Book Launch: Ted Hopkins

Ted Hopkins shot to fame when he replaced Bert Thornley at half-time in the 1970 Grand Final, kicking four goals to lead Carlton to victory. Although Hopkins played just one more game, he was to come back to footy in years to come – in a significant way.

The collection and analysis of statistics started as a hobby for Hopkins, but grew into an essential component of our modern game. Now known as the man who revolutionised statistics in Australian Football, Hopkins, who coined phrases in the early days of the company he created Champion Data – like hard-ball gets, loose-ball gets, inside 50s, and clangers – will tomorrow release his autobiography, The Stats Revolution, The Lifes, Loves and Passion of Football’s Futurist, at Percy’s Bar, Lygon Street. Percy of course, the great ‘Percy’ Jones, a 1970 premiership teammate.

On hand to launch the book will be another teammate Syd Jackson, who will look at Hopkins’ life, including his unlikely stint as an environmental officer, a publisher, a poet and his newest venture, The Pressure Matrix – a computer program that rates the key stats that define the game. These are all covered in the book.

WHAT: Official launch of Ted Hopkins’ new book, The Stats Revolution. Syd Jackson to lead Hopkins in discussion about his life, the book and his latest venture, The Pressure Matrix.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 3, 2011.

WHO: Ted Hopkins, Syd Jackson, David McKay and other Carlton greats.

WHERE: Percy’s Bar, 418 Lygon Street, Carlton.

TIME: 12:00 midday: Welcome and Q&A

The Stats Revolution, The Life, Loves and Passion of Football’s Futurist is Ted Hopkins’ story –

from Grand Final hero to the king of footy stats, and all that was in-between. It is a unique tale

written by a unique man. Get your copy from May 1 in all good bookstores. RRP $30.

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