11 February 2007, Ireland v France Six Nations, Ireland
If someone’s walking, if someone isn’t filling a gap, you get on his case, you say it to him. If I’m fucking walking, I want to hear it.
Listen to me, listen to me. I want them standing back thinking what the fuck is going on here? Not for the first five minutes, every fucking minute of the game.
Fucking manic aggression.
Did you scare anyone? Did you fucking put the fear of God into anyone?
16 November 2013, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
All my friends. Settle down let me talk, I will get more and more emotional (crowd gets louder as he composes himself). My life, between 22 yards for 24 years, it is hard to believe that that wonderful journey has come to an end, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank people who have played an important role in my life. Also, for the first time in my life I am carrying this list, to remember all the names in case I forget someone. I hope you understand. It's getting a little bit difficult to talk but I will manage.
The most important person in my life, and I have missed him a lot since 1999 when he passed away, my father. Without his guidance, I don't think I would have been standing here in front of you. He gave me freedom at the age of 11, and told me that [I should] chase my dreams, but make sure you do not find shortcuts. The path might be difficult but don't give up, and I have simply followed his instructions. Above all, he told me to be a nice human being, which I will continue to do and try my best. Every time I have done something special [and] showed my bat, it was [for] my father.
My mother, I don't know how she dealt with such a naughty child like me. I was not easy to manage. She must be extremely patient. For a mother, the most important thing is that her child remains safe and healthy and fit. That was what she was most bothered and worried about. She took care of me for the last 24 years that I have played for India, but even before that she started praying for me the day I started playing cricket. She just prayed and prayed and I think her prayers and blessings have given me the strength to go out and perform, so a big thank you to my mother for all the sacrifices.
In my school days, for four years, I stayed with my uncle and aunt because my school was quite far from my home, and they treated me like their son. My aunt, after having had a hard day's play, I would be half asleep and she would be feeding me food so I could go again and play tomorrow. I can't forget these moments. I am like their son and I am glad it has continued to be the same way.
My eldest brother, Nitin, and his family, have always encouraged me. My eldest brother doesn't like to talk much, but the one thing he always told me is that whatever you do, I know you will always give it 100%, and that I have full faith and confidence in you. His encouragement meant a lot to me. My sister, Savita, and her family, was no different. The first cricket bat of my life was presented to me by my sister. It was a Kashmir willow bat. But that is where the journey began. She is one of those many who still continue to fast when I bat, so thank you very much.
Ajit, my brother, now what do I talk about him? I don't know. We have lived this dream together. He was the one who sacrificed his career for my cricket. He spotted the spark in me. And it all started from the age of 11 when he took me to Archrekar sir, my coach, and from there on my life changed. You will find this hard to believe but even last night he called to discuss my dismissal, knowing that there was a remote chance of batting again, but just the habit we have developed, the rapport we have developed, since my birth, has continued and it will continue. Maybe when I'm not playing cricket we will still be discussing technique.
Various things we agreed upon, my technique, and so many technical things which I didn't agree with him, we have had arguments and disagreements, but when I look back at all these things in my life, I would have been a lesser cricketer.
The most beautiful thing happened to me in 1990 when I met my wife, Anjali. Those were special years and it has continued and will always continue that way. I know Anjali, being a doctor; there was a wonderful career in front of her. When we decided to have a family, Anjali took the initiative to step back and say that 'you continue with your cricket and I will take the responsibility of the family'.
Without that, I don't think I would have been able to play cricket freely and without stress. Thanks for bearing with all my fuss and all my frustrations, and all sorts of rubbish that I have spoken. Thanks for bearing with me and always staying by my side through all the ups and downs. You are the best partnership I've had in my life.
Then, the two precious diamonds of my life, Sara and Arjun. They have already grown up. My daughter is 16, my son is 14. Time has flown by. I wanted to spend so much time with them on special occasions like their birthdays, their annual days, their sports day, going on holidays, whatever. I have missed out on all those things. Thanks for your understanding. Both of you have been so, so special to me you cannot imagine. I promise you [that] for 14 and 16 years I have not spent enough time with both of you, but the next 16 years or even beyond that, everything is for you.
