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Max Walker
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Maxwell Henry Norman Walker AM (12 September 1948 – 28 September 2016) was an Australian sportsman who played both cricket and Australian rules football at high levels. After six years of balancing first-class cricket in summer, professional football in winter and study for a degree in architecture, Walker earned a place in the Australian cricket team in 1972 and represented his country in the sport until injury ended his career in 1981. Following his retirement, he worked as an architect and also commenced a career in radio and television media. He wrote 14 books over a period of thirty years and became a successful public speaker. His unorthodox cricket bowling action earned him the nickname "Tangles", and his larrikin character made him a much-loved figure with the Australian public. Walker died of multiple myeloma on 28 September 2016 after being diagnosed with the disease three years earlier.[3] He was a part of the Australian squad which finished as runners-up at the 1975 Cricket World Cup.
Key Information
Early life and education
[edit]Walker was born in Hobart, Tasmania, on 12 September 1948.[4] While in high school he represented Tasmania as an opening batsman in their colts team, scoring a century in one match.[5] As a schoolboy at The Friends' School, Hobart, Walker was vice-captain of the firsts cricket team, played Aussie Rules football and was a talented junior athlete for his school. He also played for North Hobart Cricket Club and North Hobart Football Club as a junior.[6] After graduating from Friends' School in 1967 he relocated to Melbourne to play football and also enrolled in an architecture degree at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.[7][8] He graduated with a fellowship diploma in 1973.[4]
Football career
[edit]In 1966, while still a high school student, Melbourne Football Club coach Norm Smith visited Walker's family home in Hobart to sign him to the Demons.[7] He relocated from Hobart to Melbourne in 1967 and made his VFL debut the same year. He spent six seasons with Melbourne, playing 85 games[note 1] as a ruckman and defender and earning one Brownlow Medal vote in 1968.[9][10][11] After returning from the Australian cricket team's 1972–73 tour of the West Indies, Walker informed the club that he would not be joining them for the 1973 VFL season, as the season was about to start and he needed to complete a thesis for his university degree.[5][12]
Cricket career
[edit]Upon moving to Melbourne in 1967, Walker joined the Melbourne Cricket Club. Although he earned a reputation as a batsman as a junior, he was given an opportunity to open the bowling attack for Melbourne, which showed his true cricket potential.[5] His strange bowling action, bowling right arm over his right leg, earned Walker the nickname of "Tanglefoot" which was quickly shortened to "Tangles".[4] He made his first-class debut for Victoria in February 1969 against Queensland, the final match of Victoria's 1968–1969 Sheffield Shield season.[8] Despite taking five wickets in the match, he did not get a chance to play in the 1969–1970 season due to the depth in Victoria's bowling.[8] He earned a second match in December 1970 and became a regular in the 1971–72 season, playing a total of 135 matches for Victoria.[8]
He made his test debut for Australia in the second Test against Pakistan that commenced on 29 December 1972.[8] He took five wickets in the match and retained his place in the team for the next match, the final of the series. In that match, a final innings performance of 6–15 by Walker prevented Pakistan from winning the match. During the series he was selected for Australia's tour of the West Indies that ran from February to April 1973.[8]
Walker played a total of 34 Tests, taking 138 wickets as a medium-fast bowler.[8] He played in 17 ODIs between 1974 and 1981, as well as playing in the breakaway World Series Cricket from 1977 to 1979.[8] His final match for Australia was the infamous underarm match between Australia and New Zealand on 1 February 1981.[7] An Achilles tendon injury subsequently forced his retirement from cricket.[13]
Post-retirement from cricket
[edit]After retiring from competitive cricket in 1981, Walker practised architecture for 10 years.[7] He also became a highly regarded for his work in the media, including television and radio. He was also a successful author and public speaker.
Media career
[edit]Once he retired from cricket, Walker first appeared on radio, calling cricket for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) with Drew Morphett and Alan McGilvray for four years from 1981.[13] He was also part of the commercial radio cricket coverage run by 2UE and 3AK.[13] His first television appearances date back to 1982, where he was the cricket expert on Channel 7's World of Sport. After moving to Channel 9 in 1985, he was also part of National Nine News Melbourne with Brian Naylor, reading sports reports on the nightly news.[5] He also hosted the Nine Network's The Sunday Footy Show from 1993–1998 and Nine's Wide World of Sports program until it was cancelled in 1999. He was also a commentator for Channel Nine's cricket matches between 1985 and 1991.[5] In 2005 he appeared on the Nine Network's sports show Any Given Sunday, hosted by James Brayshaw, as well as ABC2's sports program Late Night Legends featuring highlights of the 1974–75 Ashes series in which Walker had a prominent role.
Walker's distinctive broad Australian accent was parodied in several albums by The Twelfth Man (Billy Birmingham), including being featured as the central character on the 1994 album Wired World of Sports II.[5] It follows Walker through a day at his job at the Nine Network in which he assaults co-host Ken Sutcliffe in order to increase his chances of regaining a place on the cricket commentary team.
He also appeared in television advertisements throughout his career, commencing with an Aerogard commercial in the mid-1970s.[9] He also made a guest appearance on Red Faces for an episode of Hey Hey It's Saturday.[14]
Writing career
[edit]Max Walker was also the author of 14 books, with total sales exceeding one million copies. His first book, Tangles (written with Neil Phillipson), was an autobiography published in 1976. His subsequent books contained light-hearted anecdotes from his career, with titles such as The Wit of Walker, How to Kiss a Crocodile and How to Puzzle a Python. His final book Caps, Hats and Helmets was released in 2006.[13][15]
Public speaking
[edit]Following the cancellation of Nine's Wide World of Sports in 1999, Walker commenced appearing on the public speaking circuit.[7] He turned it into a successful business and continued speaking until at least 2015.[7] Walker held the designation of Certified Speaking Professional, which is the highest accreditation within Professional Speakers Australia. In 2016, he presented a keynote address at the Professional Speakers Australia annual convention.[16] He received the Educator of the Year[17] award from Professional Speakers Australia at that same convention.
Honours
[edit]On 13 June 2011, Walker was named a Member of the Order of Australia for service to cricket at a national and international level as a player and commentator, and to the community through a range of youth and social welfare organisations.[18]
Personal life
[edit]Walker was married twice and had five children: three sons from his first marriage, and two daughters with his second wife Kerry.[7] He was an avid collector of fountain pens and featured in one episode of the ABC's Collectors.[13][19] Walker died from multiple myeloma on 28 September 2016, after being diagnosed in August 2013.[3]
Bibliography
[edit]Books authored or co-authored by Walker:[20]
- Tangles (1976), with Neill Phillipson, ISBN 095970986X[21]
- Cricketer at the Crossroads (1978), with Neill Phillipson, ISBN 0908081405[22]
- Back to Bay 13 (1980), ISBN 0908081804[23]
- The Wit of Walker (1983), with Mike Coward, ISBN 0908081499[24]
- How to Hypnotise Chooks (1987), ISBN 0908081510[25]
- How to Tame Lions (1988), ISBN 0908081758[26]
- How to Kiss a Crocodile (1989), ISBN 0908081839[27]
- How to Puzzle a Python (1990), ISBN 0908081367[28]
- The best of Mr Walker (1992), ISBN 0947334513[29]
- A Chip Off the Old Block (1996), ISBN 0947334823[30]
- Sports Jokes (1997), with Brian Doyle, ISBN 0947334823[31]
- Ladies and Gentlemen (1999), with Mike McColl Jones, ISBN 1865080802[32]
- The Volunteers (2001), with Gerry Gleeson, ISBN 1865085685[33]
- Caps, Hats and Helmets (2006), ISBN 0975791109[15]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Family Notices". The Mercury. Vol. CLXVIII, no. 24, 263. Tasmania. 14 September 1948. p. 8. Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Max Walker | Australian Cricket | Cricket Players and Officials | ESPN Cricinfo". cricinfo.com. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
- ^ a b "Max Walker died of a blood cancer called myeloma, not melanoma". ABC News. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Max Walker: former Australian cricketer dies aged 68". The Guardian. 28 September 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g Pierik, Jon (28 September 2016). "Max Walker dead at 68". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ Bresnehan, James (29 September 2016). "Tasmanians recall their fond memories of former cricketer Max Walker". The Mercury. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Wilmoth, Peter (4 February 2015). "Meeting Australian cricket legend Max Walker". The Weekly Review. Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Cavalier, Rodney. "Max Walker passes away, aged 68". cricket.com.au. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ a b Anderson, Jon (28 September 2016). "Australian cricket legend Max Walker dies after cancer battle". PerthNow. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ "Max Walker dies, aged 68, after 34-Test career with Australian cricket team". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 28 September 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ "Max walker". AFL Tables. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ Sengupta, Arunabha (12 September 2016). "Max Walker: An excellent fast-medium bowler who was doomed to play the support role". Cricket Country. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ a b c d e McGarry, Andrew (28 September 2016). "Max Walker: Larrikin, sportsman, raconteur and broadcaster dies aged 68". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ Kenny Codgers - Red Faces, retrieved 1 September 2023
