The wrong un, p.29
The Wrong 'Un, page 29
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Cheryl, my wife – what a special person. If you’re going to pursue a career in sport, you definitely need someone who has your back alongside you. Thank you for your unconditional love, guidance and support.
My parents – if you did manage to hold your nerve and get through the whole book, I love you.
My children – I’ve always tried to be the best man I can be; I’m sorry if I ever failed you, but I will keep on trying. Know that I will always love you.
Nathan, my brother – your happiness is only matched by my own, such a joy to share. Love you, brother.
My grandparents, who were always firm but fair – I hope you have front-row seats to every game from up there.
My uncles and aunties – sorry for the marks on all your walls, and the ruined lawns and footpaths I used as makeshift cricket pitches. It kept this pest occupied at family reunions.
All my cousins and mates – for all those back yard games.
Tim Macnamara, Shane and Todd Lavender, Gavin Brown and Justin Langer – a huge thankyou for the support you gave me in my darkest hours, and I mean the darkest.
Special mention to Shane Lavender – a break from school every now and then did you no harm. Thanks for that right arm, and for facing me in the nets day after day.
Peter Carlstein and John Traicos – words cannot do justice to my gratitude. You never charged me a cent for all those countless hours. Your dedication is the backbone of my extended career.
Ron Booth, Mike Hirsch, Mark McPhee and Bob Paulson – for your early private coaching efforts in my career.
The sheep dogs on the farm, Nugget, Buster, Basil, Scamp and Radar – for fetching those balls in the nets after a hard day’s work.
Greg Growden – what a trooper! After our first conversation on the phone, he realised he was in for a tough assignment. When he went through the tape he couldn’t work out what the tapping noise in the background was. Clicky pens make great desk drumsticks.
Kelly Fagan and all the Black Inc. folks – for backing the book. I can’t believe how you and Greg were able to concoct a palatable book from my jibber-jabber.
Craig and Brett Silvey – for initially approaching me to do the book, for giving your time and advice along the way, and for putting me in touch with Kelly.
Geoff Marsh – what a perfect role model you were, giving me the opportunity to train with you at an early age, and showing me the way. Thanks to Michelle Marsh, for not encouraging my teenage crush!
My long-time neighbours, Margaret and Graham Herbert – thanks for putting out the bins and collecting the mail when Cheryl and I are away.
All those who put their two bob’s worth into the book – I told you to be candid! Either you were being politically correct or Greg did a bloody good job toning it down.
All the batsman who are on my wicket tally – thank you for your loss in concentration, which went a long way to extending my career. Much appreciated.
Tony Mann – for realising early in my Shield career that I needed more than batting if I was to have a first-class career.
The late and eternally elegant Colin Macnamara – for expanding my cricket skills at such an early age, and sharing in my newfound happiness with such pleasure.
Everyone from Tarwonga, Williams, Darkan, Boddington, Pingelly, Narrogin, Wickepin, Wagin and Wandering (the Upper Great Southern of Western Australia) – thank you for getting right behind me in my pursuit of my dream. I will always be that boy from Williams.
All my country teammates – it was the best grounding a kid could ever get.
Fremantle Cricket Club – for the invitation to play, and for so many fond memories in those years. A route cha cha, a route cha cha! (For those not in the know, that was the first line of the team song back in the day!)
Melville Cricket Club – one short but sweet year.
The mighty Dragons, the Willetton Cricket Club – 2017 might finally be the year for an A-grade pennant. The three F’s, lads.
All my teammates for Western Australia, Australia and my international T20 franchises – brothers In arms.
All the umpires around the world – great job, guys. For future reference, I only appeal when it’s out.
The support staff, managers, masseurs, room attendants, ground staff and admin staff – thank you.
To all the bus drivers, cabbies, pilots, hosties and ground staff – thank you for getting us from A to B in our worldly adventures.
Special thanks to all the fitness and medical practitioners in all squads for keeping me on the park.
Stephen Bernard, Australian team manager – I made you earn your keep, mate!
All the team psychologists – what can I say? You were the only ones who thought I was sane. Thanks for the legitimacy!
All opposition players – if I ever gave you a spray, take it as a compliment; you had the better of me. Without you the game would not be as enjoyable.
The mums, families and friends who provide the afternoon teas and lunches at cricket grounds – you nurture more than our stomachs. It’s much appreciated.
All the volunteers, who donate their time to the game of cricket – you are the most important cog in the game of cricket. Stay awesome.
The teachers, classmates and students at Williams Primary School, Darkan Primary School and Aquinas College.
Every ground I have played on – thank you to the councils and their ground staff for providing such facilities.
The Strong family in Sacristan, England – thank you for the emergency housing on my first trip ‘up north’.
Sue Warman and Bill Johnson, Libby and William – thank you for sharing your house for two years as I found my way in city life.
Edith Cowan and Curtin Universities for the Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Marketing degrees – can I apply for a refresher course, please, as this book will probably put me in the red?
The suckers who have given me employment over the years – now you know where my priorities lay.
All the customers on my postal route – sorry for decorating your lawns with the treads of my tyres; in my defence, that part of the lawn is council property. Apologies if you did not get all your mail, but your patience and understanding allowed me to get on the training track more often.
Cricket Australia and the WACA – you are my passion, my home away from home. I’m a blessed man, and look forward to shaping the next generation of cricketers well beyond my playing days. Thank you for the past, present and future.
Finally, the fans and supporters all over the world – the wonderful reception you have always given me is overwhelming. Thank you for enjoying cricket as much as I do. If it wasn’t for all of you, I would not have had the opportunity to achieve my dreams and have this story to tell. I am humbled by the honour, and I hope I have done the right thing by you all. I know I have had my moments – thank you for putting up with them.
Brad Hogg
September 2016
Brad Hogg, The Wrong 'Un
