Arguably cricket's biggest name since Bradman, the last of the original rugby league Immortals, an Olympic runner whose amazing act of sportsmanship has been recreated in a bronze statue, and the man known as South Australia's 'Mr Football' were among the Australian sportsmen and women who passed away in 2022.

Whether through age, illness, accident or the tragedy of mental health, some of the all-time greats, not-quite greats and those whose best was yet to come, have gone forever but will never be forgotten by those who loved and supported them.

We pay tribute to:

Shane Warne (March 4, aged 52)

It was a shockwave that reverberated around the cricketing world: Shane Warne, dead of a suspected heart attack in a Thai hotel room. Not for the first time when it came to Warnie there was only one word to sum it up. Unbelievable. The same word used to describe Warne's first-ever delivery in England, the 'ball of the century' that dismissed Mike Gatting at Old Trafford in 1993. The same word used time after time as Warnie pulled the wrong rein off the field, his many indiscretions variously costing him a 12-month suspension, the chance of captaining Australia and, most painful of all, his marriage. Yet, no matter how many times he found himself on the front pages for less-than-ideal reasons, on the back pages he could do no wrong. His career statistics read like a leg-spinner's dream: 145 Tests, 708 wickets at 25.41, 5-wickets 37 times, 10-wickets 10 times. Best figures 8/71 (innings), 12/128 (match). He was just as dominant in limited over cricket, taking 293 wickets in 194 ODIs and captaining the Rajasthan Royals to a shock win in the inaugural Indian Premier League series in 2008. And all on a diet of baked beans, pizza and cigarettes. Unbelievable.

Andrew Symonds (May 14, aged 46)

Andrew 'Roy' Symonds was a one-off; a man who played cricket and lived life on his own terms. Born in England to a West Indian mother and Scandinavian father, he was adopted by Ken and Barbara Symonds and brought to Australia as a toddler when Ken accepted a teaching position in northern Queensland. A natural at all sports, he emerged as a handy medium pace bowler, brilliant fielder and aggressive batsman who once hit a record 16 sixes on his way to 264 not out for Gloucestershire in an English county match. With his dreadlocks, zinc-creamed lips and physical presence, he became a fan favourite after bursting onto the first-class scene during the 2003 World Cup. He reached his first Test century in the 2006 Boxing Day Test against England in classic Roy style with a six on his way to 156. Uncomfortable in the spotlight, he couldn't avoid the headlines, whether it was for his shoulder block on a naked pitch invader, describing Kiwi batsman Brendon McCullum as a 'lump of s**t' in a radio interview or numerous 'alcohol related incidents' that saw him twice sent home from Australian tours. A devoted team man who expected equal loyalty from those around him, Symonds never recovered his equilibrium after being hung out to dry by Cricket Australia during the infamous 2008 'Monkeygate' saga. His CA contract was cancelled in 2009 and he ended his career with five successful and lucrative stints in the Indian Premier League before retiring in Townsville to enjoy life fishing, hunting, playing lower grade rugby union, having a few beers with his mates and supporting the North Queensland Cowboys. One of Australia's most popular sports personalities, he was killed when his 4WD left the road, possibly losing control while avoiding an animal in the darkness.

Paul Green (August 11, aged 49)

A Queensland State of Origin halfback who went on to become a premiership-winning NRL coach, Paul Green took his own life while suffering the effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a crippling neurological condition linked to repeated head trauma in contact sports. A veteran of 162 first grade games for the Sharks, Cowboys, Roosters, Eels and Broncos, Green played seven times for the Maroons and coached the side in 2021 but is best remembered for leading the Cowboys to their historic first grand final win over the Broncos in 2015. Following her husband's death, Green's wife Amanda donated his brain to the Australian Sports Brain Bank which studies the effects of concussion and CTE. The neuropathologist who studied Green's brain said it showed signs of one of the most severe forms of 'pure' CTE he had ever seen.