My in-laws, Anand Mehta and Annabel, both have been so, so supportive [and] loving and caring. I have discussed on various things in life, generally with them, and have taken their advice. You know, it's so important to have a strong family who is always with you and who are guiding you. Before you start clapping, the most important thing they did was allowing me to marry Anjali, so thank you very much.
In the last 24 years that I have played for India I have made new friends, and before that I have had friends from my childhood. They have all had a terrific contribution. As and when I have called them to come and bowl to me at the nets, they have left their work aside to come and help me. Be it joining me on holidays and having discussions with me on cricket, or how I was a little stressed and wanting to find a solution so I can perform better.
All those moments my friends were with me. Even for when I was injured, I would wake up in the morning because I couldn't sleep and thought that my career was over because of injuries, that is when my friends have woken up at 3 o'clock in the morning to drive with me and make me believe that my career was not over. Life would be incomplete without all those friends. Thanks for being there for me.
My cricket career started when I was 11. The turning point of my career was when my brother (Ajit) took me to Achrekar sir. I was extremely delighted to see him up in the stands. Normally he sits in front of the television and he watches all the games that I play. When I was 11/12, those were the days when I used to hop back on his scooter and play a couple of practice matches a day. The first half the innings I would be batting at Shivaji Park, the second half, at some other match in Azad Maidan. He would take me all over Mumbai to make sure I got match practice.
On a lighter note, in the last 29 years, sir has never ever said 'well played' to me because he thought I would get complacent and I would stop working hard. Maybe he can push his luck and wish me now, well done on my career, because there are no more matches, sir, in my life. I will be witnessing cricket, and cricket will always stay in my heart, but you have had an immense contribution in my life, so thank you very much.
My cricket for Mumbai started right here on this ground, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), which is so dear to me. I remember landing from New Zealand at four o'clock in the morning, and turning up for a game here at eight o'clock just because I wanted to be a part of Mumbai cricket, and not that somebody forced me. That was for the love of Mumbai cricket, and thank you very much. The president is here so thank you very much, along with your team, for taking care of me and looking after my cricket.
The dream was obviously to play for India, and that is where my association with BCCI started. BCCI was fantastic, right from my debut they believed in my ability and selecting me into the squad at the age of 16 was a big step, so thanks to all the selectors for having faith in me and the BCCI for giving me the freedom to express myself out in the middle. Things would have been different if you had not been behind me, and I really appreciate your support. Especially when I was injured, you were right with me and making sure that all the treatments were taken care of, and that I got fit and fine and playing [right] back for India.
The journey has been special, the last 24 years, I have played with many senior cricketers, and even before that there were many senior cricketers with whom I watched on television. They inspired me to play cricket, and to play in the right way. Thanks to all those senior cricketers, and unfortunately I have not been able to play with them, but I have high regards for all their achievements and all their contributions.
We see it on the mega-screen, Rahul, Laxman, Sourav, and Anil, who is not here, and my team-mates right here in front me. You are like my family away from home. I have had some wonderful times with you. It is going to be difficult to not be part of the dressing room, sharing those special moments. All the coaches for their guidance, it has been special for me. I know when MS Dhoni presented me the 200th Test match cap on Day One morning. I had a brief message for the team. I would like to repeat that. I just feel that all of us are so, so fortunate and proud to be part of the Indian cricket team and serving the nation.
Knowing all of you guys, I know you will continue to serve the nation in the right spirit and right values. I believe we have been the lucky ones to be chosen by the Almighty to serve this sport. Each generation gets this opportunity to take care of this sport and serve it to the best of our ability. I have full faith in you to continue to serve the nation in the right spirit and to the best of your ability, to bring all the laurels to the country. All the very best.
I would be failing in my duties if I did not thank all the doctors, the physios, the trainers, who have put this difficult body together to go back on the field and be able to play. The amount of injuries that I have had in my career, I don't know how you have managed to keep me fit, but without your special efforts, it would never have happened. The doctors have met me at weird hours. I mean I have called them from Mumbai to Chennai, Mumbai to Delhi, I mean wherever. They have just taken the next flight and left their work and families to be with me, which has allowed me to play. So a big thank you to all three of you for keeping me in good shape.
