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Micky O: Determination. Hard Work. And a Little Bit of Magic
When Michael O'Loughlin was drafted by the Sydney Swans at just 17 years of age, he was the no. 40 selection and the last player picked. Back then he could not have imagined the extraordinary future that awaited him: the numerous awards and accolades, the respect and admiration of fellow players, a huge number of personal supporters, and a record-breaking 303 games in the red and white. This is the inspiring story of Michael's life from the childhood lessons of hard work and self-belief imparted to him by his mother, Muriel, to the discovery of the stunning sporting ability which would take him into the elite legions of AFL. By 2009, Michael had broken the Swans' games record. He had kicked more goals for the club than anyone except the legendary Bob Pratt. He played more finals for the Swans than any other, and became one of just three Indigenous players in the history of the sport to reach 300 games. MICKY O is the extraordinary story of a kid who combined his talent with sheer determination to become one of the greatest AFL players of all time.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Michael O'Loughlin
38 books6 followersPraised by the National Catholic Reporter for having "a keen eye and an adroit pen," Michael J. O'Loughlin is the national reporter for Crux, The Boston Globe's publication covering "all things Catholic."
O'Loughlin writes regularly about contemporary Catholic issues, including religion and politics, Catholic young adults, the role of the Church in the public square, and much more.
He has also written for Foreign Policy, America, and the Advocate, and he has been interviewed by a number of media outlets, including NPR, Fox News, and MSNBC. He frequently gives talks on a range of Catholic issues.
Originally from Massachusetts, Michael lives in Chicago and reports occasionally from Rome. He is a graduate of Saint Anselm College and Yale Divinity School.
O'Loughlin writes regularly about contemporary Catholic issues, including religion and politics, Catholic young adults, the role of the Church in the public square, and much more.
He has also written for Foreign Policy, America, and the Advocate, and he has been interviewed by a number of media outlets, including NPR, Fox News, and MSNBC. He frequently gives talks on a range of Catholic issues.
Originally from Massachusetts, Michael lives in Chicago and reports occasionally from Rome. He is a graduate of Saint Anselm College and Yale Divinity School.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 30, 2015
There are some interesting stories in here, but also a heavy reliance on blow-by-blow game descriptions and statistics tables that detract from them.
June 21, 2024
This is a fabulous story. It shows how amazing Michael O'Loughlin was, playing with bad knees and he still managed to play so many games, and with such amazing skills.
August 3, 2012
Micky O
Determination. Hard Work . And a little bit of magic
By Michael O’ Loughlin with Jim Main
ABC Books Harper Collins Publishers.
Paperback
RRP $29.99
I rarely read books by celebrities and sports people but being an avid Sydney Swans supporter, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book by Sydney Swans legend Michael O‘Loughlin.
Whether relating his early years and the tough neighbourhood he came from , his mother’s positive influence on him or his days as a cygnet - a 17 year old recruit away from his home state of South Australia to join the Sydney Swans, his indigenous heritage, or his impressions of various people he met along the journey, Michael’s story is told with candour and humour. As a spectator of that grand final in 2005, I agreed with Micky’s assessment of that final quarter that, ’the seconds seemed like minutes, the minutes like hours.’ And I loved the humour as he describes the Superman effort of that mark which is forever part of history by Leo Barry.
Michael gives and interesting portrayal of his heritage and ancestors and the positive influence of his mother and Uncle Wilbur as well as the realities of living as an indigenous person and the difference playing football made to his life. The reader can feel how important a part his heritage plays in his life.
Micky’s first meeting with new recruit Tony Lockett after he was drafted from St Kilda will bring a smile to the reader . So many of the memories Michael shared of various events and games like the disappointment of the 1996 grand final, the people’s choice of Paul Roos as coach and the sadness of players and supporters when Wally Jackson from their support staff died in the middle of a game against North Melbourne were relived as Michael described them. As was that last quarter when Nick Davis propelled Sydney to a Semi Final win against Geelong in 2005. It was interesting to get the on field view of what transpired that night and what was said.
The writing style is easy to read and never boring. This book shows a humble man who is realises the great blessing he had to be able to play football and be drafted to a club like the Sydney Swans. For anyone who is a sports fan and interested in people and what shapes them, a footy fan and especially a Sydney Swans fan, this book is a must. Recommended reading and don ‘t think only guys will read it. I powered through it in a day.
I also loved some of the photos of Michael as a child, with family, with team mates and of course waving that premiership cup.
Determination. Hard Work . And a little bit of magic
By Michael O’ Loughlin with Jim Main
ABC Books Harper Collins Publishers.
Paperback
RRP $29.99
I rarely read books by celebrities and sports people but being an avid Sydney Swans supporter, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book by Sydney Swans legend Michael O‘Loughlin.
