HALL OF FAME

Hall of Fame Inductees: 2015

ADAM FOLEY

Adam Foley has 70 international caps for Australia.

TONY TRAD

As a coach, Tony Trad is arguably one of the best the game has seen.
Tony does more than think creatively about the game, he trusts himself to run with his creative ideas and that is the true essence of innovation. It is his innovations that have changed the way the game is played and have many tried to emulate his style of play. Impressively he is a coach who is not afraid to tell other coaches what he is doing and discuss new innovations in the game. He has no fear in his coaching but rather sees it as a personal challenge to keep improving and making himself, his players, and the game better.
Tony has an impressive record; At 104 Australian caps, he is our most-capped international coach. He has been the NSW Head Coach for the Men’s program since 2012, and mentors coaches at all levels within his home Region, Sydney Mets. He has led Western Suburbs TA to 8 State Cup titles and 5 Vawdon Cups across Men’s and Mixed Open.

Hall of Fame Inductees: 2013

AMANDA JUDD

Amanda Judd, like her twin sister Kristy who still plays at the top level, changed the way the women’s game was played and Amanda refined it. The pure attacking genius who could step was equally devastating of either foot while dummying and not losing pace often had both the defense and spectators looking the wrong way. Arguably the best female hole runner to play the game she had the uncanny ability to place her body in positions thought to be impossible to get the ball down. Often leaving all of us watching her in amazement at what had just occurred. She like her sister was always at her best when the game was on the biggest stage and the mind meld that she and Kristy possessed when on the field left all in awe of her talent. Amanda has won 6 State Cups, 11 Vawdon Cups, and 5 NTLs. She also won back-to-back Smith Medals in 2005 and 2006 and is the sixth all-time vote-getter in the Smith Medal. She represented NSW from 2001 to 2008 in Opens. She has 62 international caps for Australia.

Hall of Fame Inductees: 2011

GAI TAYLOR

She was a dominating player out of the link position with her long and powerful stride that consistently took the best defenses at the highest level apart. Her defensive play was also exceptional with an uncanny ability to stop all manner of attacking raids through her reading of the game. She is also one of the nicest women you will meet belaying her fierce determination and will to win. Indeed her longevity and commitment cannot be questioned.  In a true testament to her, many of the current players aspired to be just like her. She represented NSW from 1985 to 1991 in Opens and some further 8 years in senior SOO. She has 30 international caps for Australia.

DAVID CHEUNG

This player came onto the scene a little later in his life and during his career dominated all challenges amongst the senior ranks. He also dominated many players much younger than he as he played Men’s Open well into his senior years. His blistering pace, acceleration of the mark, and trademark swerve made many a defender look for cover. As a senior player, he was virtually an automatic selection as he formed a lethal combination with another of tonight’s inductees. Like previous inductees, he also personifies what is great about the sport, both on and off the field. While he had the brilliance to turn a game single-handedly he was always the consummate team man, ensuring that the goals of the team were always placed ahead of his own personal goals. Blessed with talent, he is a humble man who is a true gentleman of our game. He represented NSW in the senior ranks from 1993 to 2008 and has 56 international caps for Australia

TIM KITCHINGHAM

This player’s trademark is one often overlooked in skill set- his guile. While not blessed with the pure speed of some of his counterparts, he did possess a great touch brain and ability to read the game. When you matched this with his deft passing game he consistently threatened defensive lines with not only his own presence but with that of his support players who he guided around the park like a maestro and his orchestra. His ability to read play not only made him a danger in attack, but it made him one of the game’s safest defenders. Those who have been lucky enough to play alongside him will tell you he is their first pick every time. He too, like his partner in crime, Cheungy, is a humble man. He represented NSW in seniors from 1992 to 2008 and has 92 international caps for Australia making him third on the all-time list.

DARREN SHELLEY

Vision, speed, step, long ball, short ball, there weren’t too many weapons that our next inductee didn’t possess. Couple all this with his fierce determination and will to win and you have a very good mold for a touch player. He was able to ply his trade through the juniors then into both the Men’s and Mixed Open levels being the face of mixed during the 90s. Leadership was yet another ability that he handled with aplomb, captaining both State and Country with honours. What many who watched from afar would not have been able to judge about this unique player was his tactical mind and the way he could break down a game or opponent, must to the demise of many oppositions. Maybe his nickname of Dazzle said it all! He represented NSW in seniors from 1987 to 1999 and has 30 international caps for Australia

Hall of Fame Inductees: 2009

GISELLE MARTIN

After starting in the State Under 20’s she became an automatic selection in the NSW Women’s Open teams from 1992 to 1998, when her “actual” career cut short her Stella playing. She did tantalise us once more in her career when again donning the two blues in 2004 to cut a sway through the Queenslanders. On the field, she has the ability to constantly memorize and freeze defenses with her pace and step. A fierce competitor and a tremendous defender with incredible agility the envy of many male counterparts, she was the player you wanted with the ball when the touchdown was needed. With her exhilarating speed and exceptional touch brain, she had and still has the ability to win the game in a blink of an eye. She represented NSW from 1990 to 1998 and again in 2004 and has 34 international caps for Australia.