- ^ a b "Caps, hats & helmets : cricket's a funny game! / Max Walker". Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Professional Speakers Australia Convention 2016 :: Max Walker". 2016.psaconvention.com.au. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ "The Nevin Award, Keynote Presenter & Educator Award for Excellence". www.professionalspeakers.org.au. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ "Max Walker AM". Australian Honours Database. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
- ^ "The Collectors". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ "Book Shelf – Max Walker". Archived from the original on 1 March 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ "Tangles / Max Walker with Neill Phillipson". Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Cricketer at the crossroads / [by] Max Walker with Neill Phillipson". Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Back to bay 13 / Max Walker". Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "The wit of Walker / Max Walker with Mike Coward". Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "How to hypnotise chooks and other great yarns / Max Walker". Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "How to tame lions and other great yarns / Max Walker". Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "How to kiss a crocodile and other snappy stories / Max Walker". Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "How to puzzle a python / Max Walker". Retrieved 28 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "The best of Mr Walker : a collection of Max Walker's favourite stories". Retrieved 29 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "A chip off the old block / Max Walker". Retrieved 29 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Sports jokes / Max Walker, Brian Doyle". Retrieved 29 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Ladies and gentlemen : tales and misadventures from the microphone / Max Walker and Mike McColl Jones". Retrieved 29 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "The volunteers : how ordinary Australians brought about the extraordinary success of the Sydney 2000 Games / Max Walker and Gerry Gleeson". Retrieved 29 September 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Max Walker at ESPNcricinfo
- Walker's football statistics from AFL Tables
- Interview on ABC Television's Talking Heads February 2007
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Max Walker
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and education
Family background and childhood
Maxwell Henry Norman Walker was born on 12 September 1948 in West Hobart, Tasmania, to Max Walker, known as "Big Max," a builder and publican who owned and operated the Empire Hotel in Hobart.[6][7] He had a younger sister named Lindsay.[6] Walker's early family life revolved around the bustling environment of the Empire Hotel, which his father affectionately called the "Institute of Experience" due to its colorful array of patrons.[7] The family embodied an overwhelmingly positive outlook, where no challenge was considered insurmountable, fostering resilience in young Max.[6] His father played a pivotal role in shaping his interests, encouraging outdoor pursuits and exposing him to a wide variety of people through the hotel's daily interactions, which sparked an early fascination with active, communal activities.[7] During his childhood in Hobart, Walker displayed a cheerful and resilient personality, traits that later defined his larrikin style.[5] At age 10, he contracted rheumatic fever and was bedridden for months, with doctors warning he might never engage in physical activities again; however, he defied the prognosis and regained his health, embodying the family's optimistic ethos.[6] His formative years involved playful engagements in the hotel backyard, where he honed an energetic demeanor through impromptu games with guests and family, foreshadowing his lifelong enthusiasm for lively social exchanges.[7] This Tasmanian upbringing provided a strong foundation before his relocation to Melbourne in 1967, which broadened his horizons to the vibrant Victorian sports scene.[7]Schooling and architectural training
Walker attended The Friends' School in Hobart, Tasmania, where he excelled in team sports, serving as vice-captain of the first XI cricket team in 1965 and playing Australian rules football.[6][8] Influenced by his father, a master builder, Walker developed an early interest in architecture as a stable career path alongside his athletic pursuits.[9] In 1967, after moving to Melbourne, Walker enrolled at the Melbourne Technical College (now RMIT University) to pursue a diploma in architecture, viewing it as a reliable fallback amid the uncertainties of professional sports.[2][10] Over the next six years, he balanced rigorous architectural studies with emerging athletic commitments, including playing 85 games of Australian rules football for the Melbourne Football Club from 1967 to 1972 and working on the Melbourne Cricket Ground staff during summers.[6][9] Walker completed his architectural training in 1973, graduating with a Fellowship Diploma of Architecture from RMIT, which qualified him as a registered architect with the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.[2][11] This qualification provided a professional foundation that he later drew upon, even as his sports career intensified.[9]Sporting career
