Michael Graham (footballer) facts for kids

Michael Wayne Graham, born on January 11, 1952, is a famous former Australian rules footballer. He played for Sturt in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). He also played for St Mary's in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL). Michael played throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In 2024, he was honored by being inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Michael Graham's Early Life

Michael Wayne Graham was born on January 11, 1952, in Wallaroo. He grew up in an Aboriginal Australian family. His family lived at the Point Pearce mission on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. Michael was the second youngest of 15 children.

His father, Cecil Graham, was also a footballer. He played for Central District in the SANFL. Michael's mother was Doris May Edwards.

Moving to Adelaide

The coach of the Sturt football club, Jack Oatey, noticed Michael's talent. He asked Michael to move to Adelaide to play for Sturt. To support Michael's football dreams, his parents moved the whole family to Adelaide. Michael also attended college in Adelaide.

A Family of Footballers

Football was a big part of the Graham family. Michael's three older brothers, Rex, Fred, and Bradley, all played football. His nephews, Phillip (Phil) Graham and Colin Graham, who are Bradley's sons, also played.

Michael Graham's Football Career

Before joining Sturt, Michael Graham played for the Penola Eagles. This team was in Penola, South Australia. In 1970, he won the Western Border Medal. This award is for the best and fairest player in the league.

Playing for Sturt

Michael was known as "The Flash" because of his amazing speed. He played as a half-forward flanker. In 1971, he made his first appearance for Sturt in the SANFL. He played 282 games over 15 seasons. During this time, he kicked 455 goals.

He helped Sturt win two premierships (championships). These wins were in 1974 and 1976. His coach, Jack Oatey, was very important to him. Michael later said that Jack was like a second father.

Michael also played for South Australia. He represented his state eleven times in interstate football games.

Playing in the Northern Territory

During the SANFL off-season in summer, Michael played for St Mary's. This team was in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL). He played 230 matches for St Mary's over 17 seasons.

He helped St Mary's win premierships in:

• 1978–79
• 1983–84
• 1985–86

In the 1978–79 NTFL Grand Final, he won the Chaney Medal. This award is for the best player on the field in the Grand Final.

Indigenous All-Stars

In 1983, Michael was part of the 1983 Indigenous All-Stars team. This special team included talented Indigenous players. His father, Cecil, and his nephews, Phil and Colin Graham, were also on this team.

After he stopped playing professionally, Michael coached teams. He coached 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 outstanding football career.

• In 1973-74, he won the Nichols Medal. This medal is given to the best and fairest player in the NTFL.
• In 2005, he was named to the official Indigenous Team of the Century. This is a huge honor for Indigenous Australian rules footballers.
• 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 in Australian rules football.