-decade record of 100 of Fitzroy's greatest players, coaches and club identities. Each section is preceded by an overview of the club's performances. All periods in the club's history have been well researched including the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There are detailed career profiles of all players, with comprehensive statistics, including the weight and height of each player. Extensive appendices include all match results between 1884 and1996, plus career statistics for every Fitzroy player and career tallies of kicks, marks and handballs for recent players. The good design, layout and presentation contribute to making this one of the best books of its type. Produced in folio format with a bibliography. TH.
Dunshea, Kevin and Dunshea, Ernie, Seniors, Warrigals & Oddfellows the Footballing Days of Laurie and Ernie Dunshea, Queanbeyan 1904-1911, The author, City, 2003.
This CD chronicles the football playing days of Laurie and Ernie Dunshea between 1904 and 1911 in teams such as the Golden Eagles, Young Men's Club, Warrigals and the senior Queanbeyan team. Publisher’s blurb.
Dunstall, Jason & Piesse, Ken, The Goal King: Jason Dunstall's Own Story, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 1995.
Dyer, Jack & Hansen, Brian, Captain Blood, as Told to Brian Hansen, Paul: London, 1965.
Dyer, Jack & Hansen, Brian, Captain Blood's Wild Men II, Brian Hansen Publications: Mt Waverley, Vic, 1994.
Dyer, Jack & Hansen, Brian, Captain Blood's Wild Men of Football, Brian Edward Hansen: Cheltenham, Vic., 1993.
Dyer, Jack & Hansen, Brian, The Wild Men of Football, Southdown Press: Melbourne, 1968.
East, Alan, Stocks, Gary, Hagdorn, Kim, Commonwealth Banking Corporation (Australia), & Westside Football., WA's Fabulous 40: The Best 40 Footballers in Western Australia in the Last 40 Years, Sportscene on behalf of Westside Football: Leederville, WA, 1984.
Elliott, John, Big Jack, My Sporting Life, Schwartz and Melbourne Books: Melbourne, 2003.
The autobiography of the prominent and controversial businessman, who was also President of the Carlton Football Club for nearly twenty years from 1984. TH.
Flower, Robert & Reed, Ron, Robbie, Caribou Publications: Melbourne, 1987.
Football's Magnificent Seven: A Collection of Stories from Seven Members of WA's Victorious 1985 Teal Cup Team... Now Stars with the West Coast Eagles. Footballers Who Continue to Shape the Future of Our Great Game Both in Western Australia and Nationally, Cal Bruton Enterprises: Subiaco, WA, 1991.
Forbes, Clark, Dipierdomenico - or Just Call Me Dipper, Ironbark Press: Rushcutters Bay, NSW, 1991.
Frost, Lionel & Barassi, Ron, Immortals: Football People and the Evolution of Australian Rules, John Wiley & Sons: Milton, Qld., 2005.
A history of Australian Rules football shown through the careers of some of its greats. Frost shows how AFL has developed from an amateur, local sport to the professional, national industry it is today.
Gill, Trevor, Mark Bickley: A Biography, HarperCollins: Pymble, NSW, 2001.
Gorman, Sean, Brotherboys: The Story of Jim and Phillip Krakouer, Allen & Unwin: Crows Nest, NSW, 2005.
Great Northern Football League., Football Greats of the GNNFl/GNFL, GNFL: [Geraldton, WA], 1994.
Greenwood, Geoff, Victorian Australian Rules' Superstars, Murray Sports Series, Murray: Sydney, 1978.
Hansen, Brian, The Centurions: The History of Australian Rules Goal Kickers, 1897-1997, Brian Hansen Nominees: [Melbourne], 1997.
Hansen, Brian, The Jack Dyer Story: The Legend of Captain Blood, Brian Hansen Nominees: [Mount Waverley, Vic.], 1996.
Hansen, Brian & Dyer, Jack, If Ya Don't Mind Umpire!, The Wild Men of Football, Brian Hansen, B.E. Hansen: Mt. Waverley [Vic.], 1995.
Hansen, Brian & Dyer, Jack, Jack Dyer's the Greatest: The Most Sensational Players of the Century, B. Hansen Publications: Mount Waverley [Vic.], 1996.
Hansen, Brian & Dyer, Jack, The Wild Men of Football. Volume III, If Ya Don't Mind Umpire!, B.E. Hansen: Mt. Waverley [Vic.], 1995.
Harrison, H. C. A., Autobiography, typescript, 1923.
A book entitled "The story of an athlete: a picture of the past" by H. C. A. Harrison, the father of the Australian game of football. Published by Alexander Mc Cubbin, Melbourne, 1923. The volume includes some photographs of members of the Wills and Harrison families, as well as a group shot taken on the M.C.C. Ground at the Football Jubilee Carnival, 1908.
Harrison, H. C. A., The Story of an Athlete: A Picture of the Past, Alexander McCubbin: Melbourne, 1924.
The autobiography of one of the pioneers of Australian Rules football. Republished with a new introduction in Anne Mancini and Gillian Gibbins (eds), Running with the Ball: Football's Foster Father, Lynedock: Melbourne, 1987. TH.
Hart, David, From the Hart, David Hart: Osborne Park, WA, 1997.
Hart, Royce, The Royce Hart Story, Thomas Nelson (Australia): Melbourne, 1970.
Hart was quick off the mark with his autobiography after just a few seasons in the VFL. The book has been unfairly lampooned by some due to Hart's inclusion of himself, at the age of twenty three, in his best ever team. Despite this controversy and the brevity of the work, Hart's story is told with openness and some thought. He describes his junior career, his emergence as a star Richmond premiership player, Tom Hafey's coaching methods. Hart also offers his advice on how to succeed in football. It also includes recollections of the 'Galahs' tour of Ireland in 1968 and his thoughts on the need to professionalise the game and develop a national competition. For trivia buffs, Hart's selection by his peers in the AFL team of the century in 1996 suggests an updated biography would be justified. TH.
Harvey, Paul, Ross, John, & E.J. Whitten Foundation, The Ted Whitten Album, Macmillan: Sydney, 2003.
Hawke, Steve, Polly Farmer: A Biography, Fremantle Arts Centre Press: South Fremantle, WA, 1994.
This high standard biography of one of the game's greatest and most influential players covers all phases of Farmer's life and career from his earliest days in Perth, his years with Geelong in the VFL, his return to Western Australia, a coaching stint at Geelong, interstate football and his final active involvement in football in Western Australia during the late 1980s. A feature of this scholarly yet readable book is the unified theme, with the author continually examining Farmer’s unique contribution to the game's evolution. This book set a new standard in football biographies. Index and reference list included. TH.
Hawkins, Doug & Stevens, Michael, Hawkins, Both Sides of the Fence, MM Marketing: Moonee Ponds, Vic., 1991.
Hillier, Kevin, Like Father, Like Son: Legends of AFL Football, Pennon Publishing: [Australia], 2004.
Hird, James, Challenging Times, Slattery & Lothian Books: South Melbourne, Vic., 2002.
The Essendon champion describes in journal format a year in his life, from the disappointment of the Grand Final defeat of 2001, through to the end of the 2002 season. Offers some thoughtful reflections on his life, family, career outside football and the demands of being an elite athlete and extensive description of his serious facial injury and subsequent recovery which occurred during the 2002 season. TH.
Hobbs, Greg & Brown, Alf, The Top 240, Herald and Weekly Times: Melbourne, 1982.
Hobbs, Greg & Palmer, Scot, Today's 50 Greatest in Order from 1 to 50, Bradford Usher: Eltham, Vic., 1977.
Hobbs, Greg & Palmer, Scot Clyde, Football's 50 Greatest, Bradford Usher: Glen Iris, Vic., 1976.
Hobbs, Greg & Sheahan, Mike, The VFL Hall of Fame: The Greats of Victorian Football, Herald and Weekly Times: Melbourne, 1981.
Hocking, Garry & Bernard, Grantley, Buddha: An Autobiography, HarperCollins: Pymble, Sydney, NSW, 1999.
A surprisingly intimate book in which Hocking succeeds in ‘letting people know where he has been in his career and how he got there and what footballers go through as people, on and off the field’. Includes chapters on influential coaches, state football, tribunal appearances, his nine game reign as Geelong captain, the disappointment of four Grand Final losses and a chapter devoted to Gary Ablett. Also provides extensive descriptions and reflections on his early life and his relationships with his wife, family and father. There are no career statistics or selections of best team mates and opponents, but a brief summary of major achievements and awards is included. TH.
Hogan, Paul, The Tigers of Old: Richmond Tigers; a Complete History of Every Player to Represent the Richmond Football Club between 1908 and 1996, Richmond Football Club: Richmond, Vic., 1996.
Holmesby, Russell, Heroes with Haloes: St. Kilda's 100 Greatest, Playright Publishing: Caringbah, NSW, 1995.
Hort, Dawn, Tony Lockett, Livewire Real Lives, Cambridge University Press: Oakleigh, Vic., 2000.
Huggard, Simon, Frank Huggard, the Untamed Tiger: The Story of a Football Career in Victoria in the 1920's, S. Huggard: Prahran, Vic., 1992.
Hunt, Rex, Rex: My Life, Macmillan: Sydney, Australia, 2002.
Hutchinson, Garrie, ‘Jack Worrall First King of Coaches’, in Jon Ross, John (ed.), 100 Years of Australian Football, 1897–1996, Penguin Books, Ringwood, Vic., 1996, p. 81.
Hutchinson, Garrie & Holt, Stephanie, Footy's Greatest Coaches: The Plays, the Tactics and the Characters Who Made Australian Football, Port Melbourne: Coulomb Communications, 2002.
Portraits of VFL and AFL coaches between 1902 and 2001, focusing on the early coaches, the innovators, the greats and some contemporary coaches. Most contributions are from writers and journalists, with some inclusions by former players, Richard Osborne and Brent Crosswell. and an analysis of the modern game by premiership player and coach Robert Walls. Includes a chapter on coaching in Victorian country football and a statistics section with win and loss records for all VFL/AFL coaches between 1902 and 2001. TH.
Hutchinson, Garrie & Holt, Stephanie, Footy's Greatest Players, Coulomb Communications: Port Melbourne, 2003.
A collection of thirty seven pieces on some of the greatest players to have played in the VFL/AFL competition. Arranged in chronological order, the inclusion of some early greats such as Jack Conway, Fred Elliott, Dave McNamara and Albert Thurgood, often neglected in similar books, is a welcome feature of this collection. There is a deliberate bias towards players of the recent past, hence some truly great players are not included and the words 'some of' in the title would be a more accurate reflection of the content of this work. Some of the pieces were written specifically for this book, while others have been previously published and contributors include Martin Flanagan, Garrie Hutchinson, Ross McMullin, Geoff Slattery, Hec De Lacy and Michael Roberts. Illustrations include cartoons, caricatures and photographs. TH.
Jackson, Syd & Curzon-Siggers, Helen, Recorded Interview With: Sydney Jackson: Bringing Them Home Oral History Project [Interview Transcript], Bringing Them Home Oral History Project, National Library of Australia: Canberra, 2000.