Australian rules football
Max Walker debuted for the Melbourne Football Club in Round 12 of the 1967 VFL season against North Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, having relocated from Tasmania as a promising schoolboy talent.[4] Over the next six seasons, he established himself as a versatile ruckman and key defender, known for his strong marking and physical presence at 189 cm and 84 kg.[12] His tenure with the Demons, during a period of club transition following their 1964 premiership, saw him contribute to team efforts in a competitive era marked by intense rivalries with clubs like Collingwood and Carlton, though Melbourne did not reach finals during his time.[13] In total, Walker played 85 senior games for Melbourne from 1967 to 1972, scoring 23 goals while accumulating 456 hitouts and 264 marks, underscoring his role in ruck contests and defensive structure.[14] His breakout year came in 1968 with 16 games and a career-high 14 goals, earning him a Brownlow Medal vote, but 1970 stood out for resilience after missing the early rounds due to shoulder and groin injuries; he returned to play all 19 games that season, providing stability in the ruck amid the club's rebuilding phase under coach Ron Barassi.[12] Walker also played a key part in Melbourne's 1971 Night Series premiership win, appearing in the finals.[15] Walker's football career laid a strong foundation for his transition to professional cricket in 1972, as the rigors of VFL play honed his physical fitness, endurance, and team-oriented skills, enabling him to excel as a fast bowler for Australia shortly after his last game against Fitzroy.[4] He retired from football 15 games shy of a century with the Demons to prioritize cricket, where his athletic base from the ruck and defensive roles proved invaluable in maintaining stamina during long Test matches.[4]Cricket
Max Walker made his first-class debut for Victoria in February 1969 against Queensland at the Gabba, marking the end of the 1968–69 Sheffield Shield season.[16] He went on to play 70 first-class matches for the state across the Sheffield Shield and other competitions from 1968–69 to 1981–82, establishing himself as a reliable fast-medium bowler.[16] In total, Walker claimed 499 first-class wickets at an average of 26.47, including 21 five-wicket hauls, with notable performances such as 39 wickets at 21.38 in the 1972–73 Sheffield Shield season, where he took his first five-wicket haul at the Gabba.[16] His domestic career highlighted his evolution from an occasional player to a mainstay, often opening the bowling alongside talents like Alan Thomson.[16] Walker's international career began with a Test debut for Australia against Pakistan on 29 December 1972 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he took 2 for 101 in the first innings.[1] Over 34 Tests from 1972 to 1977, he captured 138 wickets at an average of 27.47, with best figures of 8 for 143 against England at the MCG in 1975, and six five-wicket hauls.[1] In One Day Internationals, he played 17 matches between 1974 and 1981, securing 20 wickets at an average of 27.30, with best figures of 4 for 19.[1] Key series contributions included 26 wickets at 24.19 during Australia's 2–0 victory in the 1972–73 Test series against the West Indies, where he led the attack in the absence of injured teammates.[2] Against India in the 1977–78 series, he took 12 wickets across three Tests at 28.50, supporting Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson in a 3–2 win.[17] Walker's unique playing style as a right-arm fast-medium swing bowler, characterized by a convoluted, wrong-footed action that crossed his legs at delivery, earned him the nickname "Tangles."[1] This unorthodox approach, often imitated in backyard cricket, allowed him to generate movement and maintain accuracy despite his 6 ft 4 in frame, making him a vital third seamer in Australia's pace attacks.[18] He was part of Australia's runners-up team in the 1975 Prudential World Cup, playing all five matches and taking 7 wickets at 25.71, including contributions in the semi-final win over England and the final loss to the West Indies at Lord's. During the World Series Cricket competition from 1977 to 1979, Walker played seven Supertests for Australia, taking 28 wickets.[19] His Test career culminated in the 1977 Ashes series against England, where his final Test at The Oval underscored a storied rivalry, having taken 36 wickets against England across 12 Tests at 28.11.[20]Post-retirement career
Media and broadcasting
