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Inside: The autobiography
Intelligent, surprising, and head and shoulders above its competition - the autobiography of Chris Judd is the football book of the decade. A rare and intimate look inside the world of the elite sportsman.
Few people know Australian Rules football better than Chris Judd. He's one of the game's out-and-out champions, having captained two of the greatest clubs in the league - the West Coast Eagles and Carlton - and taken the Eagles to premiership victory in 2006. He's won the Brownlow Medal twice, been a dual Leigh Matthews Trophy winner - awarded to the AFL's Most Valuable Player as voted by the players - and selected as an All Australian six times.
His autobiography is a unique journey into the game, describing with extraordinary candour what it's like to climb to the highest levels, to achieve the ultimate goal of your sport, and to experience the full measure of heartache and failure that inevitably accompanies more than a decade of playing at the elite level. Few sportsmen have shared such intimacy and insight into their world, and the result is a book that's worthy of Chris Judd the player - intelligent, surprising, and head and shoulders above the competition.
Few people know Australian Rules football better than Chris Judd. He's one of the game's out-and-out champions, having captained two of the greatest clubs in the league - the West Coast Eagles and Carlton - and taken the Eagles to premiership victory in 2006. He's won the Brownlow Medal twice, been a dual Leigh Matthews Trophy winner - awarded to the AFL's Most Valuable Player as voted by the players - and selected as an All Australian six times.
His autobiography is a unique journey into the game, describing with extraordinary candour what it's like to climb to the highest levels, to achieve the ultimate goal of your sport, and to experience the full measure of heartache and failure that inevitably accompanies more than a decade of playing at the elite level. Few sportsmen have shared such intimacy and insight into their world, and the result is a book that's worthy of Chris Judd the player - intelligent, surprising, and head and shoulders above the competition.
- GenresAudiobookNonfiction
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2015
19 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 19, 2016
Anyone who knows me knows I love the Carlton Football Club and everything that comes with it. I would be lying if I said I was not super excited for Chris Judd to join our team and raise us from the dead. Neither would it be truthful if I said I didn't sit him on a pedestal during the time he played for CFC.
In saying that though, "Inside" definitely has changed my view on Judd - not just as a footballer, but as a person. I don't know if it was his intention, but after finishing this it's become more apparent to me that Judd is no longer just C.Judd, a dual brownlow medalist and premiership captain, but rather he is Chris Judd a human being. I know it sounds silly, but it is always very hard for a fan, like myself, to remove footballers away from the football world and regard them as "normal."
I'd like to think that everything I read from this book sat well with me, but to be blunt, there are some moments where I am taken aback or I do feel like maybe the time I spent admiring him was not all that worth it. That's not to say I still don't respect him and his actions.
"Inside", like any other autobiography, reveals a lot more about Judd. He explores how he came to be an AFL player, how the game shaped him, and the lessons he learnt from it. It's a relatively easy read despite the size, but is very thought provoking and profound.
FULL REVIEW TO COME
In saying that though, "Inside" definitely has changed my view on Judd - not just as a footballer, but as a person. I don't know if it was his intention, but after finishing this it's become more apparent to me that Judd is no longer just C.Judd, a dual brownlow medalist and premiership captain, but rather he is Chris Judd a human being. I know it sounds silly, but it is always very hard for a fan, like myself, to remove footballers away from the football world and regard them as "normal."
I'd like to think that everything I read from this book sat well with me, but to be blunt, there are some moments where I am taken aback or I do feel like maybe the time I spent admiring him was not all that worth it. That's not to say I still don't respect him and his actions.
"Inside", like any other autobiography, reveals a lot more about Judd. He explores how he came to be an AFL player, how the game shaped him, and the lessons he learnt from it. It's a relatively easy read despite the size, but is very thought provoking and profound.