Whether relating his early years and the tough neighbourhood he came from , his mother’s positive influence on him or his days as a cygnet - a 17 year old recruit away from his home state of South Australia to join the Sydney Swans, his indigenous heritage, or his impressions of various people he met along the journey, Michael’s story is told with candour and humour. As a spectator of that grand final in 2005, I agreed with Micky’s assessment of that final quarter that, ’the seconds seemed like minutes, the minutes like hours.’ And I loved the humour as he describes the Superman effort of that mark which is forever part of history by Leo Barry.
Michael gives and interesting portrayal of his heritage and ancestors and the positive influence of his mother and Uncle Wilbur as well as the realities of living as an indigenous person and the difference playing football made to his life. The reader can feel how important a part his heritage plays in his life.
Micky’s first meeting with new recruit Tony Lockett after he was drafted from St Kilda will bring a smile to the reader . So many of the memories Michael shared of various events and games like the disappointment of the 1996 grand final, the people’s choice of Paul Roos as coach and the sadness of players and supporters when Wally Jackson from their support staff died in the middle of a game against North Melbourne were relived as Michael described them. As was that last quarter when Nick Davis propelled Sydney to a Semi Final win against Geelong in 2005. It was interesting to get the on field view of what transpired that night and what was said.
The writing style is easy to read and never boring. This book shows a humble man who is realises the great blessing he had to be able to play football and be drafted to a club like the Sydney Swans. For anyone who is a sports fan and interested in people and what shapes them, a footy fan and especially a Sydney Swans fan, this book is a must. Recommended reading and don ‘t think only guys will read it. I powered through it in a day.
I also loved some of the photos of Michael as a child, with family, with team mates and of course waving that premiership cup.
November 15, 2012
I think this is the first (auto)biography I have ever read till completion, and to be honest it was difficult to put down. The inspirational journey of the Sydney Swans Aussie Rules footballer Micky O'loughlin.
This book really hit me close to home, growing up in Sydney, studying at high school across the road from the Sydney Swans home ground and training fields during the peak period of the time covered by Michael's story.
My first live AFL game was held at this ground against the West Coast Eagles, the same team that the swans subsequently defeated to become Premiers in 2005 (the year a graduated from highschool).
Definitely a recommended read, regardless of whether you are into AFL football or not. But I guarantee you will want to check out a live game or two afterwards!!
This book really hit me close to home, growing up in Sydney, studying at high school across the road from the Sydney Swans home ground and training fields during the peak period of the time covered by Michael's story.
My first live AFL game was held at this ground against the West Coast Eagles, the same team that the swans subsequently defeated to become Premiers in 2005 (the year a graduated from highschool).
Definitely a recommended read, regardless of whether you are into AFL football or not. But I guarantee you will want to check out a live game or two afterwards!!
September 2, 2012
Seriously, if your life is that boring, don't write a book about it.
on the up side, he clearly wrote this himself, he loves his family & wrote about many games that i was at that were genuinely exciting.
on the down side, whoever claimed to have edited this book didn't even bother reading it. there are so many mistakes (he instead of the etc) and in many areas particularly near the beginnig he repeats himself over & over.
according to O'Loughlin he has never done anything wrong in his life ever & has no regrets. being overly cautious not to offend anyone he omits vital details in any story that had the potential to be half interesting.
this book is a disappointing waste of time.
on the up side, he clearly wrote this himself, he loves his family & wrote about many games that i was at that were genuinely exciting.
on the down side, whoever claimed to have edited this book didn't even bother reading it. there are so many mistakes (he instead of the etc) and in many areas particularly near the beginnig he repeats himself over & over.
according to O'Loughlin he has never done anything wrong in his life ever & has no regrets. being overly cautious not to offend anyone he omits vital details in any story that had the potential to be half interesting.
this book is a disappointing waste of time.
May 11, 2013
I love the Swans and I love Micky O - so was always going to read this book. Not well written (given he became a professional footy player as a teenager - what do you expect?) but he's a legend. This book is only appropriate for Swans fans or die-hard footy fanatics. Hearing his perspective is interesting and I learned a lot about the history of the club. PS - If I could give it a 2.5 I would - I rounded up.
December 2, 2012
Most inspirational read of 2012!
July 21, 2018
If you're not a swans or at least AFL fan then this one is probably not for you. Micky talks a lot about the games they played in and relationships with team mates, which took me back to when I was growing up and watching him as a youngster (which has influenced my rating).
He could have made this a more compelling story as he's had a great and interesting journey and transition although enjoyed it all the same.
A must read for any swans/AFL fan
He could have made this a more compelling story as he's had a great and interesting journey and transition although enjoyed it all the same.
A must read for any swans/AFL fan
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews