Michael Graham (footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael Graham |
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| Personal information | |||
| Nickname(s) | The Flash | ||
| Date of birth | 11 January 1952 | ||
| Place of birth | Wallaroo, Australia | ||
| Position(s) | Forward player | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Michael Wayne Graham (born 11 January 1952) is a famous former Australian rules footballer. He played for two main teams: Sturt in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and St Mary's in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL). He was a great player during the 1970s and 1980s.
In 2024, Michael Graham was honored by being added to the Australian Football Hall of Fame. This is a very special award for top players.
Michael Graham's Early Life
Michael Wayne Graham was born on January 11, 1952. His family was Aboriginal Australian and lived in Wallaroo, South Australia. He grew up on the Point Pearce mission, which is on the Yorke Peninsula.
Michael was the second youngest of 15 children. His father, Cecil Graham, was also a football player. He played for Central District in the SANFL. Michael's mother was Doris May Edwards.
When Michael was young, the coach of Sturt, Jack Oatey, asked him to move to Adelaide to play football. Michael's parents decided to move the whole family to Adelaide to support his dream. Michael also went to college there.
Many of Michael's family members played football. His three older brothers, Rex, Fred, and Bradley, were also players. His nephews, Phillip Graham and Colin Graham, who are Bradley's sons, also played the sport.
Michael Graham's Football Career
Before joining Sturt, Michael Graham played for the Penola Eagles in Penola, South Australia. In 1970, he won the Western Border Medal. This award is for the best and fairest player in the league.
Michael was known as "The Flash" because he was very fast. He played as a half-forward flanker. He started playing for Sturt in 1971. He played 282 games for Sturt over 15 seasons. During that time, he kicked 455 goals.
He helped Sturt win two championships, called premierships, in 1974 and 1976. His coach, Jack Oatey, was very important to him. Michael later said that Coach Oatey was like a second father.
Michael also played for the South Australia state team eleven times in interstate games.
During the SANFL off-season in summer, Michael played for St Mary's in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL). He played 230 matches for St Mary's over 17 seasons. He helped them win premierships in 1978–79, 1983–84, and 1985–86. He also won the Chaney Medal in 1978–79, which is given to the best player in the Grand Final.
In 1983, Michael was part of the 1983 Indigenous All-Stars team. His father, Cecil, and his nephews, Phil and Colin, were also on this team.
After he stopped playing professionally, Michael Graham coached teams in the Northern Territory and other country leagues. He even continued to play masters football until he was 72 years old in 2024.
Awards and Recognition
Michael Graham received many awards for his amazing football skills:
- In 1973-74, he won the Nichols Medal. This award is for the best and fairest player in the NTFL.
- In 2005, he was named to the official Indigenous Team of the Century. This team includes the best Indigenous players from the last 100 years.
- He is also a member of Sturt's "Team of the 20th Century."
- He is part of the Northern Territory Team of the Century.
- In 2024, Michael Graham was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. This is one of the highest honors for an Australian rules footballer.