Sydney Jackson, born 1945, Lenora, WA. Jackson was about 3 years old when he and his two sisters were removed from their mother. He describes the living conditions at Roelands Mission, W.A. where he lived until a white family fostered him at the age of 15. Jackson also speaks about his football career, playing for East Perth and later for Carlton, and about his work to encourage and facilitate Indigenous participation in sport.
James, Anthony, Football Greats of Western Australia. Volume One, Research & Information Services of WA: Belmont, WA, 1995.
Johnston, Wayne & Reed, Ron, The Dominator, Caribou Publications: Melbourne, 1991.
The former Carlton champion and club captain's autobiography is presented in chronological format, with a section on best VFL team selected by the author. Contains a little more depth and introspection than some player biographies and includes several black and white photos. TH.
Jones, Peter Kevin & Hansen, Brian, Percy: The Story of the Carlton Football Club, Brian Hansen Publications: Mount Waverley, Vic., 1995.
A colourful, eccentric, yet talented footballer, Jones tells the story of his thirty year involvement with the Carlton Football Club, as player, captain, coach and committee member. There is also an entertaining account of his career as a publican and political candidate. It begins with his early sporting career in Tasmania and the recruitment battle between several VFL clubs to lure him to Melbourne. Includes a brief chapter by Brian Hansen which describes the history of Carlton prior to Jones's arrival, with some comment on the dreary atmosphere of club until 1966. TH.
Kay, Brian, The Master: The Bob Hank Story, Peacock Publications: Norwood, SA., 2003.
Keenan, Peter & Eva, Bruce, Ten Years in Black and White, Random House Australia: Milsons Point, NSW, 1996.
Keenan, Peter, Weg, & Townley, Simon, Crackers: The Peter Keenan Story, ABC Enterprises: Crows Nest, NSW, 1990.
Kelly, Paul, Ross, John, & Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Swansong: The Paul Kelly Story, ABC Books: Sydney, 2003.
The story of Swans skipper and 1995 Brownlow medallist who in 1996 led Sydney to their first Grand Final appearance since 1945. TH
Knights, Peter & Phillipson, Neill, Knights in Muddy Armour, Outback Press: Collingwood, Vic., 1979.
Liberatore, Tony & Piesse, Ken, Libba: Living on the Edge, Lansdowne: Sydney, 1998.
Lind, Edward Oscar & Davis, Faye, Something Will Get You in the End-: In the Meantime - Have Fun, E.O. Lind: Joondanna, WA, 1995.
Linnell, Garry, Playing God: The Rise and Fall of Gary Ablett, HarperCollins: Pymble., NSW, 2003.
Part biography, but more an examination of Ablett’s path from wayward but talented country recruit, to an enigmatic football superstar who was eventually swallowed up by fame. Linnell traces the development of Ablett's career and describes some of his playing achievements in gripping, vivid prose, to contrast these achievements with the difficulties Ablett has encountered in his personal life. Linnell's skills as an award winning investigative journalist are used to great effect, basing his story of Ablett on hundreds of interviews and in-depth research to explore the country background and character of the champion’s home town, his family and networks of team mates, friends, acquaintances, business associates and fans. The book was written without Ablett's approval or co-operation. Includes an index and list of sources. TH.
Linnett, Ken, Game for Anything the Tommy Lahiff Story, Allen & Unwin: St Leonards, NSW, 1999.
An entertaining biography of VFA star and prominent district club cricketer and raconteur, who late in life emerged as an unlikely radio star covering VFL football. Also of interest for its portrait of the sporting institutions of a working-class community in Melbourne from the 1920s to the 1960s. TH.
Lockett, Tony & Brassel, Stephen, My Life, Ironbark: Chippendale, NSW, 1999.
The AFL's greatest goal kicker and 1987 Brownlow medallist tells his story. He describes his earliest memories in Ballarat, which included a period wearing callipers to correct knock knees, through to the historic moment when he broke the VFL/AFL's long standing record of 1299 goals. He also comments on team mates and opponents, great matches, controversial and funny incidents, the media, family life and his thoughts on the future, but there is no section on career statistics or records. TH.
Lockett, Tony & Piesse, Ken, Plugger: The Tony Lockett Story, Sun Books: Sydney N.S.W, 1992.
Lynch, Alastair & Blucher, Peter, Taking Nothing for Granted: From Chronic Fatigue to the MCG, HarperCollins: Pymble, NSW, 2005.
Lyon, Garry & Maher, Andrew, Demon Within, HarperSports: Pymble, NSW, 2000.
The story of Melbourne captain, club champion and multiple All-Australian forward. Lyon discusses the biggest issues in his career including the attempted merger of Melbourne with Hawthorn, the sacking of coach Neil Balme and his chronic back injuries. Also includes his thoughts on the future of the AFL national competition. TH
Madden, Justin, Harry: The Words and Wisdom of Justin Madden, Ironbark: Sydney, 1996.
Main, Jim, 200 Players: Where Are They Now?, Allen & Unwin: St Leonards, NSW, 1999.
Main, Jim, Big Al: Collingwood, the Untold Story, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 1996.
McAlister was President of Collingwood Football Club from 1986-1995, a period which included the appointment of Leigh Matthews as coach and the breaking of a very long premiership drought in 1990. One of the few books about a prominent football administrator, this book is divided into sections where McAlister provides his views on Collingwood, football in general and recollections and impressions of various players, matches and incidents. Other topics include the administrative work behind the 1990 premiership, the AFL Commission, clearance difficulties, financial restraints, dealings with other clubs and problems with players. Includes a brief biographical introduction and a selection of McAlister's quotations, including the infamous statement about Aborigines which saw him accused of racism. TH.
Main, Jim, Carlton: The 100 Greatest, Crossbow: Melbourne, 1994.
Main, Jim, Plugger and the Mighty Swans, Information Australia: Melbourne, 1996.
Despite the title, this is not a full biography of Tony 'Plugger' Lockett and his career at the Sydney Swans. Instead it is a book by prolific football author and passionate Swans supporter, Jim Main, about the rise of the Sydney Swans as a footy power in the 1990s. One third of the book is an overview of the Swans history from 1860 to 1994. The impact of Lockett's arrival at Sydney is described in some detail. The 1996 season is described match by match, culminating in the Grand Final loss to North Melbourne and there is some reflection on the Swans glorious near miss of 1996. Main also provides an A-Z listing of every South Melbourne and Sydney Swans player from 1897-1996, sourced from his well-known volume The Encyclopedia of League Footballers co-written with Russell Holmesby. TH.
Main, Jim & Allen, David, Fallen - the Ultimate Heroes: Footballers Who Never Returned from War, Crown Content: Melbourne, 2002.
Biographical portraits of 115 VFL players who were killed in wars while serving in the Australian armed services. Covers the Anglo-Boer War, World War I and World War II. Includes pictures of players, teams, servicemen, war graves and memorials. The entry for Ron Barassi Senior includes a brief recollection by his son Ron, describing his first visit to his father's grave in Tobruk. Published in folio format with a name index. TH.
Main, Jim & Healy, Gerard, The Big Aussie Rules Book, Rugby Press: Auckland, 1994.
Question and answer format profiles of leading AFL players and extended articles on players, related football topics and brief features on each club. Suitable for teenage readers. TH.
Main, Jim & Matera, Peter, Waltzing Matera: The Peter Matera Story, Gary Allen: Smithfield, NSW, 1996.
The West Coast Eagles champion wingman and 1992 Norm Smith medallist describes his career in a standard autobiographical format mainly concentrating on his on-field exploits. Includes statistics for all Matera's AFL games up to Round 8, 1996 and several black and white pictures. TH.
Main, Jim & Whitten, Ted, EJ, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 1995.
A tribute to 'Mr Football' published shortly after his death. Consists of a short autobiography and a series of tributes and recollections by friends, family, team mates, opponents, the football media and admirers. A more definitive biography is yet to be written, but this volume contains full career statistics, Whitten’s selection of his greatest team and a selection of 'Whitten's wit'. TH.
Mallett, Ashley, Mark Williams, Master Footballer Series, Hutchinson of Australia: Hawthorn, Vic., 1984.
Mallett, Ashley, Robert Flower, Master Footballer Series, Hutchinson of Australia: Hawthorn, Vic., 1984.
Mallett, Ashley, Tim Watson, Master Footballer Series, Hutchinson of Australia: Hawthorn, Vic., 1984.
A biographical series suitable for children, around 30 pages in length and containing several pictures. Other players in the series include Robert Flower, Wayne Johnston and Mark Williams. TH.
Mallett, Ashley, Wayne Johnston, Master Footballer Series, Hutchinson of Australia: Hawthorn, Vic., 1984.
Mancini, Anne, Gibbins, G. M., & Harrison, H. C. A., Running with the Ball: Football's Foster Father, Lynedock: Melbourne, 1987.
A republication of football pioneer Henry Harrison's autobiography, The Story of an Athlete: A Picture of the Past, Melbourne: Alexander McCubbin, 1924. This new edition includes two chapters on the family origins of Harrison, including a portrait of his cousin and fellow football pioneer, Tom Wills. Another chapter outlines the early development of football in Melbourne and examines Harrison's sobriquet as the 'father of Australian football'. Plenty of interesting illustrations, detailed references, an index and notes. TH.
Manton, Glenn, Dead Bolt: Sightings from the Outer, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 2004.
Matthews, Leigh & Sheahan, Mike, Lethal, Caribou: Melbourne, Vic., 1986.
One of the game's greatest players provides his thoughts on a range of football issues and personalities. Published not long after his retirement as a player, Matthews devotes three chapters to the Bruns-Matthews incident, which occurred in his final season and resulted in a police investigation, an assault charge and a court appearance. Other chapters cover his junior career, on-field incidents, state and finals football, the Hawthorn Football Club, coaches, the media and his appointment as coach at Collingwood. Also includes chapters on best teams and players during his career, but does not include career statistics. A new biography encompassing Matthews’ outstanding coaching career would be welcomed. TH.
Matthews, Simon, Champions of Essendon: Ranking the 60 Greatest Bombers of All Time, Hardie Grant Books: South Yarra, Vic, 2002.
The 60 greatest Essendon players, as chosen by an internal selection panel, are profiled in this well-written, beautifully presented book. There is no index or bibliography. LF.
McCallum, Grant, Michael O'loughlin, Aussie Stars Ii, Coolabah Pub.: Tamworth, NSW, 2000.
McCartney, Jason & Collins, Ben, After Bali, Geoff Slattery Publishing ; Lothian: Docklands Vic., 2003.
McGuire, Eddie & Main, Jim, Pants: The Darren Millane Story, Celebrity Publishing: [Australia], 1994.
McKenna, Peter, My World of Football, Jack Pollard Sportsmaster Series, Pollard Publishing: North Sydney, NSW, 1973.
Collingwood champion goal kicker provides his views on the art of full-forward play, the character and administration of Collingwood Football Club, state and finals football, increasing professionalism, the game’s future and his brief career as a pop singer. He also recalls his early football career and selects his all-star team of his era. Includes an instructional chapter on basic football skills with colour photographs. TH.