My dear friend, late Mark Mascarenhas, my first manager. We unfortunately lost him in a car accident in 2001, but he was such a well-wisher of cricket, my cricket, and especially Indian cricket. He was so passionate. He understood what it takes to represent a nation and gave me all the space to go out and express myself, and never pressurised me to do this ad or promotion or whatever the sponsors demanded. He took care of that and today I miss him, so thank you Mark for all your contribution.
My current management team, WSG, for repeating what Mark has done, because when I signed the contract I exactly told them what I want from them, and what it requires to represent me. They have done that and respected that.
Someone who has worked closely with me for 14 years is my manager, Vinod Nayudu. He is more like my family and all the sacrifices, spending time away from his family for my work, has been special, so big thank you to his family as well for giving up so much time for my work with Vinod.
In my school days, when I performed well, the media backed me a lot. They continue to do that till this morning. Thank you so much to the media for supporting and appreciating my performances. It surely had a positive effect on me. Thank you so much to all the photographers as well for those wonderfully captured moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life, so a big thank you to all the photographers.
I know my speech is getting a bit too long (crowd roars with 'noooo'), but this is the last thing I want to say. I want to thank all the people here who have flown in from various parts of the world, and have supported me endlessly, whether I scored a 0 or a 100-plus. Your support was so dear to me and meant a lot to me. Whatever you have done for me.
I know I have met so many guys who have fasted for me, prayed for me, done so much for me. Without that life wouldn't have been like this for me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and also say that time has flown by rather quickly, but the memories you have left with me will always be with me forever and ever, especially "Sachin, Sachin" which will reverberate in my ears till I stop breathing. Thank you very much. If I have missed out on saying something, I hope you understand. Goodbye.
28 February 2015, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Martin Crowe's induction into the ICC Hall of Fame was made more emotional by fact he was battling cancer. He died on 3rd March, 2016.
Wow! And I’m talking about New Zealand cricket team’s performance this afternoon. I just want to share my total admiration for their brand of cricket. Their courage and their skill that they’ve displayed for us today, long may it continue after the dinner break.
Thank you everyone, to see so many faces, a record crowd here just as it was on my debut match here all those years ago, is quite breathtaking.
Thank you for your kind wishes these last few months. It’s made all the difference.
Thank you to New Zealand cricket. To the ICC and members, for this prestigious honour, especially joining my great friend, Sir Richard Hadlee and the wonderful Debbie Hockley, our two greatest ambassadors.
In joining these two, we now have three New Zealanders sitting in the Hall of Fame. I guess that means I’m the first North Islander!
I wish to dedicate this cap to my father, Dave, and mother Audrey, for their unbending devotion to family and supporting the game here at Eden Park for nearly forty years together.
Finally, to Brendan (McCallum) and the boys, we love you, and we dare to believe.
Together, we can do this!
Thank you!
27 April 1947, Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York
Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.
You know how bad my voice sounds -- well it feels just as bad.
You know this baseball game of ours comes up from the youth. That means the boys.
And after you're a boy and grow up to know how to play ball, then you come to the boys you see representing themselves today in your national pastime, the only real game -- I think -- in the world, baseball.
As a rule, some people think if you give them a football, or a baseball, or something like that -- naturally they're athletes right away.
But you can't do that in baseball.
You've gotta start from way down [at] the bottom, when you're six or seven years of age. You can't wait until you're fifteen or sixteen. You gotta let it grow up with you. And if you're successful, and you try hard enough, you're bound to come out on top -- just like these boys have come to the top now.
There's been so many lovely things said about me, and I'm glad that I've had the opportunity to thank everybody.
Thank you.
