The Power Within

by Travis Boak

Travis Boak is one of the most talented and tenacious AFL players of the era.

Three-time All-Australian and a former Port Adelaide captain, he's renowned for his football IQ and his physical endurance. In 2024 he played his 350th game, cementing his status as an elite champion.

Travis is known as the best trainer and preparer in the AFL, showing the importance of mindset and focus. And this focus on emotional and psychological health has been a hallmark, not just of his football but also his life. After losing his father to cancer at a young age, Travis blindly carried his grief and trauma for far too long. It was not until he was finally able to reckon with this weight that he was able to give life - and football - his all.

From one of the game's most respected and impressive players, this is a story of the hard work of living with vulnerability, and the power it can give us all.

Audible Audio

First published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Fleeno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Travis Boak is a three-time All-Australian,  a former Port Adelaide captain, and the club's games record holder with 387 games. He is renowned for his knowledge of fitness and handwork, and general all round nice guy. Its always hard to review an Autobiography because its literally someone's life. It seems like Boak is a nice guy and some of the insights into how the club is run/how the AFL operates was interesting, but overall I found this a very surface level book. There's not a lot of emotion or retrospective thinking. It frustrated me that he wrote how funny it was that some many good footballers came from the Geelong/Torquay region with no insight into why that is. The AFL has a disproportionate amount of players from private schools and the club Boak played for as a child had facilities most little country towns wouldn't have, he obviously had talent and worked hard, but there were also a lot of external factors which helped. While theres a lot of information about particular games there's not a lot of non football anecdotes. By the end I got the impression Boak is a nice guy but that's it. There's little about non footballing friends, non sports related hobbies, out of season adventures. I really didnt feel like I knew Travis Boak as a person and thats ok, I dont think he does either. This actually would have been a better book to write in 10yrs time when he has had to discover who he is without sports. There is a hint at the end of the book that this played on his mind but by then it was the end of the book. If you're a fan of Port or the AFL you might enjoy this, I doubt I'm the target audience this was written for.

[Shanay Dowsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise words of wisdom and deep, heartfelt truths shared by a Port legend. I throughly enjoyed reading about a player that I have not only watched on field for many years but also a person I admire. Well done Boaky.

[Jazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at life within the AFL, and Port Adelaide in particular. The death of Travis’s father had a far greater impact on his life than I ever realised and he struggled to overcome his grief for years. Definitely a must-read for anyone interested in Travis and Port Adelaide. I listened to the audiobook and was disappointed that it wasn’t read by Travis himself, but I heard his voice in my head anyway, lol.

[Kerry Hennigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less a book about AFL and one of its most popular modern-day exponents, and more a book about what it takes to be a better human being. These are lessons for life, learned against the backdrop of the famous Port Adelaide Football Club. Travis tells his story honestly and is not afraid to tell you what makes him cry as well as laugh. This is not your average sporting anecdotes book, but something much more personal. As a reader and a fan, I'm grateful for Travis for his humanity.

[Nadene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and devoured it in two days!
As a Port Adelaide fan and a long time Travis fan it didn't disappoint. If you just love football, you're an athlete or you want some self-help tips you will also love this book.
It is in an easy to read format and is written in an honest but humble voice. It shows not only the physical side of footy but also the emotional side and the growth that Travis went through to get him to be where he is today.
Oh and don't forget the tissues!
*****

[Amy Lifshack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less about AFL more about the person behind an incredible 19 year long journey.
I balled my eyes out throughout 90% of the book. Laughed at almost the same amount. And most importantly remembered my own experience as a port supporter from the game trav mentioned.
My love for Travis has skyrocketed. (But I’ll always be a Robbie Gray girl)

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting autobiography about an amazing footballer and great person. I love that the book was more than just his football career and went through life and what he’s learnt through the life he’s lived.

[Kirra Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a touch warming & emotional book! I love it. We love you boak🖤🩵🤍

[ruby wilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

His meaning to life is so eye opening! Must read!!