DEAN McMANUS

This player came onto the scene a little later in his life and during his career dominated all challenges amongst the senior ranks. He also debut for NSW in 1990 in the Men’s 30 division, where he made an immediate impact as a player who could read the game like a few before him. Throughout his career at the top level, he demonstrated that while possessing skills that allowed him to play the game two touches in front of his opponents he was also the consummate team man, ensuring that the goals of the team were always placed ahead of his own personal goals. With great acceleration and a deft passing game, he constantly threaten and defensive line. His ability to read play not only made him a danger in attack, but coupled with his acceleration it made him into one of the game’s safest defenders. Ask any who have been lucky enough to play also side him and they will tell you he is their first pick every time. Blessed with talent, he is also a humble man who is one of our game’s true gentlemen. He represented NSW from 1990 to 2004 and has 42 international caps for Australia

Hall of Fame Inductees: 2008

JUDY MALCOLM

This player first played for NSW Women’s Open in 1987 before moving into, dominating, and owning the Senior Women’s Division for the next 10 years. Described as a little dynamo on the field, this somewhat belied her ability to read the game, point her players in the right direction and orchestrate play like she was in front of a symphony. Blessed with a pure vision to put players through holes no one else could see and magic feet to step her way through the slightest of gaps she struck fear into any opposition that stood in front of her.  She represented NSW from 1987 to 1997 and has 24 international caps for Australia

GARY MOURNEHIS

This gentleman was first graded as a State referee in 1992 and continued till his retirement in 2007, some 15 years at the top. He attained the highest level possible in refereeing, that being a level six and maintained the mantle of the leading NSW referee for 4 consecutive years during his career. He refereed Men’s Open finals at all major NSWTA events and National Leagues as well as being selected to attend and referee Men’s Open at 4 consecutive World Cups from 1995 to 2007. Possibly one of the most respected referees, not just by his peers, but indeed players and coaches alike, that NSWTA has ever produced and has been an inspiration to many referees still active today. Gary has 49 international caps for Australia

GABRIELLE ROSE

This lady captained her state and was destined for the highest honors from a very early age. She was an inspirational on-field leader and a natural leader off the field through her actions, words, and aura. This slated her by teammates and opposition alike as one of the most respected players, of her era. As a player she was renowned as a strong powerful runner, one who had exceptional ball skills and a great long passing game, she had the uncanny ability to sniff out an intercept and run the length of the field. She is a noted big game player who deserves her place among the game’s best. She represented NSW from 1990 to 2002 and has 42 international caps for Australia

STEVE SAUNDERS

Our 17th inductee could not be here with us this evening. Steve Saunders played for NSW from 1980- 1986. He was a player who had great vision and exceptional hands. He played the game with a natural flair for the extraordinary. He had tremendous agility combined with good speed which always made him dangerous.

Hall of Fame Inductees: 2007

KAREN SMITH

This player was inducted into the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1988. Arguably the best female to play the game. With uncanny vision, brilliant hands, and ball skills, this lady was also blessed with great speed of the mark. A natural leader, she had a football brain that allowed her to read the game in advance of others. She captained NSW and Australia on many occasions and her list of awards for Player’s Player, player of the Final, or player of the series is nearly endless. She represented NSW from 1980 to 1994 and has 27 international caps for Australia.

LISA NEAL

This player was in the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1990. Her Touch career started in 1977, as part of the first ladies’ competition in Port Hacking. She was one of the true geniuses to have played the game. Tough, uncompromising, and strong are all words that come to mind in describing this player. However deft, skillful, and deceptive would not be out of place. Her passing game, dummy, agility, and ability to read a game often saw this player turn and win games on her own. She represented NSW from 1980 to 1991 and has 14 international caps for Australia.

RAY “BULLET” LAWRENCE*

This gentleman was inducted into the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1990. He became involved in Touch Football at the age of 32, by playing a social game in Manly. He was then recruited into a local side, and a short time later represented The Manly District in the NSW Region Competition. In 1983 he was selected for NSW in the State Men’s Senior Team, and then represented the State of NSW for 14 years in a row. His speed and skill continued to impress selectors as he moved through the age categories and is still playing on the park today aged 61. He represented NSW from 1983 to 1997 and has 11 international caps for Australia.