Mensforth, Shane, Jarman Magic: The Andrew Jarman Story, Jarforth Publications: North Haven, SA., 1994.
Miller, Wayne, Petraitis, Vikki, Jeremiah, Vic, & Essendon Football Club, The Great John Coleman, Nivar Press: Cheltenham, Vic, 1997.
This testimonial and hagiography, rather than a biography, examines the great full-forward's career and life in a reverential, excessively uncritical way. The book is compiled in chronological order and heavily supplemented by extracts from newspaper reports and articles contained in one of the author's scrapbooks. There are statistics from Coleman’s playing career but none from his time as Essendon coach. An authoritative biography of one of football's greatest players and two time premiership coach remains to be written. Trivia buffs may note the almost Orwellian failure to mention or analyse the one game in Coleman's career in which he failed to kick a goal. TH.
Nicholls, John Robert & McDonald, Ian, Big Nick, Garry Sparke & Associates: Hawthorn, Vic., 1977.
The former Carlton ruckman and premiership captain-coach provides intelligent, balanced and critical impressions of his career, football issues and numerous personalities. Nicholls’ memories and analysis of people such as Carlton President George Harris, coach Ron Barassi and his great rival Polly Farmer, are perceptive and measured, as are his comments on the greatest players he has seen. The final chapter covers his thoughts on the future direction of football and this volume contains an index of names. TH.
One in a Hundred: The AFL Centenary Diaries of Gavin Brown, Wayne Carey, James Hird, Glen Jakovich and Tony Modra, Ironbark: Sydney, 1996.
Osborne, Richard & Hyde, Michael, Ossie Rules, VUT, Sport and Culture Group: Victoria, 1998.
Pavlovs, Kate, Pro Squad: The Official Book, Classique Publishing Group: Adelaide, 1995.
Perrin, Les, Cullin-La-Ringo: The Triumph and Tragedy of Tommy Wills, Les Perrin: McDowall, Qld., 1998.
Piesse, Ken, Ablett: The Gary Ablett Story: The Unauthorised Biography, Information Australia: Melbourne, 1994.
The first of several biographies on Ablett was written towards the end of his career. This is an unauthorised work and there is little evidence of involvement by Ablett. This is not surprising, as the book records that most who know him describe him as shy, humble, inward and private. This book is mainly a chronicle of Ablett's spectacular career as described by others. Some space is devoted to the importance of Ablett's Christian faith in his life and career. Includes full career statistics up to Round 8, 1994, black and white images and an index. TH.
Piesse, Ken, Ablett, Greatest Ever, Rev. and updated Ed., Modern Publishing Group: Baxter, Vic., 1996.
Platten, John & Piesse, Ken, The Rat: A Football Braveheart, HarperSports: Pymble, NSW, 1997.
The champion rover tells his story from his days as a schoolboy star, Margarey medallist in the SANFL, to his move to Hawthorn where he won a Brownlow medal and played in four premiership sides. One chapter provides Platten's thoughts on the future of football and the volume contains full career statistics up to Round 11, 1997, several colour and black and white images and an index. TH.
Poat, Peter & West Perth Football Club., The Les Fong Story: The Story of West Perth's Record Breaking Captain, West Perth Football Club: [West Perth, WA], 1988.
Powers, John, Brandt, Brian, & Baghel, John, The Coach: A Season with Ron Barassi, Sphere Books, Thomas Nelson (Australia): West Melbourne, Vic., 1978.
A groundbreaking book now recognised as a classic in the genre of 'fly on the wall' accounts of the inner workings of a champion team. Provides a vivid portrait of a legendary coach, football personality and insights into a club’s premiership season. TH.
Powers, John & Slattery, Geoff, The Coach: A Season with Ron Barassi, Australian Football Quarterly, Geoff Slattery Publishing: Docklands, Vic., 2005.
A new edition of a classic book. TH.
Prior, Tom, Sheeds: A Touch of Cunning, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 1995.
Rhys-Jones, David & Kotton, Howard, Rhys, Lothian Books: South Melbourne, Vic., 2002.
Richards, Lou & McDonald, Ian, Boots and All!, Stanley Paul: London ; Melbourne, 1963.
An early autobiography from former Collingwood champion and pioneer of the football media industry. TH.
Richards, Lou & Phillips, Stephen, The Kiss of Death, Hutchinson Australia: Milsons Point, NSW, 1989.
A follow up to Richards’ 1963 autobiography Boots and All. The first chapters focus on Richards’ early life and playing career at Collingwood, while the remaining chapters examine Lou's pioneering career as a multi-media football personality who created and defined the role of football celebrity for generations of former players. TH.
Roberts, Michael & Collingwood Football Club, A Century of the Best: The Stories of Collingwood's Favourite Sons: The Official Publication to Mark 100 Years of the Collingwood Football Club, Collingwood Football Club: Abbotsford, Vic., 1991.
Roos, Paul, Paul Roos Beyond 300: An Autobiography, Random House Australia: Milsons Point, NSW, 1997.
The Fitzroy and Sydney Swans champion documents his career in typically thoughtful and considered fashion. An especially interesting account is provided of Roos’ final years at Fitzroy when the club was on the eve of its extinction and its eventual merger with Brisbane. Includes a finals diary for 1996, career statistics and a list of his best team mates and opponents. TH.
Rosevear, Jim, 'Gil' Langley: The Humble Hero, J. Rosevear: Glen Osmond, SA., 2002.
Gil Langley is better known as a Test cricket wicket-keeper for Australia. Apart from cricket, this biography covers aspects of his football career which, included a few games for Essendon during the 1940s while on war service and a longer career with Sturt in the SANFL. TH.
Rosevear, Jim, Knuckles: The Neil Kerley Story, J. Rosevear: Glen Osmond, SA., 2003.
The biography of the South Australian football legend rambles a little but covers all major phases of Kerley's career as player and coach with several SANFL premiership teams and as a regular state player for South Australia. Rosevear weaves plenty of anecdotes into the narrative and provides some insights into the psychology behind Kerley's personality and competitive nature. No detailed career statistics are included, but there is a one page summary of Kerley's football achievements, a bibliography and a chapter devoted to Kerley's wife Barbara and her role in his career. TH.
Ross, John & Geddes, Margaret, Australian Football League's Hall of Fame, Harper Collins: Pymble, NSW, 1999.
Ross, John, Hutchinson, Garrie, Geddes, Margaret, Hutchinson, Alex, & Australian Football League, The Australian Football Hall of Fame, HarperSports ;HarperCollins: Sydney, London, 2000.
Salmon, Paul & Piesse, Ken, The Big Fish: Paul Salmon's Own Story, Penguin: Ringwood, Vic., 2001.
Shaw, Tony & Timms, Daryl, A Shaw Thing, T. Shaw and D. Timms: [Melbourne], 1990.
This book includes chapters on Shaw’s early life, other footballers of the Shaw family to play at Collingwood, football philosophies and anecdotes. Shaw selects his best side, gives some thoughts on the 'Colliewobbles' and documents Collingwood's premiership season of 1990 when Shaw captained the club. TH.
Sheedy, Jack, Mcphee, Alex, & Farrell, Darcy, My Football Life: Incorporating the Fundamentals of Australian Football, J. Sheedy: Perth, WA, 1969.
West Australian great Jack Sheedy recalls many highlights and incidents of his career with East Fremantle, East Perth and Western Australia between 1946 and 1963. He describes the greatest WA and interstate players he has seen, the knuckle men of football and his many clashes with umpires. Sheedy was considered a master practitioner of the game and there are two chapters on the skills and techniques of football with instructional photos featuring star players from WA. Includes black and white and colour pictures. TH.
Sheedy, Kevin & Hadfield, Warwick, The 500 Club: Footy's Greatest Coaches, Herald Sun, News Custom Publishing: Southbank, Victoria, 2004.
Sheedy, Kevin & Hadfield, Warwick, Sheeds: Follow Your Dreams, Crown Content: Melbourne, 2001.
Silvagni, Stephen & De Bolfo, Tony, Silvagni, HarperSports: Pymble, NSW, 2002.
Silvagni. The mere mention of the name evokes indelible images of the Carlton Football Club, for whom AFLs greatest ever father-son combination so gloriously plied its craft. For more than 40 years, the Silvagni name has been a part of the Carlton vernacular - from 1958, when Sergio made his senior debut, through to Stephen’s retirement in September 2001. By the time the sinewy, spring-heeled Stephen turned out for his first senior appearance against the Swans in 1985, the 17-year-old had already inherited the potentially burdensome nickname of "SOS" - "Son Of Serge". But it mattered little for the kid in his old mans No.1 guernsey, who, for the next 17 seasons, eked out his own glorious career - encompassing more than 300 senior appearances, two Grand Final triumphs, and of course "Full-Back of the 20th Century" status. Publisher’s blurb.
Simon Madden Breaks Club Record: The Story of Essendon's Record Breaking Ruckman, Limited Souvenir Ed., Essendon Football Club: Essendon, Vic., 1989.
Slattery, Geoff, The Brownlow: A Tribute to the Greats of Australian Football, Lothian: Port Melbourne, Vic., 2003.
A superbly produced book with evocative, imaginative and technically brilliant colour photographs of every living Brownlow winner up to 2002 and archival photos of deceased winners. The introductory chapter provides a history of the medal, focusing on its origins and place in football folklore and a chronology of the medal's history. Interviews with all living winners presented in question and answer format, with a summary of career statistics and achievements for all winners and short biographies of all deceased winners, with reminiscences by some who knew them. Contains photography by Sean Garnsworthy and a detailed bibliography. An updated edition was published in 2010. TH.
Stocks, Gary, Jakovich: Zealous & Bold: The Glen Jakovich Story, G. Stocks: [Perth, WA], 2004.
Stocks, Gary & East, Alan, Lewie, Lewie: Chris Lewis - an Aboriginal Champion, Specialist Sports Management: Perth, WA, 2000.
Stocks, Gary & East, Alan, Woosha: The Smiling Assassin: The John Worsfold Story, Specialist Sports Management: Balcatta, WA, 1999.
Stremski, Richard, McHale, James Francis (1881-1953), Melb University Press: Melbourne, 1986.
A profile of the sporting career of Jock McHale, a brilliant player (1903-18) and coach (1913-50) for Collingwood Football Club. McHale was famed as `Prince of Coaches'.
Strevens, Steve, Bob Rose: A Dignified Life, Allen & Unwin: Crows Nest, NSW, 2003.
The moving story of the respected Collingwood champion, long time coach, devoted father and the family who cared for a severely disabled family member. Contains black and white pictures and an index. TH.
Sturt Football Club, Jack Oatey, the Coach of a Lifetime, Sturt Football Club: [Unley, SA.], 1982.
Sturt Football Club, Jack Oatey's Australian Coaching Record, Sturt Football Club: [Unley, SA.], 1980.
Stynes, Jim & Main, Jim, Whatever It Takes, Celebrity Publishing: Frankston, Vic., 1995.