Rod Marsh (March 4, aged 74)

Rod 'Bacchus' Marsh was one half of the most successful double act in cricket history. On a then-record 95 occasions Test scoreboards featured the words 'Caught Marsh, bowled Lillee' as wicketkeeper Marsh and his fellow West Australian, demon fast bowler Dennis Lillee, combined to send yet another shellshocked batsman back to the pavilion. A hugely popular character who took on folk-hero status due to his decidedly unathletic appearance, larrikin personality and love of a cold beer, Marsh played 96 Tests between 1970-84, taking 343 catches and 12 stumpings. A big-hitting batsman who scored 3633 Test runs including three centuries with a top score of 132, and 16 half-centuries, he once broke his bat smashing the ball in a one-day international against New Zealand. When his playing days ended, Marsh continued to make a massive contribution to Australian cricket as a commentator, coach, national selector and director of the Australian Cricket Academy 1990-2001. He also wrote the Australia Test team anthem 'Under the Southern Cross' which is still recited after every Test victory. He died a week after suffering a heart attack during a Masters cricket event at Bundaberg in north Queensland.

Jack Newton (April 15, aged 72)

Jack Newton was twice runner-up in golf 'majors', but at least he could say it took two of the best of all time to beat him. Born in Cessnock, NSW and associated with the Newcastle region all his life, the colourful, outgoing Newton was one of Australia's most successful golfers in the 1970s and 80s until he lost an arm, an eye and almost his life in a horrific accident. A winner in Europe and the US, Newton was the Australian Open champion in 1979 and came close to winning the British Open and US Masters. At the 1975 Open at Carnoustie, Scotland, he badly injured his ankle during practice and had to play each round with the aid of painkilling injections. Even so, he shot a course record 65 in the third round and led on the back-nine of the final day before three bogeys on the last four holes. Meanwhile five-time Open champion Tom Watson chipped in for an eagle on the 14th and sank a 20-foot putt on the final hole to force an 18-hole play-off, which Watson won by a stroke. In 1980 Newton tied for second at the Masters, four strokes behind Seve Ballesteros. Three years later, while still at the peak of his career, Newton and a group of friends flew from Newcastle to Sydney in a Cessna prop-driven plane to watch a Swans match. At a poorly lit section of Sydney Airport after the game, Newton approached the plane in heavy rain and walked into the spinning propeller. Given a 50:50 chance of survival, he lost his right arm and eye and suffered abdominal injuries. After eight weeks in intensive care, he underwent extensive rehabilitation and eventually returned to public life as an astute media commentator, golf course designer and founder and patron of the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation that introduced thousands of youngsters to the sport. He even taught himself to play golf one-handed and proved hard to beat. A staunch supporter of the Newcastle Knights rugby league club, he died from health complications after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2020.

Johnny Raper (February 9, aged 82)

They didn't come any bigger, better or ballsier than 'Chook', who lit up rugby league in the 1960s and was still a much-loved legend of the game 50 years after he hung up the boots. Making his first-grade debut for Newtown in 1957 as an 18-year-old, he was signed by the mighty St George Dragons two years later and won eight straight grand finals with the club. A lock forward who was light years ahead of the opposition in terms of ball skills, tackling technique and fitness, he was a mainstay of Australian national teams in a then-record 33 Tests and captained his country eight times. A larrikin who could still play at his best after a big night out, the original 'Immortal' remained a larger-than-life character recognised and lauded wherever rugby league is played, until struck down by the onset of dementia.

Heather Anderson (November 14, aged 28)

Known for wearing pink headgear so her vision-impaired mother could recognise her on the field, the gutsy defender was a key member of the Adelaide Crows side that beat the Brisbane Lions in the 2017 AFLW grand final. She was also one of the fittest female players to ever play the game. An army medic, she came back from a serious shoulder injury to play every game of the 2017 season but suffered a career-ending injury to the same shoulder in the grand final. She tragically took her own life at a Perth army barracks.

