No football identity has ever won Australian of the year who would you pick and why?

Question

We have had cricketers picked but no-one involved in football why do you think that is?

I would pick Kevin Sheedy for his work in organising the Anzac day match and the indigenous matches.

Do you know of anyone nominated since it began?

Answer 1

not a bombers fan by James Hird would have to come close as well as Nathan Buckley. Chris Judd a chance in about 10 years ( when he retires)

Answer 2

i don't know of anybody nominiated .. .

but I'd suggest Tom Haffey , Sheeds,  Jimmy Stynes ( with his work with REACH) and Alan Jeans.

Moo... I agree with you to an extent ... BUT ... there are times when a sportsman/woman can use their profile to promote good causes .. I'll site Jimmy Stynes for his work with REACH

http://www.reach.org.au/

but if it's just for their sporting ability ...??? NAH ,,,

Answer 3

Hirdy for sure. He exemplifies the Aussie spirit, tough but fair.

Moo - Cosgrove is just someone who was good at what he was paid to do just like the top entertainers and sports people. Maybe we should have a Celebrity Australian of the Year and an Everyday Hero award.

Answer 4

Brad Fittler is a complete legend

7 games for City

34 games for Australia

31 games for NSW (most by any person)

336 First Grade Game (119 Panthers, 217 Roosters)

Coach of Sydney Roosters

In 2000 was presented with the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to Sport.

note- I am not a Roosters Fan

Answer 5

I agree with your choice of Sheeds for services to Aussie Rules but would also suggest Michael Long for off field work with the indigenous people.

how about Ben Cousins!!!

Answer 6

None.

It appalls me when entertainers and sport personalities win the Australian of the year.

They aren't exactly Fred Hollows or Peter Cosgrove

Answer 7

None.

I agree wholeheartedly with what Moo has posted.

I can't think of anything more ridiculous than a suggestion that one of our overpaid, spoilt sports 'stars' should be awarded the presigious "Australian of the Year' award.

Kevin Sheedy would be way down the list, anyway. Sheedy only does things if he can get media coverage from his actions.

Answer 8

cos cricket is world wide so they are representing t country n cos its harder to become one becos there are less positions and only one team.

Answer 9

Hi Molly,

My Vote goes to Mal Meninga. This bloke has done so much to help out the people of  New Guinea. He helps the young kids every year and pays his own way to do it. He took some of the Broncos team there in 2006 to allow the kids to see their Hero's. Pity the pretty boys of AFL could not do the same thing with their big pay packets. It is to the detriment of AFL. They will lose these people to Rugby League and good on them.

Answer 10

I dont know anyone/footballer who has been nominated, however I do agree with you on Kevin Sheedy I believe he should be nominated for Australian of the year as its not how good you are at football or cricket etc its what you do in the society, what you have done to make Australia a better place. As Kevin Sheedy has oganised the anzac day match in honour of the soliders and the indigenous matches then he has done more then Nathan Buckley or James Hird.