Stynes was one of a small group of Gaelic footballers recruited from Ireland in the 1980s and was so successful in adapting to the Australian game that he was awarded the 1991 Brownlow Medal and played over 200 games for Melbourne in the AFL. Stynes describes his family upbringing which was steeped in Gaelic football tradition, his family's links with the IRA in the 1920s, his sporting and educational development in Ireland, his recruitment by Ron Barassi leading a group of Melbourne Football Club officials, his early struggle to establish his career in the VFL, his adaptation to Australian life and his eventual outstanding career up to 1995. Told with much emotional honesty, Stynes also provides his thoughts on his other passion of working with young people to help them reach their full potential. Unlike most biographies of former players, there are no career statistics, or no selections of best players seen or played against. TH.
Tatz, Colin & Long, Michael, AFL's Black Stars, Lothian: Port Melbourne, 1998.
Taylor, Brian & Anderson, Jon, Black and White: The Taylor Diaries - 1990, Jon Anderson and Brian Taylor: Prahran, Vic., 1990.
This is a controversial account of Taylor's final season at Collingwood and the background to Taylor's omission from the Collingwood team during the 1990 finals series. The early chapters look at the finals campaign of 1990 and the 1989-1990 pre-season. It then moves onto an account of the 1990 season told in diary entry format and is an early example of this genre. There is also a chapter of impressions of various football and non-football people Taylor met during his career. Taylor pulls no punches and upset a few people with this controversial, some would say embittered, account of his final year at Collingwood. TH.
Thompson, Len & Nicholson, Rod, The Other Side of the Medal: Memoirs of Life and Football, Ironbark: Chippendale, NSW, 1999.
A football book which begins with the words 'the greatest tragedy of my life was that I wasted 40 years before I found inner peace', suggests something different to the usual popular biographies written for football fans. The Collingwood ruckman and 1972 Brownlow medallist takes you through the ups and downs of his personal life and football career. He describes intimately the relationship between his football career and his personal life, with reflections on pay disputes with Collingwood, Grand Final losses, the Brownlow, business and relationship failures, club politics and Collingwood characters and coaches. TH.
Tonkin, Roger, And So the Years Roll By, Literary Mouse Press: Kalamunda, WA, 1997.
Chapters 18 and 19 of this autobiography include memoirs of country football in the midlands region of Western Australia. Contains an especially interesting account of racism suffered by Aboriginal footballers, with several historical chapters arranged in decadal sequence until the 1990s. Includes some team pictures, records and statistics. TH.
Traill, W. J., Time On: Recollections of a Career Umpiring Australian Football 1963-1982, W. Traill: Morwell, Vic., 1982.
Wanganeen, Gavin, Wanganeen: The Power to Win, Ironbark: Chippendale, NSW, 1998.
Covers the career of the 1993 Brownlow medallist, Essendon premiership player and inaugural Port Adelaide captain, with thoughts on various football issues, including being an Aboriginal player and how to prepare physically and mentally for football. Includes full career statistics until end of 1997 season and several colour and black and white pictures. TH.
West Australian Football League., Who's Who in West Australian Football, Westside Football on behalf of the WA Football League: Subiaco, W.A, 1984.
West Torrens Football Club, Eagles Profiles, West Torrens Football Club: Torrensville, SA., 1983.
Williams, Fos & Rucci, Michelangelo, Dynasty: A Legend, a Family and the Port Adelaide Football Club: The Story of the Williams Family, Peacock Publications: Norwood, SA., 1999.
A comprehensive record of Fos William's career as player and coach in the SANFL competition from 1946 to 1978. Much of the book looks at Williams’ career, which saw him coach Port Adelaide to nine premierships and as a player and coach with West Adelaide. Other chapters look at the successful careers of Mark, Stephen and Anthony Williams and the entry of the Port Power Football Club into the AFL. Includes selections of Fos Williams’ greatest Port Adelaide, South Australian and All-Australian teams during his time as player and coach. TH.
Williams, Greg, Diesel: The Greg Williams Story, Ironbark: Sydney, 1995.
Provides a chronicle of the dual Brownlow medallist's career up to the end of 1994 season. The emphasis is on the on-field action and club politics, with few descriptions of family and personal life, but plenty of forthright comments on football issues and personalities. There are numerous quotations from football experts about the abilities of Williams the player, all accompanied with humble acknowledgments. TH.
Wood, John & Port Adelaide Football Club (SANFL), Russell Ebert Australian Record Souvenir Booklet, Port Adelaide Football Club Inc.: [Alberton, SA.], 1985.
Wood, John & Wood, Wendy, Gentleman Jack: The Johnny Cahill Story 1958-82, J. and W. Wood: Plympton, SA., 1982.
This section comprises biographies, autobiographies and collective biographical works, mainly involving famous or popular elite footballers published up to 2005.. It also includes memoirs and reflective pieces with personal insights and analysis from various football identities, including players, coaches, administrators, commentators and umpires. Only substantial biographical works have been listed. Biographies, autobiographies’ and collective biographical works are all included. Books, book chapters, sections in books and journal articles have also been surveyed, but the volume of biographical articles published in magazines and newspapers are too numerous to be surveyed and included here.
Collective biographical works, such as Fallen – The Ultimate Heroes: Footballers Who Never Returned from War, by Jim Main and Dave Allen (2002), providing short but relatively complete summaries of the lives and careers of Australian Rules footballers, are included here. Encyclopedias, such as The Encyclopedia of League Footballers, by Jim Main and Russell Holmesby, first published in 1992, which contains very short articles have been listed in the Reference Works section. Works by or about fans and spectators are listed in the Fan Culture section.
The Australian Football Hall of Fame, HarperCollins: Ryde, NSW, 2000.
Volume 1 of this series of biographical profiles covers inductees in the Australian Football Hall of Fame from 1996 to 2000, with subsequent annual volumes including new inductees. TH.
Australian Rules: 100 Greatest Players, Murray Sports Nostalgia Series, Murray: Sydney, 1978.
Ablett, Gary, Gary Ablett, Ironbark Legends, Macmillan: Ironbark: Sydney, 1996.
Advertiser Newspapers Ltd, AFL Superstars 2003 Football Collector Card Album, Advertiser and Sunday Mail: [Adelaide], 2003.
Akermanis, Jason & Smart, Gary, Open Season, Hardie Grant Books: Prahran, Vic., 2010.
Say what you like about Jason Akermanis - footballer, showman, show-off, troublemaker - there's no denying that he's made an impression in his 15 years as an AFL star player. Now, after more than 300 games, three Premierships and a Brownlow Medal, the curtain has come down on his extraordinary career. No longer restrained by contractual obligations and free to speak at last, Aker reveals a no-holds-barred look at a stellar sporting career. Publisher’s blurb.
Akermanis, Jason, Smart, Gary, Aka: The Battle Within, Geoff Slattery Publishing: Docklands, Vic., 2004.
The Brisbane Lions Brownlow Medallist and three time premiership player, tells his story in a characteristically outspoken, honest style. Akermanis describes his humble upbringing, growing up without his father, the early death of his mother and his career at Brisbane during its most successful era. He concludes with thoughts on the 2004 Grand Final loss to Port Adelaide. There are no career statistics, or lists of great players he has seen, but plenty of insight into this star's emotions, motivations and relationships with his family, wife and coaches at Brisbane. TH.
Alves, Stan & Davies, Col, Sacked Coach: Rising from the Ashes in Life and Beyond, New Ed., Bas: Seaford, Vic., 2008.
Earlier edition published in 2002.
Ampol Petroleum & Victorian Football League, Peter Hudson, Hawthorn, VFL Champions, Ampol Petroleum with the Victorian Football League: [Melbourne], 1968.
Australian Football League, Australian Football Hall of Fame 2001, Introducing Barrie Robran, the 17th Legend, Australian Football League: [Melbourne], 2001.
Australian Football League, Eagles Superstars: West Coast Eagles, Celebrity Books: Malaga, WA, 2000.
Aylett, Allen & Hobbs, Greg, My Game: A Life in Football as Told to Greg Hobbs, Macmillan: South Melbourne, Vic., 1986.
Aylett was a brilliant player for North Melbourne in the 1950s and 1960s, but made an even greater impact upon the game as a football administrator. Aylett describes his early life and family background, with a few chapters on his career as a player, before devoting the majority of the book to his time as President of North Melbourne and later the VFL, during the 1970s and 1980s. Aylett led and presided over many significant changes in Victorian football, most notably the introduction of an independent administrative commission. He provides plenty of comment on his contribution to this process and many other issues such as player transfer regulations, ground rationalisation, South Melbourne’s transformation to the Sydney Swans and Sunday football. Each chapter has a section titled 'Aylett's Alphabet', where he gives his thoughts on miscellaneous issues, clubs and personalities. It does not include career statistics or records but is indexed. TH.
Barassi, Ron & Mcfarline, Peter, Barassi: The Life Behind the Legend, Simon & Schuster: East Roseville, NSW, 1995.
This is a high-quality biography of a football legend which provides a portrait of the man, the player, the influences on his life and his immense influence upon Australian Football. In addition to several chapters on his career as player and coach, there are chapters on his life outside football as a businessman, motivational speaker and family man. It includes a selection of best teams of players or opponents he has seen and coached, a brief statistics section, good quality black and white pictures and an index. TH.
Barnes, John & Mithen, Anthony, Talking Football. II: The 1998 Club 10 Diaries of John Barnes, Matthew Richardson, Stewart Loewe, Corey Mckernan and Mark Ricciuto, Ironbark: Sydney, 1998.
Features the diaries of AFL players John Barnes, Matthew Richardson, Stewart Loewe, Corey McKernan and Mark Ricciuto. Produced for a popular mass market by the Club 10 management group. TH.
Bernstein, David H., Diamonds and Demons: The Joseph Gutnick Story, Lothian: Port Melbourne, Vic., 2001.
A biography of the multi-millionaire mining entrepreneur who became President of the Melbourne Football Club in the wake of the failed merger attempt with the Hawthorn Football Club. TH.
Beswick, Mark, Mark Beswick's SANFL Players List, 1907-2001, 10th Ed., Mark Beswick: Lockleys, SA., 2001.
Brayshaw, Ian & Lewis, Chris, Football's Magnificent Seven: A Collection of Stories from Seven Members of WA's Victorious 1985 Teal Cup Team, Cal Bruton Enterprises: Subiaco, WA, 1991.
Brown, Gavin, Collingwood Forever, Ironbark: Chippendale, NSW, 1997.
Brown, Mal & Hansen, Brian, Mal Brown & Mongrels I've Met, Brian Edward Hansen: Mt Waverley, Vic., 1994.
Buttler, Mark & Milne, Steven, Sons of the 'Scray: Footscray's Finest 50, M. Buttler and S. Milne: Brunswick, Vic., 1994.
Campbell, Melissa, Ang Christou, Livewire Real Lives Series (Hodder Headline), Hodder Education: Sydney, 1998.
Capper, Warwick & Kotton, Howard, Capper: Fool Forward, Bas Publishing: Melbourne, 2005.
Carey, Wayne, Talking Football: The 1997 Club 10 Diaries of Wayne Carey, Glen Jakovich, Tony Lockett, Michael Voss and Gavin Wanganeen, Pan Macmillan: Sydney, 1997.
Carnegie, Jon, Watson, Tim, & Royal Children's Hospital (Melbourne Vic.), What It Takes, Trinity Grammar School Press for the Royal Children's Hospital: Kew, Vic., 1995.
Carroll, Ray, 'Just Crackers': Keenan and Football, RayRon Books: Kilmore, Vic., 1982.
Cheek, Bob, Cheeky: Confessions of a Ferret Salesman, Pipeclay Publishing: Sandy Bay, Tas., 2005.
Christison, Darren, Superstars of Winter, Ironbark, Pan Macmillan Australia: Sydney, 1996.
Christison, Darren, Talking Football: The 1997 Club 10 Diaries of Wayne Carey, Glen Jakovich, Tony Lockett, Michael Voss and Gavin Wanganeen, Ironbark: Sydney, 1997.
Christison, Darren, Tony Lockett, Ironbark Legends, Pan Macmillan: Sydney, 1999.
Clark, Mavis Thorpe, Pastor Doug: The Story of Sir Douglas Nicholls, Aboriginal Leader, Landsdowne Press: Melbourne, 1972.
This biography provides references to the football career of prominent Aboriginal leader Doug Nicholls in three chapters titled ‘Doug Makes the Team’, (pp. 51-56), ‘The Flying Abo’(pp. 56-67) and ‘Change of Course’ (pp. 74-83). Nicholls played for Northcote in the VFA and then briefly for Fitzroy in the 1930s. One of the more interesting stories in the book is Nicholls’ account of the kindness and respect shown to him by legendary player Haydn Bunton, which was apparently in contrast to other team mates at Fitzroy and previously Carlton. TH.
Cleary, Phil, Cleary Independent, HarperCollins: Pymble, NSW, 1998.
This book is mainly about the political career of Phil Cleary as well as his campaign to reform criminal law in order to protect women from violent partners. However there are significant sections in the book about his long career in the VFA as a player and coach and a brief account of when he trained with the Carlton Football Club squad. TH.
Cometti, Dennis & Kennish, Michael, Centimetre Perfect: The Classic Commentary, Allen & Unwin: East Melbourne, 2004.
Conn, Malcolm, Greats of the 80s: Australian Football, Federal Publishing: Alexandria, NSW, 1990.
Cornwall, Peter & Eustice, Ken, Pound for Pound: The High Life, Collapse and Back: The Incredible Journey of Ken Eustice, Harriett Pty Ltd: Parkside, SA., 2005.
Coward, Mike & Norwood Football Club, Men of Norwood: The Red and Blue Blooded, Norwood Football Club: Norwood, SA., 1992.
Crawford, Shane, Exposed, Geoff Slattery Publishing: Docklands [Vic.], 2003.
Daicos, Peter & Niall, Jake, Daicos: Collingwood and Me, Floradale Productions: Kilmore, Vic., 1991.
A standard player autobiography with chapters on his early life, family background and career at Collingwood, with special attention to 1990 premiership year. Contains a mandatory selection of best Collingwood and overall sides in Daicos’s era, toughest opponents, the goal-kicking wizard's seven greatest goals and year-by-year statistics of Daicos’s career. TH.
Davis, Bob, Main, Jim, & Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Woofa: Football Legend, ABC Books for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Sydney, 1996.
The Geelong great of the 1950s and famed football commentator, tells his story with a combination of charm and liberal use of anecdotes. Contains interesting accounts of Geelong's successful era of the early 1950s, a description of the coaching style and methods of premiership coach, Reg Hickey, the recruitment of Polly Farmer and Geelong’s premiership success in 1963 under Davis. A very long career in the media, especially with Channel 7, is recalled, but the description is brief. This volume includes both playing and coaching statistics. TH.
Dawson, Brian & East, Alan, John Todd: Six Decades of Footy, Cambridge Pub.: West Leederville, WA, 2004.
Todd's biography as a great player and coach is told in decade-by-decade format, starting with his childhood in the 1940s, then covering his sensational debut in the WAFL competition, where he won the Sandover medal in his first season at the age of 17. It then describes an injury-riddled career as a player, before turning to coaching. Todd was coach of the West Coast Eagles in 1988-1989 and there are chapters devoted to the formation of the club and Todd's record with the AFL club. Includes Todd's playing and coaching statistics, records and awards, a name index and several black and white images. TH.
De Bolfo, Tony & Kernahan, Stephen, Sticks: The Stephen Kernahan Story, Random House Australia: Milsons Point, NSW, 1997.
The AFL's longest serving captain traces his career from school football in South Australia, SANFL club Glenelg, to a glittering career with the Carlton Football Club in chronological sequence. Provides some detail of family and community background, but mainly a descriptive account of his on-field career, with extensive statistics and best team selections. This is a very well presented book with high quality colour and black and white pictures and an index. TH.
Depasquale, Paul, The Farmer Files: Ken Farmer, South Australian Football's Greatest Figure, Pioneer Books: Oaklands Park, SA., 2002.
Depasquale, Paul, Ken Farmer and the Ideal of Sport, Pioneer Books: Oaklands Park, SA., 2005.
Dickenson, Keith, To Take a Chance, K. Dickenson: Orford, Tas., 2004.
Donald, Chris, Haydn Bunton: Best and Fairest: The Greatest Legend in the History of Australian Rules Football, Pennon Publishing: Niddrie, [Vic]. 2003.
A detailed but generally descriptive biography of the triple Brownlow and Sandover medallist. Bunton's career is described almost match-by-match from press reports and through the recollections of players, administrators and commentators. There are interesting accounts of the sectarian divided teams in the Albury area, where Bunton played junior football and his coaching and umpiring careers. Bunton's death more than fifty years ago no doubt hampered aspects of this biography, but published recollections from Gordon Coventry, Jack Dyer and Fitzroy Aboriginal player Doug Nicholls perhaps could have been explored. It includes very extensive career statistics, a bibliography but no index. TH.
Donald, Chris, Kevin Murray: Heart of the Lion, Pennon: Essendon, Vic., 2005.
A biography of the Fitzroy legend which is similar in style and structure to the author's biography of Haydn Bunton. It includes extensive statistics and detailed coverage of Murray's very long career. TH.
Donald, Chris & Anderson, Jim, Fitzroy: For the Love of the Jumper: 100 Players Who Made the 'Lions' Roar, Pennon Publishing: North Essendon, Vic., 2002.
A chronological, decade-by-decade record of 100 of Fitzroy's greatest players, coaches and club identities. Each section is preceded by an overview of the club's performances. All periods in the club's history have been well researched including the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There are detailed career profiles of all players, with comprehensive statistics, including the weight and height of each player. Extensive appendices include all match results between 1884 and1996, plus career statistics for every Fitzroy player and career tallies of kicks, marks and handballs for recent players. The good design, layout and presentation contribute to making this one of the best books of its type. Produced in folio format with a bibliography. TH.
Dunshea, Kevin and Dunshea, Ernie, Seniors, Warrigals & Oddfellows the Footballing Days of Laurie and Ernie Dunshea, Queanbeyan 1904-1911, The author, City, 2003.
This CD chronicles the football playing days of Laurie and Ernie Dunshea between 1904 and 1911 in teams such as the Golden Eagles, Young Men's Club, Warrigals and the senior Queanbeyan team. Publisher’s blurb.
Dunstall, Jason & Piesse, Ken, The Goal King: Jason Dunstall's Own Story, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 1995.
Dyer, Jack & Hansen, Brian, Captain Blood, as Told to Brian Hansen, Paul: London, 1965.
Dyer, Jack & Hansen, Brian, Captain Blood's Wild Men II, Brian Hansen Publications: Mt Waverley, Vic, 1994.
Dyer, Jack & Hansen, Brian, Captain Blood's Wild Men of Football, Brian Edward Hansen: Cheltenham, Vic., 1993.
Dyer, Jack & Hansen, Brian, The Wild Men of Football, Southdown Press: Melbourne, 1968.
East, Alan, Stocks, Gary, Hagdorn, Kim, Commonwealth Banking Corporation (Australia), & Westside Football., WA's Fabulous 40: The Best 40 Footballers in Western Australia in the Last 40 Years, Sportscene on behalf of Westside Football: Leederville, WA, 1984.
Elliott, John, Big Jack, My Sporting Life, Schwartz and Melbourne Books: Melbourne, 2003.
The autobiography of the prominent and controversial businessman, who was also President of the Carlton Football Club for nearly twenty years from 1984. TH.
Flower, Robert & Reed, Ron, Robbie, Caribou Publications: Melbourne, 1987.
Football's Magnificent Seven: A Collection of Stories from Seven Members of WA's Victorious 1985 Teal Cup Team... Now Stars with the West Coast Eagles. Footballers Who Continue to Shape the Future of Our Great Game Both in Western Australia and Nationally, Cal Bruton Enterprises: Subiaco, WA, 1991.
Forbes, Clark, Dipierdomenico - or Just Call Me Dipper, Ironbark Press: Rushcutters Bay, NSW, 1991.
Frost, Lionel & Barassi, Ron, Immortals: Football People and the Evolution of Australian Rules, John Wiley & Sons: Milton, Qld., 2005.
A history of Australian Rules football shown through the careers of some of its greats. Frost shows how AFL has developed from an amateur, local sport to the professional, national industry it is today.
Gill, Trevor, Mark Bickley: A Biography, HarperCollins: Pymble, NSW, 2001.
Gorman, Sean, Brotherboys: The Story of Jim and Phillip Krakouer, Allen & Unwin: Crows Nest, NSW, 2005.
Great Northern Football League., Football Greats of the GNNFl/GNFL, GNFL: [Geraldton, WA], 1994.
Greenwood, Geoff, Victorian Australian Rules' Superstars, Murray Sports Series, Murray: Sydney, 1978.
Hansen, Brian, The Centurions: The History of Australian Rules Goal Kickers, 1897-1997, Brian Hansen Nominees: [Melbourne], 1997.
Hansen, Brian, The Jack Dyer Story: The Legend of Captain Blood, Brian Hansen Nominees: [Mount Waverley, Vic.], 1996.
Hansen, Brian & Dyer, Jack, If Ya Don't Mind Umpire!, The Wild Men of Football, Brian Hansen, B.E. Hansen: Mt. Waverley [Vic.], 1995.
Hansen, Brian & Dyer, Jack, Jack Dyer's the Greatest: The Most Sensational Players of the Century, B. Hansen Publications: Mount Waverley [Vic.], 1996.
Hansen, Brian & Dyer, Jack, The Wild Men of Football. Volume III, If Ya Don't Mind Umpire!, B.E. Hansen: Mt. Waverley [Vic.], 1995.
Harrison, H. C. A., Autobiography, typescript, 1923.
A book entitled "The story of an athlete: a picture of the past" by H. C. A. Harrison, the father of the Australian game of football. Published by Alexander Mc Cubbin, Melbourne, 1923. The volume includes some photographs of members of the Wills and Harrison families, as well as a group shot taken on the M.C.C. Ground at the Football Jubilee Carnival, 1908.
