Celebrating Excellence: Seven New Inductees to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame has announced its latest inductees, celebrating a diverse group of athletes and contributors who have made significant impacts on Australian sports. Among them are former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, ex-netball star Laura Geitz, and Australian rules legend Jason Dunstall. They are joined by 430-game NRL great Cameron Smith, two-time grand slam winner Lleyton Hewitt, and Australia’s most successful Winter Olympian, Torah Bright (snowboarding). Additionally, Dr Peter Harcourt, a prominent figure in sports medicine, has been inducted as a general member.
A Moment of Pride for Inductees
Cameron Smith expressed his surprise at being inducted, calling it an “incredible honour.” He reflected on the surreal experience of hearing his name alongside some of Australia’s most celebrated athletes. “It was surreal to hear my name mentioned alongside some of Australia’s most illustrious athletes, many of whom I admired during my childhood,” he said.
Lleyton Hewitt described receiving the call as “pretty surreal.” For him, representing Australia has always been a source of pride. “I’ve always prided myself on playing for Australia and wearing the green and gold with pride, this is very special to me,” he shared.
Torah Bright, a standout in snowboarding, emphasized that the honor goes beyond medals or podiums. “This honour isn’t just about medals or podiums. It’s about the whole journey: the sacrifices, the setbacks, and the community and family that helped me get here,” she explained.
The Art of Goalkicking and Modern Football
Jason Dunstall, a legendary VFL-AFL player known for his remarkable goalkicking, remains passionate about the sport. His career included 1254 goals, four premierships, and multiple accolades. However, he admits to frustration with modern football, particularly the quality of goalkicking.
Dunstall stressed the importance of repetition and review in perfecting kicks. “Sometimes you think you are doing what you are normally doing, but you are not. It’s only if you look at it on video, or if someone can tell you that you are not, that you realise you are not actually doing it,” he noted.
Despite improvements in set-shot accuracy over the years, Dunstall believes there is still room for growth. “I still love the game. I understand it’s very different, and I am sure I have some antiquated views on it,” he said. The challenge of achieving a century of goals in modern football is also a concern for him.
From Setback to Success: Laura Geitz’s Journey
Laura Geitz’s path to leadership was not without challenges. Her first game as captain of the Australian Diamonds was a difficult one. Facing New Zealand’s Silver Ferns, she was benched after a poor performance. However, this setback became a turning point in her career.
Coach Lisa Alexander provided honest feedback, reminding Geitz of her strengths. “Lisa said, ‘Today you changed everything about yourself to be something that you’re not and you got found out very quickly. You’re there for who you are and live up to that.’” This advice helped Geitz grow both personally and professionally.
Geitz’s career includes numerous achievements, including a World Cup triumph in 2015 and multiple Commonwealth Games medals. She was surprised when she learned of her induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. “I was in a bit of disbelief, to be honest. But I am incredibly honoured to be included,” she shared.
A Legacy of Friendship and Passion
For Geitz, the most rewarding aspect of her career has been the friendships formed with her teammates. “Your teammates see the absolute worst and the best of you. You are forced to have conversations that are a bit uncomfortable at times and you just get to know that person on such a deeper level, quite quickly and quite intensely,” she said.
Her journey began with a simple desire for Asics sneakers, which sparked a lifelong passion for netball. Despite her impressive resume, Geitz values the personal connections and memories made along the way.
Looking Ahead
As these inductees reflect on their achievements, they also recognize the evolving nature of sports. Whether it’s the art of goalkicking, the challenges of leadership, or the importance of friendship, each story highlights the dedication and resilience required to excel in their respective fields.
With new inductees joining the ranks of sporting legends, the Sport Australia Hall of Fame continues to celebrate excellence and inspire future generations.