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'Flash' Graham still going after Hall of Fame nod

3 minute read

Former Sturt and St Mary's star Michael Graham has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame at 72 years of age, but isn't quite ready to retire.

South Australian football legend Rick Davies estimates former Sturt teammate Michael Graham has played more games at a decent level than anyone else in the sport's history.

At 72 years of age, the man dubbed 'The Flash' isn't quite ready to give it away.

"I was thinking I might have one more go in Fremantle this year - the Super Rules (national carnival)," Graham said upon being inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday night.

"I'm still pretty good."

A champion in South Australia and the Northern Territory, Graham played more than 500 games at state league level and won premierships with Sturt (two) and St Mary's (three).

The dashing half-forward's trademark - as noted in his nickname - was his speed across the ground.

Graham represented SA 11 times and starred on the biggest stage the SANFL had to offer, but developed his greatest attribute in more humble surrounds.

"I used to chase rabbits in Penola, where I lived," Graham said.

"I suppose if you chase rabbits you get a bit of speed."

Davies, himself inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013, marvelled at Graham's ability on the field.

"I don't think I've seen anyone catch him," Davies said in a video tribute to his great friend.

"He could kick the ball and he could mark the ball.

"He used to love to fly and mark it on his chest.

"He was just an absolute genius."

Graham was one of six inductees at Tuesday's gala event in Melbourne, along with Chris McDermott, Dane Swan, Kelvin Templeton, Ray Schofield and Ralph Robertson.

He entertained the crowd with stories of his childhood and playing career, including one of his greatest football memories - Sturt's 1976 grand final win over rivals Port Adelaide.

The game was played in front of a record 66,897 fans at Football Park, with many spilling over the boundary fence before the game got underway.

"I'm lucky I got there early - for the first time at any game probably," Graham said.

"Some of our team got stuck down the road and had to walk in the traffic jam.

"When we ran out onto the ground there were people sitting all around the oval."

2024 AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE MICHAEL GRAHAM

* 282 games for Sturt (SANFL), 1971-85, 455 goals

* 230 games for St Mary's (NTFL) 1969-70 to 1986-87

* 11 games for SA

* 1974, 1976 SANFL premierships

* 1978-79, 1983-84 and 1985-86 NTFL premierships

* 1969-70 and 1973-74 Club Best and Fairest

* 1978-79 Club Leading Goals

* 1973-74 Nichols Medal (Season Best and Fairest, NTFL)

* 1978-79 Chaney Medal (Grand Final Best on Ground, NTFL)

* Captain 1975-76

* 1970 Western Border Medal

* Coached Darwin Buffaloes, Katherine FC, West Alice FC, Pioneers FC

* Sturt Team of the Century (half forward)

* Indigenous Team of the Century (interchange)

* Northern Territory Team of the Century (half forward)

* SANFL Indigenous Team of the Century (half forward)

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