FULL REVIEW TO COME
July 10, 2020
Chris Judd proves to be a man of many talents. Any sports fan in Australia knows Chris is one of the greatest footballers of the modern era but few could predict his ability to write such an engaging, intelligent account of his time as one of the AFL's true champions.
From his highs in the early years at West Coast when success came almost naturally to him and his teammates to his later years at Carlton after injuries had forced him to reinvent himself as a player, Judd handles the narrative duties of his career with a professionalism and honesty few could achieve. But it is his ability to relate to people outside the sport that makes this a must read, for Judd himself never wanted the spotlight, never placed too much importance on the game and always kept himself grounded, knowing that the highs of the game were never as high and the lows were never as low as they seemed.
Call me biased as a Carlton supporter but any AFL fan will get something out of this book. I would even encourage someone who doesn't know the game to read it, as the lessons Judd has learnt as a professional sportsman and the ideals he shares in his story are ones that we can all learn from in turn.
From his highs in the early years at West Coast when success came almost naturally to him and his teammates to his later years at Carlton after injuries had forced him to reinvent himself as a player, Judd handles the narrative duties of his career with a professionalism and honesty few could achieve. But it is his ability to relate to people outside the sport that makes this a must read, for Judd himself never wanted the spotlight, never placed too much importance on the game and always kept himself grounded, knowing that the highs of the game were never as high and the lows were never as low as they seemed.
Call me biased as a Carlton supporter but any AFL fan will get something out of this book. I would even encourage someone who doesn't know the game to read it, as the lessons Judd has learnt as a professional sportsman and the ideals he shares in his story are ones that we can all learn from in turn.
January 31, 2016
Chris Judd continues to suprise me. As a lifetime Carlton supporter I was super excited to see him come to the Blues and play. With that hoping that he alone could resurrect a sick club on its knees.
His contribution to the Club and to the game itself speaks volumes.
After reading this book, it has just endorsed the fact that I thought he was both an itelligent footballer, but also intelligent in general. In the book, I can feel his emotion, witness his pain and chucjkle at his humour, as his articulation is precise and in depth. There was a parts in the book that were already common knowledge, but just as many that I didn't know and likewise was suprised to read.
Unlike the Fevola and Kouta books, (both books of Carlton "large than life" players) this book was written (I believe) by the subject in his own words. Just proves how multi talented he really is....and the book is actually quite entertaining and interesting too.
Judd, you were a gentleman, a little bit of a larikin, a master of tactics and intelligent....but most of all you are a legend!!! This book just proves that!!!
His contribution to the Club and to the game itself speaks volumes.
After reading this book, it has just endorsed the fact that I thought he was both an itelligent footballer, but also intelligent in general. In the book, I can feel his emotion, witness his pain and chucjkle at his humour, as his articulation is precise and in depth. There was a parts in the book that were already common knowledge, but just as many that I didn't know and likewise was suprised to read.
Unlike the Fevola and Kouta books, (both books of Carlton "large than life" players) this book was written (I believe) by the subject in his own words. Just proves how multi talented he really is....and the book is actually quite entertaining and interesting too.
Judd, you were a gentleman, a little bit of a larikin, a master of tactics and intelligent....but most of all you are a legend!!! This book just proves that!!!
October 24, 2015
Even though he never played for Richmond, Chris Judd has always been one of my favourite footballers - for being a legendary player on the field and his attitude towards football and life off the field. So I was really looking forward to his autobiography, and it didn't disappoint. It is one of the better written football books, and Judd shows himself to be intelligent and thoughtful as he reflects upon his career and his life beyond it. In fact, some football fans may be disappointed over his reasonable and honest approach to the game - he is grateful for the opportunities it has given him but he doesn't see it as the be all and end all of his existence. But that doesn't mean Juddy resents it - he is a lover of the game, too.
November 9, 2015
An insightful look into the life of an AFL footballer. As a West Coast fan it is interesting to see what the club was like from the inside. During my youth in Perth, many players headed East to the VFL and we never saw them at their peak.