Harrison, H. C. A., The Story of an Athlete: A Picture of the Past, Alexander McCubbin: Melbourne, 1924.
The autobiography of one of the pioneers of Australian Rules football. Republished with a new introduction in Anne Mancini and Gillian Gibbins (eds), Running with the Ball: Football's Foster Father, Lynedock: Melbourne, 1987. TH.
Hart, David, From the Hart, David Hart: Osborne Park, WA, 1997.
Hart, Royce, The Royce Hart Story, Thomas Nelson (Australia): Melbourne, 1970.
Hart was quick off the mark with his autobiography after just a few seasons in the VFL. The book has been unfairly lampooned by some due to Hart's inclusion of himself, at the age of twenty three, in his best ever team. Despite this controversy and the brevity of the work, Hart's story is told with openness and some thought. He describes his junior career, his emergence as a star Richmond premiership player, Tom Hafey's coaching methods. Hart also offers his advice on how to succeed in football. It also includes recollections of the 'Galahs' tour of Ireland in 1968 and his thoughts on the need to professionalise the game and develop a national competition. For trivia buffs, Hart's selection by his peers in the AFL team of the century in 1996 suggests an updated biography would be justified. TH.
Harvey, Paul, Ross, John, & E.J. Whitten Foundation, The Ted Whitten Album, Macmillan: Sydney, 2003.
Hawke, Steve, Polly Farmer: A Biography, Fremantle Arts Centre Press: South Fremantle, WA, 1994.
This high standard biography of one of the game's greatest and most influential players covers all phases of Farmer's life and career from his earliest days in Perth, his years with Geelong in the VFL, his return to Western Australia, a coaching stint at Geelong, interstate football and his final active involvement in football in Western Australia during the late 1980s. A feature of this scholarly yet readable book is the unified theme, with the author continually examining Farmer’s unique contribution to the game's evolution. This book set a new standard in football biographies. Index and reference list included. TH.
Hawkins, Doug & Stevens, Michael, Hawkins, Both Sides of the Fence, MM Marketing: Moonee Ponds, Vic., 1991.
Hillier, Kevin, Like Father, Like Son: Legends of AFL Football, Pennon Publishing: [Australia], 2004.
Hird, James, Challenging Times, Slattery & Lothian Books: South Melbourne, Vic., 2002.
The Essendon champion describes in journal format a year in his life, from the disappointment of the Grand Final defeat of 2001, through to the end of the 2002 season. Offers some thoughtful reflections on his life, family, career outside football and the demands of being an elite athlete and extensive description of his serious facial injury and subsequent recovery which occurred during the 2002 season. TH.
Hobbs, Greg & Brown, Alf, The Top 240, Herald and Weekly Times: Melbourne, 1982.
Hobbs, Greg & Palmer, Scot, Today's 50 Greatest in Order from 1 to 50, Bradford Usher: Eltham, Vic., 1977.
Hobbs, Greg & Palmer, Scot Clyde, Football's 50 Greatest, Bradford Usher: Glen Iris, Vic., 1976.
Hobbs, Greg & Sheahan, Mike, The VFL Hall of Fame: The Greats of Victorian Football, Herald and Weekly Times: Melbourne, 1981.
Hocking, Garry & Bernard, Grantley, Buddha: An Autobiography, HarperCollins: Pymble, Sydney, NSW, 1999.
A surprisingly intimate book in which Hocking succeeds in ‘letting people know where he has been in his career and how he got there and what footballers go through as people, on and off the field’. Includes chapters on influential coaches, state football, tribunal appearances, his nine game reign as Geelong captain, the disappointment of four Grand Final losses and a chapter devoted to Gary Ablett. Also provides extensive descriptions and reflections on his early life and his relationships with his wife, family and father. There are no career statistics or selections of best team mates and opponents, but a brief summary of major achievements and awards is included. TH.
Hogan, Paul, The Tigers of Old: Richmond Tigers; a Complete History of Every Player to Represent the Richmond Football Club between 1908 and 1996, Richmond Football Club: Richmond, Vic., 1996.
Holmesby, Russell, Heroes with Haloes: St. Kilda's 100 Greatest, Playright Publishing: Caringbah, NSW, 1995.
Hort, Dawn, Tony Lockett, Livewire Real Lives, Cambridge University Press: Oakleigh, Vic., 2000.
Huggard, Simon, Frank Huggard, the Untamed Tiger: The Story of a Football Career in Victoria in the 1920's, S. Huggard: Prahran, Vic., 1992.
Hunt, Rex, Rex: My Life, Macmillan: Sydney, Australia, 2002.
Hutchinson, Garrie, ‘Jack Worrall First King of Coaches’, in Jon Ross, John (ed.), 100 Years of Australian Football, 1897–1996, Penguin Books, Ringwood, Vic., 1996, p. 81.
Hutchinson, Garrie & Holt, Stephanie, Footy's Greatest Coaches: The Plays, the Tactics and the Characters Who Made Australian Football, Port Melbourne: Coulomb Communications, 2002.
Portraits of VFL and AFL coaches between 1902 and 2001, focusing on the early coaches, the innovators, the greats and some contemporary coaches. Most contributions are from writers and journalists, with some inclusions by former players, Richard Osborne and Brent Crosswell. and an analysis of the modern game by premiership player and coach Robert Walls. Includes a chapter on coaching in Victorian country football and a statistics section with win and loss records for all VFL/AFL coaches between 1902 and 2001. TH.
Hutchinson, Garrie & Holt, Stephanie, Footy's Greatest Players, Coulomb Communications: Port Melbourne, 2003.
A collection of thirty seven pieces on some of the greatest players to have played in the VFL/AFL competition. Arranged in chronological order, the inclusion of some early greats such as Jack Conway, Fred Elliott, Dave McNamara and Albert Thurgood, often neglected in similar books, is a welcome feature of this collection. There is a deliberate bias towards players of the recent past, hence some truly great players are not included and the words 'some of' in the title would be a more accurate reflection of the content of this work. Some of the pieces were written specifically for this book, while others have been previously published and contributors include Martin Flanagan, Garrie Hutchinson, Ross McMullin, Geoff Slattery, Hec De Lacy and Michael Roberts. Illustrations include cartoons, caricatures and photographs. TH.
Jackson, Syd & Curzon-Siggers, Helen, Recorded Interview With: Sydney Jackson: Bringing Them Home Oral History Project [Interview Transcript], Bringing Them Home Oral History Project, National Library of Australia: Canberra, 2000.
Sydney Jackson, born 1945, Lenora, WA. Jackson was about 3 years old when he and his two sisters were removed from their mother. He describes the living conditions at Roelands Mission, W.A. where he lived until a white family fostered him at the age of 15. Jackson also speaks about his football career, playing for East Perth and later for Carlton, and about his work to encourage and facilitate Indigenous participation in sport.
James, Anthony, Football Greats of Western Australia. Volume One, Research & Information Services of WA: Belmont, WA, 1995.
Johnston, Wayne & Reed, Ron, The Dominator, Caribou Publications: Melbourne, 1991.
The former Carlton champion and club captain's autobiography is presented in chronological format, with a section on best VFL team selected by the author. Contains a little more depth and introspection than some player biographies and includes several black and white photos. TH.
Jones, Peter Kevin & Hansen, Brian, Percy: The Story of the Carlton Football Club, Brian Hansen Publications: Mount Waverley, Vic., 1995.
A colourful, eccentric, yet talented footballer, Jones tells the story of his thirty year involvement with the Carlton Football Club, as player, captain, coach and committee member. There is also an entertaining account of his career as a publican and political candidate. It begins with his early sporting career in Tasmania and the recruitment battle between several VFL clubs to lure him to Melbourne. Includes a brief chapter by Brian Hansen which describes the history of Carlton prior to Jones's arrival, with some comment on the dreary atmosphere of club until 1966. TH.
Kay, Brian, The Master: The Bob Hank Story, Peacock Publications: Norwood, SA., 2003.
Keenan, Peter & Eva, Bruce, Ten Years in Black and White, Random House Australia: Milsons Point, NSW, 1996.
Keenan, Peter, Weg, & Townley, Simon, Crackers: The Peter Keenan Story, ABC Enterprises: Crows Nest, NSW, 1990.
Kelly, Paul, Ross, John, & Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Swansong: The Paul Kelly Story, ABC Books: Sydney, 2003.
The story of Swans skipper and 1995 Brownlow medallist who in 1996 led Sydney to their first Grand Final appearance since 1945. TH
Knights, Peter & Phillipson, Neill, Knights in Muddy Armour, Outback Press: Collingwood, Vic., 1979.
Liberatore, Tony & Piesse, Ken, Libba: Living on the Edge, Lansdowne: Sydney, 1998.
Lind, Edward Oscar & Davis, Faye, Something Will Get You in the End-: In the Meantime - Have Fun, E.O. Lind: Joondanna, WA, 1995.
Linnell, Garry, Playing God: The Rise and Fall of Gary Ablett, HarperCollins: Pymble., NSW, 2003.
Part biography, but more an examination of Ablett’s path from wayward but talented country recruit, to an enigmatic football superstar who was eventually swallowed up by fame. Linnell traces the development of Ablett's career and describes some of his playing achievements in gripping, vivid prose, to contrast these achievements with the difficulties Ablett has encountered in his personal life. Linnell's skills as an award winning investigative journalist are used to great effect, basing his story of Ablett on hundreds of interviews and in-depth research to explore the country background and character of the champion’s home town, his family and networks of team mates, friends, acquaintances, business associates and fans. The book was written without Ablett's approval or co-operation. Includes an index and list of sources. TH.
Linnett, Ken, Game for Anything the Tommy Lahiff Story, Allen & Unwin: St Leonards, NSW, 1999.
An entertaining biography of VFA star and prominent district club cricketer and raconteur, who late in life emerged as an unlikely radio star covering VFL football. Also of interest for its portrait of the sporting institutions of a working-class community in Melbourne from the 1920s to the 1960s. TH.
Lockett, Tony & Brassel, Stephen, My Life, Ironbark: Chippendale, NSW, 1999.
The AFL's greatest goal kicker and 1987 Brownlow medallist tells his story. He describes his earliest memories in Ballarat, which included a period wearing callipers to correct knock knees, through to the historic moment when he broke the VFL/AFL's long standing record of 1299 goals. He also comments on team mates and opponents, great matches, controversial and funny incidents, the media, family life and his thoughts on the future, but there is no section on career statistics or records. TH.
Lockett, Tony & Piesse, Ken, Plugger: The Tony Lockett Story, Sun Books: Sydney N.S.W, 1992.
Lynch, Alastair & Blucher, Peter, Taking Nothing for Granted: From Chronic Fatigue to the MCG, HarperCollins: Pymble, NSW, 2005.
Lyon, Garry & Maher, Andrew, Demon Within, HarperSports: Pymble, NSW, 2000.