4 June 2013, Parliament House, Canberra, Australia
5 June 2014, Crown Palladium, Melbourne, Australia
Whateley: Twice he went to grand final day, on both occasions we walked away with the Norm Smith Medal, along with the premiership medallion. Andrew McLeod, welcome to the hall of fame. Tell me Andrew, when notification of this arrived, what did you go through? What were your emotions?
It was quite interesting, I was heading out the door with my wife, and I can't remember where we were going, and something caught my eye in the letter box. So, I marched over and grabbed it, and I get a lot of mail from the AFL being a 300 game player, and I looked at the letter and I saw Tony Peek's name on the back, and I went: "Geez, I don't often get mail from Tony Peek, so something's going on." And I walked back to the car, and my wife Rachel was sitting in the passenger seat, and I handed her the letter, and said: "You better open this, because if I do, I think I'm going to cry." So, I got her to open I, and she was like: "What are you going to cry for? What's going on?" And I said: "Well, have a look at the letter." I'm like: "No duh, Tony Peek."
And she opened the letter and started reading it, and for about ... I guess it's like a bit like when you were ... When the premiership, that first 15 seconds, just the emotion of it. And all these thoughts went through my head, freaked out, there was a couple of tears. And yeah, I just was like: "I've got to ring my dad." You know, so that was probably my first instance ... My first instinct, from there, ring my dad, tell him about it. And yeah, like I said, then after that emotion had settled down, I was like: "Phew."
Whateley: Does it hit home, how far you've come? A displaced family after cyclone Tracey and Katherine. All the way to presenting before the United Nations, honoured backer footballer, and here you are in the hall of fame, it's quite the journey.
It is, yeah I often think back and go: "Well, wow." You know, a little pudgy boy from Katherine, growing up and you know, got the opportunity to follow a dream, play on a bigger stage that I could ever have imagined. And you know, play a game, I loved it for my career of 16 years, I couldn't ask for anything better. And I've got this thing in my head that, one of my mates was mentioning before about my brother always said ... My dad said to me when I was a young bloke, that you can't eat footballs, and you know, can't be a footballer as a career, but I proved him wrong.
Whateley: Your football journey actually goes back through the generations. The Genesis is your great-grandfather.
It is, and my great-grandfather was one of the first Aboriginal [inaudible 00:03:54] players to be registered to play. You know, back in the Territory, back in the early 1900s, his name, or my family name - the Amat name is emblazoned on the entrance gates at TIO Stadium, it's named after my great-grandfather. So, I guess it was inevitable that I was going to play footy, you know, he played for the Darwin Buffalos, or back in the day they changed names a lot of times, the Vestey's, now the meat works was part of that. And yeah, I guess it's one of those things you don't realise until you're a bit older, that I guess what that impact is on you as a person. But back in those early days, you know, he paved the way for myself and a lot of the other guys that've come through.
Whateley: And did you always have a strong sense, when you played, that you were representing your community?
Oh, always, you know. Coming from the Territory, I was pretty lucky in ... My favourite player was Michael McLean, growing up - Magic McLean. And he's married to my cousin, so I was pretty fortunate that at Christmas lunches, I got a bit of time with him. And I was just a pest I guess, and asking him 100 million questions about footy and what it's like to play in the big smoke. And he was real good to me, and then I had guys like Maurice Rioli to look up to. Michael Long, who I saw here earlier, Gilbert McAdam, Darryl White, and the like, that were fantastic role models for me. And you know, when I got the opportunity to pursue my dream and a career in footy, I want to be just as good a role model as those blokes were. So, it was something that ... And because of, you know, the impact that my family have had, and my grandfather and his story as well, that it's important for me to be able to ... A little snotty nosed kid from the Territory, that I could actually do something, and give other kids the aspiration to be able to reach their dreams.
Whateley: You're a beautiful footballer to watch, and I don't doubt it was exhilarating to play. Can you put us inside it, when it all lined up for you. Was it like playing the game in slow motion?