Following his retirement from cricket in 1981, Max Walker transitioned into broadcasting, beginning with a four-year stint as a cricket commentator on ABC Radio alongside Alan McGilvray, where he provided expert analysis during international matches.[21] His radio work quickly established him as a knowledgeable voice, drawing on his playing experience to offer insightful breakdowns of gameplay and strategies.[5] In 1985, Walker joined Channel Nine as a cricket commentator, spending six years on the network's team and covering major series, including Ashes tours, with a style that blended humor and technical expertise, endearing him to audiences for his engaging, larrikin personality.[5] Notable broadcasts included his contributions to the 1986-87 Ashes series in Australia, where his witty anecdotes and astute observations complemented the coverage. During this period, he also appeared as a cricket expert on Channel Seven's World of Sport starting in the early 1980s, marking his initial foray into television.[22] Walker's media career expanded beyond cricket into general sports broadcasting on Channel Nine, where he served as a weekend sports presenter on Wide World of Sports until 1999 and co-hosted The Sunday Footy Show, delivering lively reports on Australian rules football and other events.[23] Over his career, he hosted more than 3,000 hours of live television, showcasing his versatility in sports presentation.[21] Walker continued his architecture practice after retiring from cricket in 1981, having qualified with a fellowship diploma from RMIT in 1973 during his sporting career; he balanced professional design work with his broadcasting commitments for about 10 years thereafter.[9]Writing and public speaking
Max Walker authored 14 books spanning three decades, with cumulative sales surpassing one million copies, including seven number-one bestsellers. His writing drew heavily from his sporting experiences, blending cricket anecdotes, life lessons on resilience and teamwork, and his characteristic larrikin humor to entertain and inspire readers. Published by outlets such as Garry Sparke & Associates, these works established Walker as a prominent voice in Australian sports literature, emphasizing the lighter, human side of athletic competition over technical analysis.[24][25] Walker's debut book, Tangles (1976, co-authored with Neill Phillipson and published by Garry Sparke & Associates), served as an autobiography chronicling his dual careers in cricket and Australian rules football, capturing the unorthodox energy that defined his playing style. In 1983, The Wit of Walker (co-authored with Mike Coward and also published by Garry Sparke & Associates) expanded on this foundation with a collection of witty, self-deprecating stories from his time on the field, highlighting the camaraderie and absurdities of professional sports. By 1989, How to Kiss a Crocodile and Other Snappy Stories (published in Australia) further showcased his humorous take on cricket tales, using playful titles and vignettes to illustrate broader themes of adaptability and joy in adversity.[26][27][28] Complementing his literary pursuits, Walker built a successful career in public speaking, starting in the early 1970s with engagements at service clubs like Rotary and Lions, where his affable persona quickly gained traction. From the 1980s onward, he focused on motivational presentations at corporate events and schools, earning acclaim as a Certified Speaking Professional for his dynamic delivery of engaging narratives infused with sports metaphors. These talks often emphasized personal growth, attitude, and collaboration, mirroring the motivational undertones in his books.[29][30][31] Walker's speaking engagements frequently incorporated material from his writings, allowing him to adapt book anecdotes into live storytelling that resonated with diverse audiences, while book promotions occasionally featured public appearances that blurred the lines between his authorial and oratorical roles. This synergy amplified his public persona, positioning him as an enduring figure who used humor and insight from sports to connect with and motivate listeners across professional and educational settings.[24][32]Honours and legacy
Awards and honours
Walker was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours, announced on 13 June 2011, for service to cricket at a national and international level as a player and commentator, and to the community through a range of youth and social welfare organisations.[33] The award recognised his contributions across sport, media, and philanthropy, including his role in promoting cricket through broadcasting and authorship, as well as support for community initiatives focused on youth development and welfare.[33] In recognition of his sporting achievements, Walker was inducted into the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame in 1993.[34] This honour acknowledged his dual success in Australian rules football, where he played 85 games as a ruckman for the Melbourne Football Club in the VFL,[14] and in cricket, where he represented Australia in 34 Test matches, capturing 138 wickets at an average of 27.47.[34]Cultural impact and tributes
Max Walker's nickname "Tangles," derived from his distinctive and unorthodox bowling action that appeared to tangle his limbs, became a symbol of his playful persona in Australian cricket culture.[2] This moniker not only defined his on-field identity but also permeated popular memory, evoking the idiosyncratic charm of backyard cricket enthusiasts mimicking his style across Australia.[35] As a quintessential larrikin in sports media, Walker embodied the irreverent, humorous spirit of Australian broadcasting, blending storytelling with wit during his tenure as a commentator on Channel Nine from 1986 to 1991.[31] His engaging, down-to-earth style—marked by self-deprecating anecdotes and infectious enthusiasm—set a tone that resonated with audiences and influenced subsequent generations of commentators who adopted similar light-hearted approaches to make cricket more relatable.