The story of Melbourne captain, club champion and multiple All-Australian forward. Lyon discusses the biggest issues in his career including the attempted merger of Melbourne with Hawthorn, the sacking of coach Neil Balme and his chronic back injuries. Also includes his thoughts on the future of the AFL national competition. TH
Madden, Justin, Harry: The Words and Wisdom of Justin Madden, Ironbark: Sydney, 1996.
Main, Jim, 200 Players: Where Are They Now?, Allen & Unwin: St Leonards, NSW, 1999.
Main, Jim, Big Al: Collingwood, the Untold Story, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 1996.
McAlister was President of Collingwood Football Club from 1986-1995, a period which included the appointment of Leigh Matthews as coach and the breaking of a very long premiership drought in 1990. One of the few books about a prominent football administrator, this book is divided into sections where McAlister provides his views on Collingwood, football in general and recollections and impressions of various players, matches and incidents. Other topics include the administrative work behind the 1990 premiership, the AFL Commission, clearance difficulties, financial restraints, dealings with other clubs and problems with players. Includes a brief biographical introduction and a selection of McAlister's quotations, including the infamous statement about Aborigines which saw him accused of racism. TH.
Main, Jim, Carlton: The 100 Greatest, Crossbow: Melbourne, 1994.
Main, Jim, Plugger and the Mighty Swans, Information Australia: Melbourne, 1996.
Despite the title, this is not a full biography of Tony 'Plugger' Lockett and his career at the Sydney Swans. Instead it is a book by prolific football author and passionate Swans supporter, Jim Main, about the rise of the Sydney Swans as a footy power in the 1990s. One third of the book is an overview of the Swans history from 1860 to 1994. The impact of Lockett's arrival at Sydney is described in some detail. The 1996 season is described match by match, culminating in the Grand Final loss to North Melbourne and there is some reflection on the Swans glorious near miss of 1996. Main also provides an A-Z listing of every South Melbourne and Sydney Swans player from 1897-1996, sourced from his well-known volume The Encyclopedia of League Footballers co-written with Russell Holmesby. TH.
Main, Jim & Allen, David, Fallen - the Ultimate Heroes: Footballers Who Never Returned from War, Crown Content: Melbourne, 2002.
Biographical portraits of 115 VFL players who were killed in wars while serving in the Australian armed services. Covers the Anglo-Boer War, World War I and World War II. Includes pictures of players, teams, servicemen, war graves and memorials. The entry for Ron Barassi Senior includes a brief recollection by his son Ron, describing his first visit to his father's grave in Tobruk. Published in folio format with a name index. TH.
Main, Jim & Healy, Gerard, The Big Aussie Rules Book, Rugby Press: Auckland, 1994.
Question and answer format profiles of leading AFL players and extended articles on players, related football topics and brief features on each club. Suitable for teenage readers. TH.
Main, Jim & Matera, Peter, Waltzing Matera: The Peter Matera Story, Gary Allen: Smithfield, NSW, 1996.
The West Coast Eagles champion wingman and 1992 Norm Smith medallist describes his career in a standard autobiographical format mainly concentrating on his on-field exploits. Includes statistics for all Matera's AFL games up to Round 8, 1996 and several black and white pictures. TH.
Main, Jim & Whitten, Ted, EJ, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 1995.
A tribute to 'Mr Football' published shortly after his death. Consists of a short autobiography and a series of tributes and recollections by friends, family, team mates, opponents, the football media and admirers. A more definitive biography is yet to be written, but this volume contains full career statistics, Whitten’s selection of his greatest team and a selection of 'Whitten's wit'. TH.
Mallett, Ashley, Mark Williams, Master Footballer Series, Hutchinson of Australia: Hawthorn, Vic., 1984.
Mallett, Ashley, Robert Flower, Master Footballer Series, Hutchinson of Australia: Hawthorn, Vic., 1984.
Mallett, Ashley, Tim Watson, Master Footballer Series, Hutchinson of Australia: Hawthorn, Vic., 1984.
A biographical series suitable for children, around 30 pages in length and containing several pictures. Other players in the series include Robert Flower, Wayne Johnston and Mark Williams. TH.
Mallett, Ashley, Wayne Johnston, Master Footballer Series, Hutchinson of Australia: Hawthorn, Vic., 1984.
Mancini, Anne, Gibbins, G. M., & Harrison, H. C. A., Running with the Ball: Football's Foster Father, Lynedock: Melbourne, 1987.
A republication of football pioneer Henry Harrison's autobiography, The Story of an Athlete: A Picture of the Past, Melbourne: Alexander McCubbin, 1924. This new edition includes two chapters on the family origins of Harrison, including a portrait of his cousin and fellow football pioneer, Tom Wills. Another chapter outlines the early development of football in Melbourne and examines Harrison's sobriquet as the 'father of Australian football'. Plenty of interesting illustrations, detailed references, an index and notes. TH.
Manton, Glenn, Dead Bolt: Sightings from the Outer, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 2004.
Matthews, Leigh & Sheahan, Mike, Lethal, Caribou: Melbourne, Vic., 1986.
One of the game's greatest players provides his thoughts on a range of football issues and personalities. Published not long after his retirement as a player, Matthews devotes three chapters to the Bruns-Matthews incident, which occurred in his final season and resulted in a police investigation, an assault charge and a court appearance. Other chapters cover his junior career, on-field incidents, state and finals football, the Hawthorn Football Club, coaches, the media and his appointment as coach at Collingwood. Also includes chapters on best teams and players during his career, but does not include career statistics. A new biography encompassing Matthews’ outstanding coaching career would be welcomed. TH.
Matthews, Simon, Champions of Essendon: Ranking the 60 Greatest Bombers of All Time, Hardie Grant Books: South Yarra, Vic, 2002.
The 60 greatest Essendon players, as chosen by an internal selection panel, are profiled in this well-written, beautifully presented book. There is no index or bibliography. LF.
McCallum, Grant, Michael O'loughlin, Aussie Stars Ii, Coolabah Pub.: Tamworth, NSW, 2000.
McCartney, Jason & Collins, Ben, After Bali, Geoff Slattery Publishing ; Lothian: Docklands Vic., 2003.
McGuire, Eddie & Main, Jim, Pants: The Darren Millane Story, Celebrity Publishing: [Australia], 1994.
McKenna, Peter, My World of Football, Jack Pollard Sportsmaster Series, Pollard Publishing: North Sydney, NSW, 1973.
Collingwood champion goal kicker provides his views on the art of full-forward play, the character and administration of Collingwood Football Club, state and finals football, increasing professionalism, the game’s future and his brief career as a pop singer. He also recalls his early football career and selects his all-star team of his era. Includes an instructional chapter on basic football skills with colour photographs. TH.
Mensforth, Shane, Jarman Magic: The Andrew Jarman Story, Jarforth Publications: North Haven, SA., 1994.
Miller, Wayne, Petraitis, Vikki, Jeremiah, Vic, & Essendon Football Club, The Great John Coleman, Nivar Press: Cheltenham, Vic, 1997.
This testimonial and hagiography, rather than a biography, examines the great full-forward's career and life in a reverential, excessively uncritical way. The book is compiled in chronological order and heavily supplemented by extracts from newspaper reports and articles contained in one of the author's scrapbooks. There are statistics from Coleman’s playing career but none from his time as Essendon coach. An authoritative biography of one of football's greatest players and two time premiership coach remains to be written. Trivia buffs may note the almost Orwellian failure to mention or analyse the one game in Coleman's career in which he failed to kick a goal. TH.
Nicholls, John Robert & McDonald, Ian, Big Nick, Garry Sparke & Associates: Hawthorn, Vic., 1977.
The former Carlton ruckman and premiership captain-coach provides intelligent, balanced and critical impressions of his career, football issues and numerous personalities. Nicholls’ memories and analysis of people such as Carlton President George Harris, coach Ron Barassi and his great rival Polly Farmer, are perceptive and measured, as are his comments on the greatest players he has seen. The final chapter covers his thoughts on the future direction of football and this volume contains an index of names. TH.
One in a Hundred: The AFL Centenary Diaries of Gavin Brown, Wayne Carey, James Hird, Glen Jakovich and Tony Modra, Ironbark: Sydney, 1996.
Osborne, Richard & Hyde, Michael, Ossie Rules, VUT, Sport and Culture Group: Victoria, 1998.
Pavlovs, Kate, Pro Squad: The Official Book, Classique Publishing Group: Adelaide, 1995.
Perrin, Les, Cullin-La-Ringo: The Triumph and Tragedy of Tommy Wills, Les Perrin: McDowall, Qld., 1998.
Piesse, Ken, Ablett: The Gary Ablett Story: The Unauthorised Biography, Information Australia: Melbourne, 1994.
The first of several biographies on Ablett was written towards the end of his career. This is an unauthorised work and there is little evidence of involvement by Ablett. This is not surprising, as the book records that most who know him describe him as shy, humble, inward and private. This book is mainly a chronicle of Ablett's spectacular career as described by others. Some space is devoted to the importance of Ablett's Christian faith in his life and career. Includes full career statistics up to Round 8, 1994, black and white images and an index. TH.
Piesse, Ken, Ablett, Greatest Ever, Rev. and updated Ed., Modern Publishing Group: Baxter, Vic., 1996.
Platten, John & Piesse, Ken, The Rat: A Football Braveheart, HarperSports: Pymble, NSW, 1997.
The champion rover tells his story from his days as a schoolboy star, Margarey medallist in the SANFL, to his move to Hawthorn where he won a Brownlow medal and played in four premiership sides. One chapter provides Platten's thoughts on the future of football and the volume contains full career statistics up to Round 11, 1997, several colour and black and white images and an index. TH.
Poat, Peter & West Perth Football Club., The Les Fong Story: The Story of West Perth's Record Breaking Captain, West Perth Football Club: [West Perth, WA], 1988.
Powers, John, Brandt, Brian, & Baghel, John, The Coach: A Season with Ron Barassi, Sphere Books, Thomas Nelson (Australia): West Melbourne, Vic., 1978.
A groundbreaking book now recognised as a classic in the genre of 'fly on the wall' accounts of the inner workings of a champion team. Provides a vivid portrait of a legendary coach, football personality and insights into a club’s premiership season. TH.
Powers, John & Slattery, Geoff, The Coach: A Season with Ron Barassi, Australian Football Quarterly, Geoff Slattery Publishing: Docklands, Vic., 2005.
A new edition of a classic book. TH.
Prior, Tom, Sheeds: A Touch of Cunning, Wilkinson Books: Melbourne, 1995.
Rhys-Jones, David & Kotton, Howard, Rhys, Lothian Books: South Melbourne, Vic., 2002.
Richards, Lou & McDonald, Ian, Boots and All!, Stanley Paul: London ; Melbourne, 1963.
An early autobiography from former Collingwood champion and pioneer of the football media industry. TH.
Richards, Lou & Phillips, Stephen, The Kiss of Death, Hutchinson Australia: Milsons Point, NSW, 1989.
A follow up to Richards’ 1963 autobiography Boots and All. The first chapters focus on Richards’ early life and playing career at Collingwood, while the remaining chapters examine Lou's pioneering career as a multi-media football personality who created and defined the role of football celebrity for generations of former players. TH.
Roberts, Michael & Collingwood Football Club, A Century of the Best: The Stories of Collingwood's Favourite Sons: The Official Publication to Mark 100 Years of the Collingwood Football Club, Collingwood Football Club: Abbotsford, Vic., 1991.
Roos, Paul, Paul Roos Beyond 300: An Autobiography, Random House Australia: Milsons Point, NSW, 1997.
The Fitzroy and Sydney Swans champion documents his career in typically thoughtful and considered fashion. An especially interesting account is provided of Roos’ final years at Fitzroy when the club was on the eve of its extinction and its eventual merger with Brisbane. Includes a finals diary for 1996, career statistics and a list of his best team mates and opponents. TH.
Rosevear, Jim, 'Gil' Langley: The Humble Hero, J. Rosevear: Glen Osmond, SA., 2002.
Gil Langley is better known as a Test cricket wicket-keeper for Australia. Apart from cricket, this biography covers aspects of his football career which, included a few games for Essendon during the 1940s while on war service and a longer career with Sturt in the SANFL. TH.
Rosevear, Jim, Knuckles: The Neil Kerley Story, J. Rosevear: Glen Osmond, SA., 2003.
The biography of the South Australian football legend rambles a little but covers all major phases of Kerley's career as player and coach with several SANFL premiership teams and as a regular state player for South Australia. Rosevear weaves plenty of anecdotes into the narrative and provides some insights into the psychology behind Kerley's personality and competitive nature. No detailed career statistics are included, but there is a one page summary of Kerley's football achievements, a bibliography and a chapter devoted to Kerley's wife Barbara and her role in his career. TH.
Ross, John & Geddes, Margaret, Australian Football League's Hall of Fame, Harper Collins: Pymble, NSW, 1999.
Ross, John, Hutchinson, Garrie, Geddes, Margaret, Hutchinson, Alex, & Australian Football League, The Australian Football Hall of Fame, HarperSports ;HarperCollins: Sydney, London, 2000.
Salmon, Paul & Piesse, Ken, The Big Fish: Paul Salmon's Own Story, Penguin: Ringwood, Vic., 2001.
Shaw, Tony & Timms, Daryl, A Shaw Thing, T. Shaw and D. Timms: [Melbourne], 1990.
This book includes chapters on Shaw’s early life, other footballers of the Shaw family to play at Collingwood, football philosophies and anecdotes. Shaw selects his best side, gives some thoughts on the 'Colliewobbles' and documents Collingwood's premiership season of 1990 when Shaw captained the club. TH.
Sheedy, Jack, Mcphee, Alex, & Farrell, Darcy, My Football Life: Incorporating the Fundamentals of Australian Football, J. Sheedy: Perth, WA, 1969.
West Australian great Jack Sheedy recalls many highlights and incidents of his career with East Fremantle, East Perth and Western Australia between 1946 and 1963. He describes the greatest WA and interstate players he has seen, the knuckle men of football and his many clashes with umpires. Sheedy was considered a master practitioner of the game and there are two chapters on the skills and techniques of football with instructional photos featuring star players from WA. Includes black and white and colour pictures. TH.
Sheedy, Kevin & Hadfield, Warwick, The 500 Club: Footy's Greatest Coaches, Herald Sun, News Custom Publishing: Southbank, Victoria, 2004.
Sheedy, Kevin & Hadfield, Warwick, Sheeds: Follow Your Dreams, Crown Content: Melbourne, 2001.
Silvagni, Stephen & De Bolfo, Tony, Silvagni, HarperSports: Pymble, NSW, 2002.
Silvagni. The mere mention of the name evokes indelible images of the Carlton Football Club, for whom AFLs greatest ever father-son combination so gloriously plied its craft. For more than 40 years, the Silvagni name has been a part of the Carlton vernacular - from 1958, when Sergio made his senior debut, through to Stephen’s retirement in September 2001. By the time the sinewy, spring-heeled Stephen turned out for his first senior appearance against the Swans in 1985, the 17-year-old had already inherited the potentially burdensome nickname of "SOS" - "Son Of Serge". But it mattered little for the kid in his old mans No.1 guernsey, who, for the next 17 seasons, eked out his own glorious career - encompassing more than 300 senior appearances, two Grand Final triumphs, and of course "Full-Back of the 20th Century" status. Publisher’s blurb.
Simon Madden Breaks Club Record: The Story of Essendon's Record Breaking Ruckman, Limited Souvenir Ed., Essendon Football Club: Essendon, Vic., 1989.
Slattery, Geoff, The Brownlow: A Tribute to the Greats of Australian Football, Lothian: Port Melbourne, Vic., 2003.
A superbly produced book with evocative, imaginative and technically brilliant colour photographs of every living Brownlow winner up to 2002 and archival photos of deceased winners. The introductory chapter provides a history of the medal, focusing on its origins and place in football folklore and a chronology of the medal's history. Interviews with all living winners presented in question and answer format, with a summary of career statistics and achievements for all winners and short biographies of all deceased winners, with reminiscences by some who knew them. Contains photography by Sean Garnsworthy and a detailed bibliography. An updated edition was published in 2010. TH.
Stocks, Gary, Jakovich: Zealous & Bold: The Glen Jakovich Story, G. Stocks: [Perth, WA], 2004.
Stocks, Gary & East, Alan, Lewie, Lewie: Chris Lewis - an Aboriginal Champion, Specialist Sports Management: Perth, WA, 2000.
Stocks, Gary & East, Alan, Woosha: The Smiling Assassin: The John Worsfold Story, Specialist Sports Management: Balcatta, WA, 1999.
Stremski, Richard, McHale, James Francis (1881-1953), Melb University Press: Melbourne, 1986.
A profile of the sporting career of Jock McHale, a brilliant player (1903-18) and coach (1913-50) for Collingwood Football Club. McHale was famed as `Prince of Coaches'.
Strevens, Steve, Bob Rose: A Dignified Life, Allen & Unwin: Crows Nest, NSW, 2003.
The moving story of the respected Collingwood champion, long time coach, devoted father and the family who cared for a severely disabled family member. Contains black and white pictures and an index. TH.
Sturt Football Club, Jack Oatey, the Coach of a Lifetime, Sturt Football Club: [Unley, SA.], 1982.
Sturt Football Club, Jack Oatey's Australian Coaching Record, Sturt Football Club: [Unley, SA.], 1980.
Stynes, Jim & Main, Jim, Whatever It Takes, Celebrity Publishing: Frankston, Vic., 1995.
Stynes was one of a small group of Gaelic footballers recruited from Ireland in the 1980s and was so successful in adapting to the Australian game that he was awarded the 1991 Brownlow Medal and played over 200 games for Melbourne in the AFL. Stynes describes his family upbringing which was steeped in Gaelic football tradition, his family's links with the IRA in the 1920s, his sporting and educational development in Ireland, his recruitment by Ron Barassi leading a group of Melbourne Football Club officials, his early struggle to establish his career in the VFL, his adaptation to Australian life and his eventual outstanding career up to 1995. Told with much emotional honesty, Stynes also provides his thoughts on his other passion of working with young people to help them reach their full potential. Unlike most biographies of former players, there are no career statistics, or no selections of best players seen or played against. TH.
Tatz, Colin & Long, Michael, AFL's Black Stars, Lothian: Port Melbourne, 1998.
Taylor, Brian & Anderson, Jon, Black and White: The Taylor Diaries - 1990, Jon Anderson and Brian Taylor: Prahran, Vic., 1990.
This is a controversial account of Taylor's final season at Collingwood and the background to Taylor's omission from the Collingwood team during the 1990 finals series. The early chapters look at the finals campaign of 1990 and the 1989-1990 pre-season. It then moves onto an account of the 1990 season told in diary entry format and is an early example of this genre. There is also a chapter of impressions of various football and non-football people Taylor met during his career. Taylor pulls no punches and upset a few people with this controversial, some would say embittered, account of his final year at Collingwood. TH.
Thompson, Len & Nicholson, Rod, The Other Side of the Medal: Memoirs of Life and Football, Ironbark: Chippendale, NSW, 1999.
A football book which begins with the words 'the greatest tragedy of my life was that I wasted 40 years before I found inner peace', suggests something different to the usual popular biographies written for football fans. The Collingwood ruckman and 1972 Brownlow medallist takes you through the ups and downs of his personal life and football career. He describes intimately the relationship between his football career and his personal life, with reflections on pay disputes with Collingwood, Grand Final losses, the Brownlow, business and relationship failures, club politics and Collingwood characters and coaches. TH.
Tonkin, Roger, And So the Years Roll By, Literary Mouse Press: Kalamunda, WA, 1997.
Chapters 18 and 19 of this autobiography include memoirs of country football in the midlands region of Western Australia. Contains an especially interesting account of racism suffered by Aboriginal footballers, with several historical chapters arranged in decadal sequence until the 1990s. Includes some team pictures, records and statistics. TH.
Traill, W. J., Time On: Recollections of a Career Umpiring Australian Football 1963-1982, W. Traill: Morwell, Vic., 1982.
Wanganeen, Gavin, Wanganeen: The Power to Win, Ironbark: Chippendale, NSW, 1998.
Covers the career of the 1993 Brownlow medallist, Essendon premiership player and inaugural Port Adelaide captain, with thoughts on various football issues, including being an Aboriginal player and how to prepare physically and mentally for football. Includes full career statistics until end of 1997 season and several colour and black and white pictures. TH.
West Australian Football League., Who's Who in West Australian Football, Westside Football on behalf of the WA Football League: Subiaco, W.A, 1984.
West Torrens Football Club, Eagles Profiles, West Torrens Football Club: Torrensville, SA., 1983.
Williams, Fos & Rucci, Michelangelo, Dynasty: A Legend, a Family and the Port Adelaide Football Club: The Story of the Williams Family, Peacock Publications: Norwood, SA., 1999.
A comprehensive record of Fos William's career as player and coach in the SANFL competition from 1946 to 1978. Much of the book looks at Williams’ career, which saw him coach Port Adelaide to nine premierships and as a player and coach with West Adelaide. Other chapters look at the successful careers of Mark, Stephen and Anthony Williams and the entry of the Port Power Football Club into the AFL. Includes selections of Fos Williams’ greatest Port Adelaide, South Australian and All-Australian teams during his time as player and coach. TH.
Williams, Greg, Diesel: The Greg Williams Story, Ironbark: Sydney, 1995.
Provides a chronicle of the dual Brownlow medallist's career up to the end of 1994 season. The emphasis is on the on-field action and club politics, with few descriptions of family and personal life, but plenty of forthright comments on football issues and personalities. There are numerous quotations from football experts about the abilities of Williams the player, all accompanied with humble acknowledgments. TH.
Wood, John & Port Adelaide Football Club (SANFL), Russell Ebert Australian Record Souvenir Booklet, Port Adelaide Football Club Inc.: [Alberton, SA.], 1985.
Wood, John & Wood, Wendy, Gentleman Jack: The Johnny Cahill Story 1958-82, J. and W. Wood: Plympton, SA., 1982.