Yeah, it was in certain times. It's one of those things I get ... I think as a footballer, you love to be able to bottle those moments, when you're caught in certain periods in my career that ... And games and moments where everything was in slow motion, and I think that's when ... For me, it's when I played my best football. There was always ... I felt like ... It felt like I was one step ahead all the time, and I could read the play, and I knew where the ball was going to go. And you know, I was fortunate enough ... I wish I could have produced more of those moments, as we all do. You know, in our careers, that didn't happen as often as you'd liked it to do, but in those moments when it did happen, you know, you almost felt like you were unstoppable. But you know, you could ... And that's what footy did to you, and that's ... I mean, that's what I did in the living room in my moms and dad's house, when I used to break my moms vases growing up, kicking socks around the house, and in the back yard breaking their palm trees, and used to get sworn at out the back window.
But that's just the things that I was doing as a kid, in the back yard. And when I played, you know, on some of the biggest stages in the world, in terms of the MCG, or at AMI stadium, or wherever that was. It just felt like I was doing ... I was recreating those moments, that I was playing as a kid.
Whateley: And those two grand finals, which are such a part of the focal aura of your career. Two Norm Smith Medals, and playing in front of 100 000 people, which would have been more than the whole population of where you grew up. How do you reflect on those two memorable days?
I was very lucky that, you know, we obviously had Malcolm at the time, who was just fantastic in ... One: being able to put things into perspective, and give you confidence, and allow you to go out and be calm. But that was one thing in the grand finals, I wasn't ... I was never really nervous when I played in the GFs, I was quite comfortable, because like I was about playing those games, I've played in 100 grand finals, in my Mum's lounge room. And, you know, I'd been there before, so I knew what to expect, sort of. But until that moment, and you walk out onto the MCG, and there's nearly 100 000 people, and the first thing I did was go: "Wow, there's more people here than where I live, than where I come from." And that was the most scary thing, and then it was like: "Oh, what did Blighty say?"
You've got to soak it all up and embrace it, and don't get caught in the moment, but yeah it was just fantastic days. And like, you go out there and for me as a ... And the other thing too, was the pressure I always felt because, the only two guys that have ever played in the grand final before me, one was named Maurice Rioli, one was named Michael Long, and they both won Norm Smith Medals. So, I sort of felt that pressure a little bit, but I think it is nice to be able to embrace it. And them, two of my great idols growing up, how good would it be to be able to emulate that.
Whateley: And emulate it, you did. You've left us with so many great memories, maybe a thank you or two as you finish.
Yeah, I would ... Yeah, I think I better thank my wife first because she's an integral part of obviously, my life and from growing up in Katherine and ... Sorry, in Darwin, and going to school together. You know, as a young bloke, and we embarked on this dream, I was a bit wet behind the ears, didn't know what was going to happen. And a bit like some of the other guys who I just wanted to play one game, and I was lucky to play it for 16 years. And you know, my wife has been a special part of that, and I thank her dearly. She's ridden a lot of the highs and the lows, and you know, she's ... I guess she's my rock as well.
To my two beautiful children, you know they ... It's one of those things in your footy career, when you have children, and before that everything is about yourself, and the way that you go about it, and your preparation. And trying to do everything you can, and then your kids come along and then you find yourself, you know, getting inspired and fired up by the Wiggles, or something like that. You find out quickly that you're not that important. So, my children, they keep me humble and grounded, and I'm just dad to them, and that's what I love about it.
To my mum and dad, who I guess I'm indebted to, I owe a lot to. They drove me to training as a kid, and gave me the opportunity to pursue a dream, and to ... You know, they just ... They sacrificed so much, and I do wish my mum was here to be able to share in this moment.
But also to my brother, who's not here, I wish he was here but my brother is one of those people that puts things into perspective a lot. And when I told him I was getting inducted into the Hall of Fame, he said: "I already thought you were there." But like most big brothers, I always wanted to be like him, and he was my hero.
Who else have I got? Oh, my mates that are sitting over there on the table, four of my great mates who have been there through most of my career, growing up and as a kid, continue to inspire me and give me great strength. And I appreciate your friendship for that.
To the Adelaide Football Club, who's part of my family, and has been part of my family for a long time now, for about 20 years. I will forever be indebted to the Adelaide Football Club, they gave me an opportunity as a boy, to pursue my dream and turn me into a man. So, all the past and present at the Adelaide Football Club, I thank you very much.
And to the game of football itself, along with my family and my friends, I am forever indebted, thank you.
Whateley: He's given us another beautiful memory tonight, Andrew McLeod, as a member of the Australian football hall of fame.
8 February 2016, Seattle, USA
So - just now I was able to close my eyes, and feel that. Like literally feel it, in a way that I’ve never gotten to feel it before.
Because when we’re here we’ve always got to keep our eyes open.
But just that experience, literally I’m never going to forget it.
I’ve been wrestling since I was eighteen years old. And within the first five months of my wrestling career, I’d already had three concussions. And for years after that, I would get a concussion here and there. Or here or there. And then it gets to the point when you’ve been wrestling for sixteen years, that um, that adds up to a lot of concussions.
And it gets to a point where they tell you that you can’t wrestle anymore.
And for a long time I fought that, because this, I have loved this in a way that I have never loved anything else.
[Crowd: Thank you Daniel! Thank you Daniel!]
But a week and a half ago, i took a test that said maybe my brain isn’t as okay as I thought it was.
And I have a family to think about. And it is with a heavier heart, and the utmost sadness, that I officially announcemy retirement.
But if there’s one thing -- so I’ve gone through all of these complex emotions in this last little bit -- I’ve been angry, I’ve been sad, I’ve been frustrated, I’ve been all of that.
But today, when I woke up this morning, I felt nothing but gratitude.
I have gotten to do what I love for nearly sixteen years.
I am grateful. I am grateful, because of wrestling, I got to meet the most wonderful woman in the world. Who’s beautiful, she’s smart, and she completes me in a way that I didn’t even think was possible.
And that’s because of wrestling.
I am grateful.
Now tomorrow morning - I start a new life. A life where I am no longer a wrestler.
But that is tomorrow, and that is not tonight.
And by damn I have one more night to feel this energy, and to feel this crowd, so if I could just get one last ‘Yes!’ chant, I would really appreciate it.
[Crowd: Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!]
11 March 2011, Collingwood season launch, Melbourne, Australia
Thank you. I apologise because I should be still here now. But something happened, I fell over my shoelaces.
I’ll tell you a story. It’s not doom and gloom, because we’ve got a great side coming on.
I was at Caulfield Rehabilitation Centre standing on a rocker board. A rocker board--- trying to get the paralysis out of the right side of my body. I was standing there, six foot one, strapping, fit guy, looking terrific. Except I had a problem. I could hardly move it.
Little boy in a wheelchair over in the corner. Little boy – don’t know what happened to him, he was about 14 or 15 I think, the only way he could move was with his little crippled hand, push a stick. He could go forward, to his right, or back.
Only way he could get to have a meal, they'd feed him.
Only way he’d get to go to bed, they’d pick him up and put him in his bed, his mum and dad, or in this case, like I was, he was an inpatient, it was the nurses .
One day I was standing on the rocker board, getting this problem, out, and this little boy, he gets his little hand, he pushes over, and stood there. I looked over the railing. He said to me, ‘what - are - you - doing - here?’
About twelve or fourteen months later I made a comeback. I made it because I wanted to prove something. I just wanted to prove something. And sure it was a waste of a life and so forth ... but look we've had a terrific ...
We’ve got the guys coming on this year, they're going places, give them the support, they can play in safety now, they can play and earn an income for their families, and their children, I don’t know how young they are.
When I got off that plane I was fifteen. I said I was going to be the best. I wanted to be the best and that’s how life evolved.
But like that little boy in the wheelchair, I never had a problem. This kid wouldn’t get out of his chair.
And when you wake up in the morning, and start grizzling, ‘oh it’s bloody cold and miserable’ you haven’t got a problem. Lift your spirits up, and support all our players, give them the best, give them everything on and off the field, because we are the best, and this is Collingwood, and I still get letters from Collingwood people. I love Collingwood, and I will go to heaven, or wherever may be, loving Collingwood.
Thank you, and have a great night.