[36] Tributes often highlighted this quality, with former teammate Bob Massie recalling Walker as a "humorous guy" whose fun-loving nature brightened commentary boxes and public appearances alike.[35] Following his death in 2016, Walker received widespread posthumous tributes from the cricket community and media, underscoring his enduring appeal. Cricket Australia issued a statement mourning the loss of a "true Australian character" whose contributions extended far beyond the field, emphasizing his role in entertaining fans through broadcasting and writing.[37] Players like Darren Lehmann praised him as a "legend" for his vibrant personality and storytelling, while Merv Hughes noted his positivity and underrated impact as a team supporter.[37] Media outlets, including ABC News and The Sydney Morning Herald, published obituaries celebrating his larrikin legacy, with commentators like Jim Maxwell describing him as a "wonderful yarn spinner" who brought joy to colleagues and viewers.[38][39] Walker's broader legacy lies in promoting cricket's accessibility, particularly through his humorous books such as The Wit of Walker, which demystified the game for everyday fans by focusing on its fun and human elements rather than elite techniques.[40] His public speaking engagements, including a 2014 TEDx talk on resilience and character, further extended this influence, inspiring audiences to view sports as a vehicle for personal growth and community connection.[41] Captain Greg Chappell later reflected on Walker as an "identifiable Australian hero" whose approachable attitude made cricket more inclusive for generations.[25]Personal life
Family and relationships
Max Walker married his first wife in the 1970s, during the early years of his sporting career, and the couple had three sons: Tristan, Keegan, and Shelden.[7] The demands of his professional commitments, including extended absences on cricket tours, placed significant strain on the marriage, ultimately leading to its dissolution.[6] This early family life coincided with Walker's rise in both Australian rules football and cricket, where his sons grew up amid the challenges of their father's high-profile athletic pursuits.[42] Walker married Kerry, a former table tennis champion, and their partnership endured until his death in 2016.[43] Together, they had two daughters, Alexandra and Isabella.[5] The family provided crucial support during Walker's career transitions, including relocations associated with international cricket tours and his shift to media work post-retirement, helping him balance professional demands with personal life.[44] One of his sons, Keegan, notably recovered from a severe motorcycle accident in 2006, with Kerry by Walker's side during the crisis in London.[7]Health challenges and death
In August 2013, Max Walker was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.[45] The diagnosis came on August 12, and due to the aggressive nature of the disease, he began treatment later that year.[46] Walker's treatment journey included chemotherapy, a stem cell harvest, and an autologous stem cell transplant, all performed in December 2013 at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.[47] Despite the severity of his condition, he maintained a positive outlook and kept details of his illness largely private, sharing them with only a few close associates.[6] Over the following years, Walker continued his public engagements, including speaking appearances such as at the South Australian Professional Symposium in April 2015, where he shared stories from his cricketing career.[48] He also participated in interviews, like one in December 2015 for the Cricket Legends series on Fox Sports, demonstrating his resilience amid ongoing health struggles.[49] Walker died on September 28, 2016, in Melbourne at the age of 68, after a three-year battle with multiple myeloma.[47] His family, who provided support throughout his illness, arranged funeral services through Tobin Brothers Funerals in North Melbourne.[50] Following his death, the family publicly disclosed the true nature of his illness—correcting media reports that had mistakenly cited melanoma—and committed to raising awareness and funds for myeloma research, reflecting Walker's own emphasis on optimism even in adversity.[45]Publications
Books
Max Walker authored or co-authored 18 books during his post-retirement career, spanning from 1976 to 2006, with a focus on sports memoirs, humorous cricket anecdotes, and reflections on Australian sporting history. Many of his works drew on his experiences as a dual-sport champion in cricket and Australian rules football, blending personal stories with motivational insights and light-hearted tales that resonated with Australian audiences. His books achieved significant commercial success, collectively selling over one million copies, including seven number-one bestsellers, with early autobiographies like Tangles and later humor collections such as How to Hypnotise Chooks & Other Great Yarns topping sales charts and establishing him as one of Australia's most successful sports authors at the time.