Johnny Famechon (August 4, aged 77)

'Famo' wasn't so much a boxer as an artist in 8-oz gloves. Where some fighters make their reputations through brutal knockouts or bludgeoning their opponents into submission, Famechon was a master of defense whose evasive skills, speed and footwork bamboozled those who chased him around the ring. Born in Paris but raised in Melbourne, Famechon upset Spain's Jose Legra - known as 'the miniature Muhammad Ali – to win the world featherweight title at London's Albert Hall in 1969. He defended twice against Japanese superstar Fighting Harada before losing a close points decision to Mexican Vincente Saldivar in 1970 and retired soon afterwards with a career record of 56 wins, five losses and six draws. An inductee of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, Famechon suffered serious injuries including brain damage when stuck by a car in Sydney in 1991, but through an extensive program of fitness work and physical and mental therapy, managed to recover many of his faculties.

Harley Balic (January 9, aged 25)

The former Fremantle and Melbourne midfielder was drafted by the Dockers with pick 38 in the 2015 AFL national draft and played four games in two seasons before being traded to the Demons. He announced his retirement in 2018 after just one season with the club, saying 'my heart's not in it and this seems the right thing to do'. Balic, who was open about his personal struggles with depression worked as a mental health supporter during the Covid lockdown to help others cope with the same kind of demons that ultimately cost him his life.

Brittany George (January 27, aged 24)

A member of the elite Olympic Winter Institute of Australia from 2017 to 2020 who finished fifth in the 2018 European Cup held in Finland, the talented aerial skier suffered mental health issues and complained of a 'lack of identity' after being forced to give up her Olympic dreams following a career-ending back injury. Tragically, she was found dead six days after Brisbane police issued a bulletin expressing concern for her welfare.

Fred Cook (February 1, aged 74)

A legend of the VFA, Fred Cook joined Port Melbourne in 1971 after playing 33 games for Footscray, and stayed with them for 14 years, kicking 1210 goals in 253 games. Known as 'Fabulous Fred', he kicked over 100 goals in a season seven times, including 125 in both 1976 and 1977. He struggled with drug addiction in retirement and spent time in jail three times but never lost the support of his many friends and longtime fans.

Olsen Filipaina (February 10, aged 64)

A trailblazer for the dozens of Polynesian rugby league players now flourishing in the NRL, 'The Big O' was a cult figure at Balmain and North Sydney in the 1980s where his performances as a steamrolling five-eighth or centre fluctuated between sensational and downright scary. Homesick and an outlier in a strange culture, he sometimes struggled to maintain form, but that was never the case when handed a black and white Kiwi jersey. His clashes with the Kangaroos' Wally Lewis, then considered the best player in the world, are legendary and rarely, if ever, was he outplayed – even when chosen from reserve grade. A shy, humble man surprised by the affection with which league fans still remembered him years after his retirement, he died from kidney failure.

Mark Shulman (February 12, aged 70)

One of the smallest players to ever play first grade rugby league, Shulman punched way above his weight and was a key member of the St George Dragon's 1977 premiership-winning side. So influential was the – in the words of commentator Rex Mossop - 'tiny, diminutive, little' halfback known as Bantam, that even though injured in the 9-9 grand final draw with the Parramatta Eels and no hope of playing in the replay a week later, Dragons' coach Harry Bath had him dress in his playing kit and sit on the sideline to mess with the Eels players' heads. Fearless in both attack and defense, when his playing days ended he moved to Queensland where he died of a suspected brain aneurysm.

John Landy (February 24, aged 91)

A former Governor of Victoria, Olympic bronze medalist, world record holder and the second man in history to run a sub-four-minute mile, John Landy will be best remembered for an amazing act of sportsmanship. A promising junior footballer who took up middle distance running at university, Landy was a member of the Australian team at the 1952 Olympics and two years later set a new world record in running the world's second sub-4-minute mile, just over a month after the feat was achieved by Englishman Roger Bannister. Later that year the two men would meet at the Commonwealth Games in Canada in what became known as the 'Miracle Mile'. Landy was in front and sprinting for the finish when he looked over his left shoulder to check on Bannister. At that moment Bannister passed him on the right to win, with both men running under four minutes. Landy won bronze in the 1500m at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics behind Irishman Ron Delaney and Germany's Klaus Richtzenheim, but it was at the Australian National Championships at Melbourne's Olympic Park earlier that year that he entered sporting folklore. Early on the third lap a runner clipped the heel of rising star Ron Clarke, who fell to the track. Landy, following closely behind, hurdled Clarke, spiking his arm. As the field ran on, Landy stopped to check that Clarke was okay, reached out a hand to steady him, then took off after the pack. Despite having lost five seconds and 35 metres to the leaders, Landy caught up and took the lead before pulling away to win the race with a blistering finish. A statue depicting the moment that Landy extended his hand to help Clarke was unveiled at Olympic Park in 2002.

