The Immortals of Australian Football
Author: Andrew Clarke
Gelding Street Press, 2024.
RRP $39.99
The Immortals of Australian Football, is a 2024 book by Andrew Clarke. The book details the playing careers of various Australian footballers. Names such Gary Ablett, Leigh Mathews and Tony Locket. The book has selected the players it focuses on, according to a set of criteria, that the author views as important.
The book is not judging based on premierships, Brownlow medals, or other such accolades. Rather it gives the title of Immortal, to the players who had a real impact. Those who changed the way the game is played, viewed and/or coached. There are players from the modern era too, as well as players from further back. As it is a new book, I thought I’d take a look.
The Immortals of Australian Football is an engaging read, that kept my interest. The book provides biographical information of each player. The book also elaborates on the impact that they had on the game. Names such as Ted Whitten and Ron Barassi, whose impact on football cannot be under-stated. Accompanying the text, are full- or half–page photographs. Such as Gary Ablett and Robert DiPierdomenico clashing in 1989.
The book is easy enough to follow, though I got a bit lost, mostly with information, not related to their playing careers. There really isn’t anything new, that this book offers. Just the usual stats, bio, and achievements. I hoped for maybe some different facts. There are a myriad of magazines, other books, DVDs and television shows that provide the same information. So, it felt a bit lacking in that.
As for recommendations, anyone who follows the AFL, really. It is good for young supporters, as there is enough modern stuff. It is good for older supporters, who recognise players from their youth. And it is good for me, as I am neither of the previously mentioned categories. My interest lies in the history, the games, the players and the different eras.
This book charts some of the great players, in VFL/ AFL history. It discusses their background, their clubs and their achievements. It labels them ‘immortals’ for the impact they had on Australian football. It gives this label to players who fit the author’s criteria. Players who had a real impact during their playing careers. This has been my look at Andrew Clarke’s The Immortals of Australian Football.
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Nice work, RB. What is intriguing is that ‘list books’ like this are becoming the go-to option for publishers of books about sports. It sounds like Andrew has done a good job with what he’s been tasked to do. The book is certainly beautifully presented. I wonder if publishers will opt for more formulaic approaches or try novel ideas in the future.
Barry, Gelding Street Press began their ‘Immortals’ series several years ago with the aim of covering a wide range of Australian sports. Over time they have expanded to include some England/UK codes as well. It’s worth having a look at their website to see the full range. From what I know, the criteria they set for individual sports varies. For example, Liam Hauser’s ‘Immortals of Rugby League’ is a set list because it’s a real ARL/NRL accolade and so its membership is clearly defined. By comparison, his “Immortals of Australian Cricket’ and ‘Immortals of State of Origin’ were both his free choice of what he considered the best teams of all time in those sports. You just have to check out the introduction to each of the volumes to see what the goal of each one is. They all have a similar appearance and style of presentation and, as you say, they are well presented as attractive products.
Thanks for the note, Ian. I’ve looked at the website and can see the publisher’s and, by extension, the author’s intentions. I am OK with this style, and it’s also not a criticism of those involved. However, seeing publishers examine sports beyond the genre of ‘this would provide a great debate’ would be refreshing. Some of the lesser-known players’ stories are often more revealing and instructive than the ‘stars of the game’ if provided in a narrative examining the era.