[51][52][53] Walker's writing often emphasized themes of resilience, camaraderie in sport, and the cultural role of cricket in Australia, using his distinctive voice—known for its wit and accessibility—to engage readers beyond traditional sports literature. Two of his early works were co-authored with Neill Phillipson, while others featured collaborations with various contributors, and later titles increasingly featured compilations of stories from his broadcasting and public speaking engagements. Below is a chronological overview of his major books, including publication details and brief synopses.- Tangles (1976, Garry Sparke & Associates, co-authored with Neill Phillipson): This autobiography chronicles Walker's rise from Tasmanian origins to becoming a champion in both cricket and Australian rules football, highlighting his unorthodox bowling action that earned him the nickname "Tangles" and his early career challenges. It became an instant bestseller, capturing his larrikin personality and dual-sport achievements.[54]
- Cricketer at the Crossroads (1978, Garry Sparke & Associates, co-authored with Neill Phillipson): Focusing on the turbulent era of World Series Cricket, this memoir details Walker's experiences during international tours, the Centenary Test Match, and the schism in Australian cricket, presented with honest reflections and humor on the professional and personal dilemmas he faced.[55][56]
- Back to Bay 13 (1980, Garry Sparke & Associates): A humorous exploration of cricket's passionate fans and the rowdy atmosphere of the "Bay 13" stands at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, drawing on Walker's playing days to share entertaining stories of crowd interactions and the game's community spirit.[57]
- The Wit of Walker (1983, Hutchinson, with Mike Coward): This collection gathers Walker's witty anecdotes from his youth in Tasmania, Test matches, and life as a cricketer, emphasizing his observational humor and insights into the lighter side of elite sport.[58]
- Cricket in Australia (1983, Garry Sparke & Associates): An annual review of the 1982-83 cricket season, co-edited with contributions from players like Mike Coward, it provides historical context on Australian cricket's evolution while analyzing key matches and player performances.[59]
- How to Hypnotise Chooks & Other Great Yarns (1987, Omnibus Books): A bestselling compilation of tall tales and humorous stories from Walker's career, covering cricket mishaps, football exploits, and everyday absurdities, which resonated with Australian audiences due to its relatable, laugh-out-loud appeal.[60][53]
- How to Tame Lions & Other Great Tales (1988, Omnibus Books): Building on his previous humor book, this volume offers more motivational and entertaining narratives from sports tours and personal life, blending advice on handling pressure with comedic reflections on animal encounters and team dynamics.[61]
- How to Kiss a Crocodile & Other Snappy Stories (1989, Omnibus Books): A lively anthology of short, snappy stories inspired by Walker's travels and broadcasting, focusing on quirky Australian wildlife metaphors for life's challenges in sport and beyond.
- Hooked on Cricket (1989, Pan Books): This motivational memoir traces Walker's passion for cricket from junior levels to international success, serving as an inspirational guide for aspiring players with tips on technique and mindset.[3]
- How to Puzzle a Python (1990, Omnibus Books): Continuing his humorous series, it features puzzling and perplexing tales from cricket lore, emphasizing strategic thinking in sport through witty, animal-themed analogies.[61]
- Cricket Jokes (c. 1990s, with Brian Doyle): A pocket-sized collection of cricket-themed jokes, ideal for breaks during matches, compiled for fans.[62]
- Football Jokes (c. 1990s, with Brian Doyle): A collection of jokes related to various codes of football, aimed at sports enthusiasts.[40]
- The Best of Mr Walker (1992, Hamlyn): A curated selection of Walker's favorite stories from prior books, this compilation highlights his most popular anecdotes on cricket history and personal triumphs, aimed at fans seeking a greatest-hits overview.[63][64]
- Sports Jokes (1997, Allen & Unwin, with Brian Doyle): A comprehensive collection of jokes spanning various sports, serving as a light-hearted companion for audiences.[65]
- Ladies & Gentlemen: Tales & Misadventures (1999, Random House Australia): Reflecting on gender dynamics in sport, this book shares misadventures and tales from mixed-gender events and Walker's career, promoting inclusivity through entertaining narratives.[61]
- A Chip of the Old Block (c. 2000, self-published?): Insights into the lives of Max and his son, blending sports, architecture, and father-son stories.[66]
- The Volunteers (2001, Allen & Unwin, with Gerry Gleeson): A lesser-known work exploring community involvement in sports, drawing on Walker's experiences with volunteer coaches and supporters in Australian cricket development, with focus on the Sydney 2000 Olympics.[61]
- Caps, Hats and Helmets (2006, Tangle Press): Walker's final major book humorously dissects the evolution of cricket gear and its symbolic role, weaving in stories from his era to the modern game while critiquing media saturation in 21st-century sports. It received positive reception for its nostalgic yet forward-looking tone.[67][68]