RON WALL

This player was inducted into the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 1993. Quick and with a big step he would terrorize his opposite number when running at them. Given half a gap he always managed to finish the movement over the scoreline. His ability to read the game and hit a hole was only matched by his tough big-game competitor’s spirit. He represented NSW from 1982 to 2004 and has 48 international caps for Australia.

MARK BOLAND

This player was inducted into the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2003. In many ways, he became the player who set the benchmark for the modern game. Always playing three touches ahead of anyone else on the field. His greatest assets are not just his pure passing, explosive pace, or devastating defense but indeed his vision. He dictated play the way he wanted it, regardless of the opposition. He is the consummate and proven match-winner. This player played in 17 straight State Cups with Parramatta which he won 12 times. The only player to have received a life membership of the NSWTA and to have his number retired by the NSWTA. He represented NSW from 1985 to 1999 only in Men’s Open and has 37 international caps for Australia.

MICK McCALL

This gentleman was inducted into the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2003. He became involved with Touch in the late 1970s and is an accomplished player from the men’s Open level right through to the senior ranks. His speed agility and ability to slide through gaps appearing not even to be there, were and are the hallmarks of his game. He has had success in the coaching ranks at club, Regional, State, and National level. He represented NSW from 1980 through to today and has 58 international caps for Australia.

KATRINA TOOHEY

This player was inducted into the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2003. She started playing Touch at the age of ten in a local Cronulla competition and is the youngest female to be picked to play for the national women’s open team at age 16. A constant performer, she was always going as hard at the end of the game as at the start. Her great skills, vision and inspirational leadership set her apart from the rest of the field. She was one of the most mentally toughest players to have ever played the game. She represented NSW from 1983 to 1996 and has 37 international caps for Australia.

DEAN RUSSELL

This player was inducted into the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2007. A mixture of determination, grit, and a touch of flamboyancy is the way many described this player. A great leader and fierce competitor who played as if every game was life and death for his team he was a stalwart of NSW’s most successful state team. His passing game was both precise and on occasions totally unpredictable. Both in attack and defense he always controlled the game and was known for his constant talk, and on occasions as a pest to the opposition. He represented NSW from 1986 to 2002 and is NSW’s most-capped international with 92 appearances for Australia.

STACEY GREGORY

This player was inducted into the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2007. Without peers as a female mixed player, defensively as strong as her male counterparts. In attack stronger than her male counterparts. Possessed the complete game as a female mixed player with superior ball skills, agility, vision, ability to read the game and a never say die determination. She represented NSW from 1986 through to 1995 and has 47 international caps for Australia.

STEPHEN PIKE

This referee was inducted into the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2007. This referee set the benchmark for others to achieve at the park, regional, state, national and international levels. Widely acknowledged as one of the best the games has produced, his reading of play and rapport with players made his control of the game effortless and respected. He represented NSW at national championships, NTL, and State of Origin and has officiated international fixtures across the world securing 52 International Caps.

OWEN LANE

He is the first of our inductees not yet in the Touch Football Australia Hall of Fame. An early pioneer of the game he did not have as many opportunities in the fledging sport as those who followed in his footsteps. He played in the very first NSW Men’s open team in 1973. He also played against the touring Great Britain rugby league lions in an exhibition match in 1976. The marquee player of the early years he had an electrifying pace, great ball and passing skills, and was the consummate leader. For the younger generation think of the prototype of a Mark Boland. He played the game ahead of the pack with his vision and ability to read the game. He could take the game in any direction he wanted and was a proven match-winner. He represented NSW from 1973 to 1984 and represented Australia against New Zealand in Melbourne in 1985.

PAULA VASSALLO

She first played for NSW Women’s Open at the age of 16. A tough competitor with amazing ball skills and deceptive pace. She always tested defenses with her passing game and probing attacks. Defensively many teams tried to attack her with little success due to her agility and doggedness of competitive spirit and ability to read the play. A player whom many males were jealous of with her all-around game well suited to the sport at the very top level. She represented NSW from 1983 through to 2004 and has 20 international caps for Australia.

ANDY YIANGOU

He is one of the game’s true gentlemen. He is one who is credited with taking the fitness of his players to new levels and rejuvenating a club through his on-field leadership that still endures today. Another with a tough mental approach to the game, with absolute determination and a never say die attitude. Those who play with him, want to win for him. He possesses great vision and passing skills, yet it is his defense that often gets overlooked. You would be hard-pressed to compile any statistics for defensive errors. Not flashy, yet a player many aspire to be like. He represented NSW from 1985 to 1997 and has 31 international caps for Australia.