Dean Woods (March 3, aged 55)

At just 18, the youngest member of coach Charlie Walsh's 4000m team pursuit foursome that beat the USA to win gold at the 1984 LA Olympics, Dean Woods was one of Australia's greatest-ever cyclists on both track and road. Born and raised in Wangaratta, Victoria, Woods won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at four Olympics, his last medal coming 12 years after the first. He also won three world cycling championships, three Commonwealth Games golds, one silver and a bronze, set one world record and took out 20 national titles as well as having success as a road rider internationally and locally. To most Australians though he will be remembered as one of 'Charlie's Angels', the team of Woods, Gwenda, Turtur and Nichols who overcame outdated bikes and a hostile crowd to beat the hometown favourites in the 1984 Olympic final. An OAM and member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Woods died from cancer.

Kevin Crowe (May 26, aged 95)

He was a Queensland Rugby Union life member who refereed over 600 games, including 22 Tests, but Kevin Crowe will probably be best remembered for just one. It was June 22, 1968, Wallabies versus All Blacks in the first Test ever played at Ballymore, Queensland's just-completed home of rugby. Australia had lost the first game in the two-Test series played in Sydney a week earlier but with just two minutes left on the shiny new Ballymore clock it appeared the Wallabies were going to hold on for a famous 18-14 victory. Then, as New Zealand mounted a last-ditch effort, Wallaby Alan Cardy held his ground, impeding his opposition winger Grahame Thorne. Unable to pass to Thorne, All Black centre Bill Davis put through a kick into the in-goal which was safely defused by Australia's Alex Pope. The Wallaby players and supporters breathed a sigh of relief, only to look on in shock as Crowe signaled a penalty try and headed between the posts. All Black fullback Fergie McCormack duly slotted the conversion. New Zealand won 19-18, Ballymore's opening day party was soured but Kevin Crowe continued to dedicate a lifetime's loyal service to the game which saw him awarded an Order of Australia in 2008.

Robert Laurie (June 4, aged 66)

'Rocky' Laurie holds the distinction of being the second-ever winner of the prestigious Dally M award as the best player in the NRL and remains the only player from the South Sydney Rabbitohs to raise the coveted trophy. A prodigiously talented five-eighth for both the Rabbitohs and Roosters, Laurie played 122 first-grade games between 1976-82. He scored 28 tries in his career but his stock-in-trade was setting up team-mates through his vision, deceptive footwork and sleight-of-hand. In 1983 he captained a NSW Country team against New Zealand's South Island, scoring three tries, and five years later led Northern Division to an historic win over the touring Great Britain side. Sadly, he was known to be suffering from mental health issues in recent years.

Bill Ashurst (June 14, aged 74)

The Great Britain rugby league international played just 46 games over three seasons for the Penrith Panthers before walking out on his contract and returning home to the UK, but Bill Ashurst never lost his affection for the club and its supporters – nor them for him. In 2006 he was named in the Panthers' inaugural Team of Legends, chosen to mark the club's 4Oth anniversary. Signed from Wigan in 1974 on a then-record 15,000-pound transfer fee, Ashurst was a big, skilful second-rower who could play centre and kick goals. He was also very old school, admitting that he liked to have a smoke at half-time and was not averse to bending the rules to breaking point. At the age of 40 he made a one-game comeback to help local club Runcorn Highfield during a players' strike. He was sent off after 12 minutes and his team lost 92-2. Ashcroft returned to Australia in May to take part in former Panther captain Royce Simmons' Walk for Dementia – but died from acute heart failure just weeks later.

Mike Jenkinson (June 18, aged 81)

A livewire hooker and respected journalist, 'Jenko' began his first-grade career with the Eastern Suburbs club in Sydney but caught selectors' eyes after being transferred by his employer to Newcastle, NSW where he captained the local side to a premiership. While he never played a Test, he toured South Africa with the successful 1963 Wallabies and in 2018 wrote a book about their adventures, titled 'A Dangerous Breed'. The author of biographies of Wallabies Phil Hawthorn and Steve Finnane and runner Rob de Castella, he spent his last years in Tasmania where he wrote and made documentaries.

Neil Kerley (June 29, aged 88)

Known as South Australia's Mr Football, or simply The King, Neil Kerley holds the distinction of winning SANFL premierships with multiple clubs over three decades. He was captain coach of premiers West Adelaide in 1961 and captain-coached South Adelaide from last in 1962 to the 1963 premiership. After hanging up the boots after 265 games in the SANFL between 1952-69 he coached Glenelg to the premiership in 1973 and West Adelaide to the 1983 flag. Kerley played 32 times for South Australia, including captaining the side to a famous victory over Victoria at the MCG in 1963. A former All Australian team selector, Channel 7 commentator and Adelaide Crows football manager, Kerley died after suffering a medical episode and crashing his car. He was honoured with a state funeral.

Ray Gunston (July 5, aged 64)

The father of Hawthorn premiership winner Jack Gunston, Ray Gunston made his mark on the game behind closed doors. A successful businessman, Ray parlayed skills learnt in the pharmaceutical industry into making a significant contribution at AFL House in various administrative roles. A fastidious executive with a high work ethic, his demanding standards earnt him the affectionate nickname 'The Wall' from colleagues needing his approval for project funding. In 2013 he served as interim CEO of the Essendon Bombers. He passed away after suffering a heart attack at home.

Paul Dear (July 8, aged 55)

Hawthorn's Paul Dear produced many fine performances in his 123-game career between 1987-99 but none better than the 1991 grand final against West Coast. With the Eagles leading by nine at the first change, Dear was moved from the forward pocket to the half-forward line and took charge, totally changing the game. He not only kicked Hawthorn's first goal but managed to lessen the influence of Andrew Lockyer and Glen Jakovich by taking the heat off Dermott Brereton. Dear ended with 18 kicks, eight handpasses and eight marks in a Norm Smith Medal-winning performance. In 2020 Dear revealed that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He, his wife and four children launched the Dare to Hope: Paul Dear Pancreatic Cancer Fund to raise awareness and funds in support of others impacted by the disease.

Andrew Cole (July 9, aged 61)

One of a rare breed – a rugby referee respected by both players and spectators alike – the popular Brisbane dentist was in charge of 31 Tests between 1997-2005 and officiated 44 Super Rugby matches. Noted for refereeing in the right spirit of the game, rather than to impress administrators or get his head on television, he died after fighting a losing battle with cancer.

Willie Rioli Snr (July 12, aged 50)

Willie Rioli Snr made his mark both on and off the field. Rioli, whose son Junior played in West Coast Eagles' 2018 grand final win, was selected by Hawthorn in the 1990 national draft but never played a senior game for the Hawks. Instead, he became a force in both the WAFL and NTFL, becoming an NTFL life member after winning multiple premierships with St Mary's and coaching and working in administrative roles throughout the Territory. In 2008 he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Northern Territory's Tiwi Islands, where amongst other roles he was a Tiwi land ranger supervisor and fire coordinator. He died after suffering a heart attack.

Colin Stubs (July 13, aged 81)

A journeyman tennis professional and pharmacist, Stubs found his calling as a promoter who is credited with building the Australian Open from a waning tournament into the global event it is today. Starting from an office in the back of his chemist shop in 1975, Stubs became Australian Open tournament director in 1978. In 1982 not one of the world's Top 10 bothered to compete on the grass courts of Kooyong. In 1988 Stubs was instrumental in the push to have the tournament moved to the hardcourts at Melbourne Park and in 1994 Pete Sampras and Steffi Graf – both ranked number one in the world at the time – were singles champions. A confidante and mentor to many young Australian players, Stubs also ran the Kooyong Classic, Dubai Tennis Championship and Australian Hard Court Championships in Adelaide. He died after battling pancreatic cancer.

Terry Fulton (July 15, aged 92)

The 2022 AFL premiers Geelong Cats wore black armbands in their Round 18 clash against Carlton to mark the passing of club legend Terry Fulton who played 51 games for the club, winning back-to-back flags in 1951-52. Fast, tenacious and with outstanding ball skills, Fulton joined Geelong West as captain-coach in 1955 and led them to premiership success for four straight years from 1956-59. His playing days over he returned to Kardinia Park and served the Cats wherever needed, including as president of the Past Players and Officials Association, vice president of the General Committee, member of the Match Committee and History and Tradition Committee and, most recently, as Home of the Cats official tour guide. He was awarded Life Membership of the club in 2001.

Bill Picken (July 23, aged 66)

Of the Collingwood players who endured the club's horror run of losing grand finals in the late 1970s and early 80s, it is fair to say that none deserved to feel more hard done by than 'Bustling Billy' Picken. Regarded as one of Collingwood's best-ever players and amongst the greatest centre-half backs of his generation, Picken was a huge personality and fan favourite in 212 games for the club, but he produced his most spectacular performances in the big end-of-season matches. During his 11 years as a Magpie, he played five grand finals and was voted the club's best in two of them. A dual Copeland Trophy winner and runner-up three times, in 1997 he was named at half-back in Collingwood's Team of the Century.

Con Britt (July 23, aged 74)

A tough ginger-haired half-forward who formed a successful partnership with his lookalike Collingwood team-mate Des Tuddenham in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Con Britt played 110 games and kicked 72 goals for the Magpies before being forced into retirement by a knee injury. Born and raised in Ballarat, Britt made his top team debut off the bench in Round 16, 1966, just three days after turning 19. By the next year he had cemented his place in the half-forward line with Tuddenham. His best season was 1970 but after struggling with injuries and form he was moved to the back pocket by coach Neil Mann in 1972 and established himself as one of the best defenders in the game before being forced to retire aged just 26.

Laurie Sawle (July 26, aged 96)

A former opening batsman for Western Australia who saw action in Bougainville in World War II, Laurie Sawle was a national selector and chairman of selectors during a golden period for Australian cricket. During his time on the panel between 1982 and 1997 a host of future greats made their Test debuts, including Shane Warne, David Boon, Glenn McGrath, Ian Healy, Mark Waugh and Matthew Hayden and captains-to-be Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. He was also manager of the Allan Border-led team that regained the Ashes in 1989 for the first time in England since 1975.

Bob Outterside (August 8, aged 90)

A 146-first grade game stalwart of the Randwick Rugby Union club in Sydney, Outterside played two Tests for Australia. A member of the 1953 Wallabies tour of South Africa, it took the big-hearted backrower another six years before he played his first Test, against the 1959 British Lions in Brisbane. He retained his place for the second Test in Sydney, but his greatest successes were at club level where he both captained and coached Randwick to premiership titles. A respected teacher who was headmaster of his old alma mater Sydney Boys High, in 1990 he was awarded an Order of Australia for services to education and the community.

Tony Townsend (August 22, aged 61)

A policeman who was the Newcastle Knights' foundation hooker, Tony Townsend had just two seasons for the club before retiring but retained strong links with the game and the region. A committee member of the Knights' Old Boys and a tireless worker for the Men of League Foundation, he was still working as chief inspector of the Port Stephens-Hunter police district up until his death from cancer.

Jim Lenehan (August 26, aged 84)

The 48th captain of the Wallabies, at just 19 years of age Lenehan was selected from Narrandera Rugby Club in country NSW to tour Britain, Ireland and France with the 1957-58 Wallabies. He played 32 of the 42 games on tour, including three Tests, and was leading try scorer with 13, and leading points scorer with 114. A big, strong centre or fullback with a huge boot and devastating defense, he played 24 Tests, including the second Test against the All Blacks in 1962 in which he captained the side.

Allen Aylett (September 16, aged 88)

A champion on the field, dentist Dr Allen Aylett kicked just as many goals off it as well. A member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame, he played 220 games for North Melbourne between 1952 and 1964 and was a dual All-Australian and Tassie Medalist for Victoria in 1958. A three-time club champion and member of the Kangaroos Team of the Century, in 1971 he took over as club president and in 1975 oversaw the club's first premiership. Stepping down the following year, he was VFL president from 1977-84, during which time he put in place the first stepping-stones which led to a national competition and the formation of the AFL in 1990.

Barry Muir (September 2, aged 84)

Rugby league halfback Barry Muir played 25 Tests for Australia, represented Queensland 24 times and, in the game's centenary year, was voted one of his country's 100 greatest-ever players. Yet, for all that, the proudest of proud Queenslanders will probably be best remembered for coining the term 'Cockroaches' for the NSW team. As Muir told it, coaching Queensland against the Blues in 1976 he was watching a replay of an old interstate match on TV when a cockroach climbed onto the screen. 'It was on the NSW side. When the teams changed at halftime, the cockroach changed ends too. I thought, that's it. That's what they are, cockroaches.' The next day at training Muir told his players to 'go out and belt those cockroaches'. A reporter nearby heard the sledge and reprinted it in the next day's newspaper. It stuck, and Queenslanders have used the not-so fond nickname for the southerners ever since.

Terry Quinn (September 20, aged 68)

Keen rugby league fans of the 1970s will remember Terry Quinn as a hard-running, wild-haired centre with the Penrith Panthers, but it was his work behind the scenes as an administrator where he made his greatest contribution to the game. Finishing up with Lakes United in the Newcastle region after 60 games for the Panthers, Quinn embarked on a wide-ranging and far-flung administrative career. Before being hampered by illness he was, at various times, chairman of the Newcastle Rugby League Board, CEO of the Newcastle, West Australian and NSW leagues, and a board member of the ARL and NSWRL.

Chris Davidson (September 24, aged 45)

The former pro surfer tragically died when his head hit the pavement following an altercation outside a pub on the NSW north coast. A 42-year-old man was charged over the incident. Davidson's career highlight came in 1996 when, as a 19-year-old wildcard entrant, he beat multiple world champion Kelly Slater in two consecutive heats at Bells Beach. Slater was one of many who posted condolence messages following Davidson's passing.

Alfred Mitchell (October 7, aged 80)

Alf Mitchell was in good company the day that he won Commonwealth Games gold in November 1962. Also climbing to the top step of the podium that day in Perth was Dawn Fraser who won the 110 yards freestyle in world record time. Not to be outdone, 21-year-old Mitchell set a new Commonwealth Games record for the javelin of 78.11m. Sadly he was forced into retirement by injury soon afterwards but his involvement with sport never ended. A much-admired schoolteacher in the Blue Mountains region of NSW, he was a keen golfer and squash player and passed on his knowledge of javelin through coaching and mentoring dozens of athletes, including Masters Games Hall of Famer Mary Thomas and blind para-athlete world record holder Ched Towns. Mitchell passed away in a Canberra hospital after a long battle with kidney disease.

Liam Hampson (October 18, aged 24)

The promising rugby league hooker and popular teacher's aide died tragically in an accident while holidaying in Spain with friends including NRL players AJ Brimson, Jordan Riki and Jesse Arthars. A member of the Redcliffe Dolphins grand final side, Hampson was reported missing after not returning from a visit to a Barcelona nightclub. His body was found at an unused part of the club 24 hours later, with police believing he became lost after exiting onto the roof through a security door and fell when trying to regain entry.

Bob Ellicott (October 31, aged 95)

Former Federal minister Bob Ellicott never reached any heights as an athlete, but he made major contributions to Australian sport. Most notable of these was his work leading to the establishment of the Australian Institute of Sport in 1981. He was also patron of Gymnastics Australia, served on the Court of Arbitration for Sport and was a member of the ARL's legal team opposing News Limited in the Super League war of the mid-1990s. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2016.

Alan 'Froggy' Thomson (October 31, aged 76)

Best remembered for his unusual bowling style, the four-Test Victorian had another claim to fame. He took the first-ever wicket in a one-day international, having England's Geoff Bowcott caught by Bill Lawry for 8 on January 5, 1971, at the MCG. It would be Thomson's only one-day wicket in his only one-day international. Something of a cult figure due to his straight arm run-up and windmill action off the wrong foot, 'Froggy' (a schoolboy nickname due to his loud, deep voice) played a major role in Victoria's Sheffield Shield-winning season of 1969-70. Hampered by respiratory problems in his latter years he expressed a desire to have his ashes scattered on the pitch at Fitzroy Cricket Club when he died.

Frank Prihoda (November 10, aged 101)

At the time of his death Australia's oldest Olympian, Fred Prihoda fled his native Czechoslovakia on skis in 1948 to escape Soviet rule. Settling in Australia, he had his citizenship rushed through parliament to enable him to represent his new country at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Italy. Settling in Thredbo where he ran a souvenir shop, he kept skiing until his 90th birthday, putting his longevity down to clean air and healthy living.

Paul Broughton (December 3, aged 91)

A rugby league visionary, Paul Broughton was a mentor, advisor and confessor to hundreds of players, coaches and administrators throughout his long career. Whether it was about expanding into Asia, raising awareness of the cultural needs of Indigenous players or innovative rule changes, the man known simply as 'Coach' never stopped thinking about ways to improve the game. A lower grade player at St George, when his playing career was ended through injury, he took up coaching, taking the Dragons third grade side to back-to-back premierships. He then coached first grade at Brisbane Brothers, Newtown Jets and the Balmain Tigers. His lasting legacy was as a founding father of the Gold Coast Titans, where each season the club's best and fairest player is awarded the Paul Broughton Medal.

Ken Wilson (December 22, aged 71)

Rugby league utility back Ken Wilson never played for his country or won a premiership, but he made history – twice. Known as 'Squeaker', Wilson kicked the field goal in league's only 1-nil game, and was captain of the Newtown Jets in the game's first and only nil-all draw. Wilson, who died after a long battle with cancer, honed his exceptional kicking skills playing Australian Rules football as a junior, and put them to good use at the Jets and then the Penrith Panthers. He was on the bench for Newtown against St George at the SCG on May 12, 1973, when coach Jack Gibson called him over and said, 'Wilson, kick me a field goal'. The rest is history – as is the game in March 1982 when he led the Jets to a nil-all draw with Canterbury at Henson Park. He is Newtown's highest-ever point scorer, with a total of 1000 – and one.

Barry Round (December 24, aged 71)

When South Melbourne Football Club made the move to Sydney in 1982, they had the perfect man to lead them to the promised land. Swans' inaugural captain Barry Round was big, photogenic and charismatic; an ideal poster boy as the club fought to make its mark in a new city. An inductee into the AFL Hall of Fame and member of Sydney's Team of the Century, in 1981 the 193 cm 108 kg ruckman was joint winner of the Brownlow Medal. In total, Round played 328 games for Footscray, South Melbourne and the Swans between 1969 and 1985, kicking 292 goals, but it was the work that he did off the field during the tumultuous first years in Sydney that left a lasting legacy. It took a very special personality to keep the various factions of old and new supporters, media and officialdom satisfied in those early days but Round did it with a smile and a song. He had a successful stint as captain-coach of Williamstown after leaving the Swans, but part of his heart remained in Sydney. No-one celebrated with more passion than Round when the Swans broke through to win their first flag in 2005. Since 1994 the club has presented the Barry Round Best Clubman Award. Round died in hospital from organ failure.