A well written and thoughtful book, well worth the read. Thank you Chris for the years of pleasure that you have brought us.
A well written and thoughtful book, well worth the read. Thank you Chris for the years of pleasure that you have brought us.
January 23, 2016
I loved getting an introverts view of club culture, the game, and the media and found it refreshing to hear the personal hardship/cost that it takes for a football legend to get up every weekend and play. As a fan it increased my respect and understanding and perhaps I'll be slightly more understanding when my favs don't perform to the level we have come to expect. I found it helpful for the phases of a footballers career to be articulated in such a manner. I feel guilty because as much as I wish Juddy anonymity for his life ahead, I'm not ready to let him go and would love to hear about his next stage of life. Inside 2?
November 1, 2015
Excellent insight in to the mind of an elite AFL sportsman. Not only do we see from his perspective his draft into the League but also many very public AFL issues and how it affected people and players.
From beginning to end of an AFL career we see a man struggling every day with his body, with his mind and with public perceptions. This is a very honest look into a world that we see but from a new perspective.
As a fan of AFL, I highly recommend this read. I have always respected Chris Judd as a player and a player advocate...this book just adds to that respect.
From beginning to end of an AFL career we see a man struggling every day with his body, with his mind and with public perceptions. This is a very honest look into a world that we see but from a new perspective.
As a fan of AFL, I highly recommend this read. I have always respected Chris Judd as a player and a player advocate...this book just adds to that respect.
January 13, 2016
As a mad Carlton supporter and a huge fan of the Juddernaut I desperately hoped this would not be the typical sporting biography full of handballs received, kicks given and goals scored. I was not disappointed. While football was the obvious focus this biography provided insights and perspectives into the sport and its ramifications I had not encountered before. It was well written, entertaining and peppered with self deprecating humour.
December 1, 2015
As a WCE fan I was really interested in Judd's thoughts on his career. Notoriously media wary, I thought this would provide an insight into who he really was. Unfortunately, that person is quite selfish and a little arrogant. His desire to win a premiership left a lot of collateral damage at the Eagles.
I think I prefer the mystery better ....
I think I prefer the mystery better ....
Read
April 15, 2016I thought this book was amazing, and gave me a really good insight on the legendary career of Chris Judd. He won many prestigious awards which was good to read about. I generally read books about footy players but I have never read one about a player who switched clubs so I got to understand what it was like. I recommend this book highly and entertained me for a month and a half.
November 2, 2015
Juddy was an absolute superstar on the field and this book really gets into his mindset of how he went about his life both on and off the field. Don't expect sordid revelation's or stories of excess, this is a professional look into an introverts mind and how he become one of the best.
January 15, 2016
Really enjoyed this look into a life of a champion. One of my favourite sports stars and a great insight especially into the mental challenges and changes throughout a career of AFL football. Part autobiography part life advice.
May 30, 2016
Not your average sporting autobiography. Chris Judd doesn't let himself be defined as merely a footballer, and as such has some interesting perspectives on life.
April 14, 2016
He kept saying that he wasn't arrogant but he clearly is. What he should have said was 'I'm arrogant but I don't care what people think'.
April 19, 2016
It was good reading about one of my favourite AFL players. Quite a frank and open book too.
August 17, 2021
I Loved this book
It gives a clear description of what AFL champions go through behind closed doors. Like all the pre season trainings the sacrifices and struggles. I enjoyed this book because it shows us how he only became a great player through hard work and never was very good until he was 16. He just played footy for fun with his mates he also took a break from footy for 2 years when he was a kid. It shows us how dedicated you have to be to become a great player all those extra sessions paid off and every focus is towards footy. It gives you an image in your head of what is like to be a AFL champion and a 2x time Brownlow Medal Winner.
If you like AFL or Chris Judd I would definitely recommend this book.
It gives a clear description of what AFL champions go through behind closed doors. Like all the pre season trainings the sacrifices and struggles. I enjoyed this book because it shows us how he only became a great player through hard work and never was very good until he was 16. He just played footy for fun with his mates he also took a break from footy for 2 years when he was a kid. It shows us how dedicated you have to be to become a great player all those extra sessions paid off and every focus is towards footy. It gives you an image in your head of what is like to be a AFL champion and a 2x time Brownlow Medal Winner.
If you like AFL or Chris Judd I would definitely recommend this book.
March 23, 2025
One of the more insightful and honest books to be written by/about an Australian Rules Footballer. Some great insights and honest feelings from a footballer from his recruitment through to his final game brought about through injury. Also gives his honest opinion about certain elements of football club life, decision making, the management of the Australian Football League (AFL) and his trail and tribulations through injuries, training and player/coach changes. Is a good read and is not dumbed down for the reader like a lot of football autobiographies/biographies are.
June 14, 2025
A friend of mine told me to read it. I was reluctant.
I'm glad I read it.
My thoughts of Chris have definitely changed for the better.
His story was much different to how I thought it would have been.
I enjoyed how there were many short stories involved per chapter, it made it different to other Sports Autobiographies I've read.
I did think (especially early on) he used to many explanation marks, it made him look less intelligent than I perceived him to be prior to reading this book.
I'm glad I read it.
My thoughts of Chris have definitely changed for the better.
His story was much different to how I thought it would have been.
I enjoyed how there were many short stories involved per chapter, it made it different to other Sports Autobiographies I've read.
I did think (especially early on) he used to many explanation marks, it made him look less intelligent than I perceived him to be prior to reading this book.
October 10, 2018
Always good to hear about a successful bald man!
May 12, 2021
An interesting and informative book about one the greatest professionals to have played AFL football. I recommend.
August 16, 2022
Being a passionate Carlton supporter & sports fan I found this book interesting.
November 7, 2022
For someone who isn’t greatly into sports before recently, I actually enjoyed this book.
Chris Judd shines a light on the other side of professional sports we as mere mortal never know much about.
Chris Judd shines a light on the other side of professional sports we as mere mortal never know much about.
August 2, 2023
I can't recall if I've ever actually read a football biography before. I bought this book for my teenage son, who like most boys these days is not a reader, but does like sporting biographies. I thought I'd give this one a go because Chris Judd was one of the great Australian Rules players, a Premiership Captain and Brownlow Medallist with the West Coast Eagles, as well as Captain of Carlton, one of the historically great clubs of the League (and the club my family has supported for five generations).
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm pretty sure Judd had a ghost writer (Greg Baum, a well-known football writer gets an acknowledgement for his assistance), but it is his thought processes, and how he went about his football career, that are of interest in this book. Judd comes through as an individual - not someone who easily swallowed what he was being told, but who thought things through himself and came to his own conclusions about things. He has written this book in four "phases", which correlate to phases in a footballer's career.
As well as a journey through his football career, Inside takes us through Judd's learning journey through life - learning to be who he was, and not try to be someone else, looking back and seeing how the implosion of West Coast after the 2006 Premiership perhaps could have been avoided if the club had intervened earlier to stop certain players going off the rails, but then questioning whether they would have won if that intervention had happened. This opens up the question of just how important is football, which is a journey that Judd undertakes during the period of time this book chronicles.
While he always knew intellectually that football is just a game, and that life is much more than football, Judd's obsession to be the best, his competitive nature, meant that for many many years his life revolved around what was best for football - everything was viewed through that lens, and it is eye-opening for us "civilians" to see just how much is demanded of footballers. As for the West Coast drug scandals, I think Judd clearly explains the pressures young men endure playing and being in the AFL circus, and reminds us that, at 22, things can easily get out of hand. After reading this book, and thinking back to what I got up to at that age, I will not leap to judgement of sporting stars so quickly as I may have done before.
Judd states toward the end of the book that he is unlikely to become a coach, which may be a loss to the game, as he very clearly articulates the motivation required to be successful. It is not gaining a contract extension, or having a million followers on social media, or being a man-about-town, it is the desire to win. Focusing on that is a great enabler, and Judd, moving from West Coast to Carlton, shows us the difference between a winning culture, and a club where that culture had died, and how Judd tried (and failed) to re-instill it.
Inside is not a mere fanboy book about a footballing hero - it is more than that. It's not a classic of the genre, but it is an interesting insight into how a great sportsman goes about creating a career. Not sure I'll be reading too many more football biographies (for some reason cricket lends itself more to the written life than football), but glad I read this before passing it on to my son.
Only one thing more needs to be said.... Go Blues!!
Check out my other reviews at http://aviewoverthebell.blogspot.com.au/
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm pretty sure Judd had a ghost writer (Greg Baum, a well-known football writer gets an acknowledgement for his assistance), but it is his thought processes, and how he went about his football career, that are of interest in this book. Judd comes through as an individual - not someone who easily swallowed what he was being told, but who thought things through himself and came to his own conclusions about things. He has written this book in four "phases", which correlate to phases in a footballer's career.
As well as a journey through his football career, Inside takes us through Judd's learning journey through life - learning to be who he was, and not try to be someone else, looking back and seeing how the implosion of West Coast after the 2006 Premiership perhaps could have been avoided if the club had intervened earlier to stop certain players going off the rails, but then questioning whether they would have won if that intervention had happened. This opens up the question of just how important is football, which is a journey that Judd undertakes during the period of time this book chronicles.
While he always knew intellectually that football is just a game, and that life is much more than football, Judd's obsession to be the best, his competitive nature, meant that for many many years his life revolved around what was best for football - everything was viewed through that lens, and it is eye-opening for us "civilians" to see just how much is demanded of footballers. As for the West Coast drug scandals, I think Judd clearly explains the pressures young men endure playing and being in the AFL circus, and reminds us that, at 22, things can easily get out of hand. After reading this book, and thinking back to what I got up to at that age, I will not leap to judgement of sporting stars so quickly as I may have done before.
Judd states toward the end of the book that he is unlikely to become a coach, which may be a loss to the game, as he very clearly articulates the motivation required to be successful. It is not gaining a contract extension, or having a million followers on social media, or being a man-about-town, it is the desire to win. Focusing on that is a great enabler, and Judd, moving from West Coast to Carlton, shows us the difference between a winning culture, and a club where that culture had died, and how Judd tried (and failed) to re-instill it.
Inside is not a mere fanboy book about a footballing hero - it is more than that. It's not a classic of the genre, but it is an interesting insight into how a great sportsman goes about creating a career. Not sure I'll be reading too many more football biographies (for some reason cricket lends itself more to the written life than football), but glad I read this before passing it on to my son.
Only one thing more needs to be said.... Go Blues!!
Check out my other reviews at http://aviewoverthebell.blogspot.com.au/
March 5, 2017
This is my first autobiography so i don't know how it compares with others. I liked it and I thought the different things he talked about were really interesting. I am a Carlton supporter so I liked how he gave me an insight into my own team. It gave me a good insight into not just his mind but almost any AFL footballers mind. At the very start of the book he talked about the day he decided to play one more year and only for one reason, to enjoy playing the game he loves. I think his perspective is a very good one because a lot of players get caught up in money and trading and forget about why they are really playing the game.
All round not to bad.
All round not to bad.
July 17, 2016
A fascinating insight into Australian Rules Football and into elite sport in general. It helps explain what motivates players to devote so much time and effort to what is for most of us a leisure activity. For those of us who love this sport, it is a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the game, and shows just how much the great champions sacrifice to keep playing.
December 28, 2015
Great interesting read
September 20, 2016
A good yarn from a true champion of the game.
April 3, 2018
Amazing biography. Nice to know how the clubs work on the inside and get an inside perspective on the footy world.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews