Manikato 'The Man' by Adam Crettenden

$34.99 AUD

Category: Horses | Reading Level: 4 Non Fiction

A champion racehorse, Manikato won races at the elite level over six seasons through the late 1970s and early 1980s and became the first Australian sprinter to earn $1 million in prize money. But once getting to the top echelon of racing as a two-year-old, his life endured twists and turns that continua lly threatened to derail his career, and his life. From the sudden death of his original trainer Bon Hoysted shortly after the 1978 Golden Slipper Stakes, to the prolonged illnesses and niggling injuries that kept Manikato's name in the headlines, the fact he could compete let alone win was almost miraculous. Year after year, Manikato was guided patiently by astute trainer, Bob Hoysted - Bon's brother. The powerhouse chestnut with a quirky personality forged historic moments including victory in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley five years in a row; a record unlikely to ever be matched. In his later years, his grittiness and courage were more evident than his speed in continuing to win races, further endearing him to race crowds. Just as his life was full of drama, so was his mysterious and tragic death at the age of eight, despite the resilient efforts of those closest to 'The Man'. ...Show more

Church of the Open Sky by Nat Young

$34.99 AUD

Category: Surfing & Water sports | Reading Level: 3 Biography

What makes for a surfing life? With a blaze of groundbreaking performances and a swag of titles claimed from all over the world to his name, Australian world champion surfer Nat Young might know. His seventieth birthday inspired some reflection on exactly that, and on the waves and characters that have marked his remarkable life - Miki Dora and Midget Farrelly to name a few. But surfing for Nat Young - and so many like-minded surfers - has never been about winning, never been about the sport. It's a calling, an endless quest, a philosophy, a religion. Most of all, surfing is a way of life that has underpinned his other identities as board shaper, film producer, writer, raconteur, conservationist, activist, pilot, husband, father. Candid and wryly observed, Church of the Open Sky explores what it means to be a surfer, with a collection of true stories of Nat's surfing life - and the friends, foes and heroes he's met along the way. ...Show more

Where to Ride Perth by MEYER, BRENT

$34.99 AUD

Category: Bicycles

75 great fides in and around Perth including 24 kids rides.

Tea and Scotch with Bradman (HB) by Roland Perry

$39.99 AUD

Category: Cricket | Reading Level: 3 Biography

Discovering the man behind the legend In 1995, journalist and author Roland Perry wrote to Sir Donald Bradman requesting an interview for a biography he was planning of the great cricketer. Surprisingly, the Don agreed. It was the start of a conversation that continued for years, during which the real B radman shone, not only as a great sportsman but musician, brilliant thinker and humourist with a fondness for tea and a Scotch or two. In Tea and Scotch with Bradman, Perry paints an intimate and revealing portrait of the man many regard as the greatest Australian cricketer of all time. ...Show more

The Magic of Spin: Australia's Greatest Spin Bowlers by Ashley Mallett

$29.99 AUD

Category: Cricket | Reading Level: 6 Sport

Over the years Australia has produced some of the greatest spin bowlers the world has seen. In The Magic of Spinwe meet more than forty masters of the art. They include Bill O'Reilly, who Sir Donald Bradman claimed to have been the greatest bowler of his experience; Clarrie Grimmett, arguably the ' father' of spin bowling in Australia; and the greatest spinner of the modern era, Shane Warne. The many other spin bowlers included in the book include Arthur Mailey, Don Blackie, Chuck Fleetwood-Smith, Jack Iverson, Richie Benaud, Jim Higgs, Tim May, Stuart MacGill and Nathan Lyon.   Spin bowlers in cricket are masters at making the ball loop slowly through the air to confuse batsmen. Legends of the game know the magic combinations of top-spin, side-spin and off-spin necessary to fool the opposition. The Magic of Spin, dissects the various aspects of spin bowling through the stories of the bowlers themselves. In addition it includes the history and evolution of spin bowling: the wrong'un or googly was 'invented' by Bernard (BJT) Bosenquet; Grimmett 'invented' the flipper, the ball Warne in later years bowled so brilliantly; and Bill O'Reilly learned about spin bowling by watching Grimmett like a hawk in Test matches. The batsmen who have played the great spinners through the years will also help to explain the dark art of spinning. 'Spin bowling is magical and to a lot of people [a few batsmen included] a mystery.' - Ian Chappell ...Show more

For Cap and Country: Interviews with Australian cricketers on the enduring spirit of the baggy green by S. Auteri; Jesse F. Hogan

$34.99 AUD

Category: Cricket

Breathe in the mowed grass and linseed oil as they take their first steps to glory. Share with them the euphoria of their cap presentations. Immerse yourself in the wonder of Test triumphs and the despair of being dropped form the team. In sharing the players' stories - and disclosing how treasured Aust ralian caps are kept under lock and key, in dank cupboards and stuffed in undies drawers - Jesse Hogan takes you inside their lounge rooms as well as cricket's dressing rooms.Their stories contain salutary lessons for the game's future. As such, this is a conversation about Australian cricket as much as it is a chat with its best players. And at its heart is the unifying force of the cap, under which all players are equals, no matter if they've played 168 Tests like Steve Waugh, or one like Bryce McGain.What began as a passion project for sports journalist Jesse Hogan and cricket agent Simon Auteri in 2015 - to interview Australian cricketers, past and present, on the significance of gaining their Test spots - became a story about the spirit of cricket and its power to bring us together.Just two weeks before the first draft was completed, tragedy struck. At the age of 33, Jesse Hogan suffered a devastating stroke that left him unable to speak, write or even walk. Following intensive rehabilitation and with immense support, Jesse made it back and finished the book with the help of fellow journalist Andrew Faulkner.For Cap and Country and its publication is about the importance of generosity, sportsmanship, perseverance and community to help us achieve our goals in life as much as in sport. Now cricket tragics like Jesse can finally enjoy these stories too. ...Show more

Perspective by Ellyse Perry

$39.99 AUD

Category: Cricket | Reading Level: 3 Biography

A POINT OF VIEW , A STATE OF MIND - PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING. A book of shared insights from one of Australia's most exceptional athletes. Ellyse Perry is among the all-time cricket greats, and the only player, female or male, to represent Australia in both cricket and football World Cups, making her international debut in both sports at the age of 16. Perspective is about sitting back from the world you're involved in and evaluating what it means to you. What are the important things that you know make experiences special? What are the things that motivate you? What are the things that give you joy? The things that challenge you but, ultimately, make you a better person? Most importantly, who are the people whose unwavering help and support you couldn't go without? From the lessons of a high-performance athlete's career to appreciating the small things in life, this inspiring illustrated book features stories and reflections from Ellyse's childhood and career on the themes of dreaming, belief, work, resilience, appreciation, opportunity, balance and perseverance - and their importance in everything we do. This empowering book is a unique view from one of Australia's most admired sports stars about what it is to be an elite athlete. ...Show more

Never Say Die: The Hundred-Year Overnight Success of Australian Women's Football by Fiona Crawford; Lee McGowan

$32.99 AUD

Category: Sport & Hobbies

The inspirational story of the past, present and future of Australian women's football - its players, fans, and the game they love.Australian women's football rides high on the sporting landscape now, but this book shows that success has been one-hundred years in the making. It shares stories of triumph in the face of overwhelming odds, and tales of heartbreak and obstacles that seem insurmountable. But it is also about community, endurance and collective success.Eye-opening and celebratory, it tells the story of amateur women kicking a ball around a century ago to Australia's national team being one of the best in the world. The Matildas are forty years old and no longer have to wear hand-me-down men's kits, pay for their own medical insurance and do it all for love not money. But there have been no free kicks along the way as they have faced prejudice and even outright hostility.Never Say Die takes in dusty archives, rainy pitch-side evenings and heart-breaking and heart-warming interviews -- including with FIFA and FFA board members, Matildas past and present, W-League coaches and players, state and club administrators. But at its heart are fans from every level of the game who could not love it more. ...Show more

Wheels of Steele by Steele Bishop

$29.99 AUD

Category: Bicycles

No sport excited Steele Bishop as much as cycling. At 13, something urged him to go for greatness. He abandoned all other sports and was determined to be a great cyclist. After two decades, he became champion of the world, not before retiring early and being lured back by money, and not selling out in t he last moments before the final race. He shares lessons of determination and perseverance needed to succeed in all areas of life. An inspirational story!   ...Show more

The Complete Golf Manual by DK

$34.99 AUD

Category: Golf

Covering every aspect of the game, this is the ultimate self-improvement guide for every player - from the novice to the experienced club golfer. Showing readers exactly what it takes to achieve an effective - and repeatable - golf swing, this book works systematically through every type of shot, from tee shots, iron play, pitching, and chipping, to coping with bunkers and putting. Each section includes a test to establish your level of ability and provides a series of progressive exercises designed to develop your technique. A section on the ten most common faults that can creep into your game shows you how to fix them quickly and efficiently. The Complete Golf Manualalso shows you routines to help you think more decisively on the course and deal with high-pressure situations. An invaluable reference section advises you on buying equipment, including custom fitting, guides you through all-important golf etiquette, clearly explains golf's most important rules, and defines all the key golfing terms. ...Show more

Leap: Making the Jump to Take Netball to the Top of the World by Geva Mentor

$29.99 AUD

Category: Sport & Hobbies

Great Cycling Climbs - The French Alps by Graeme Fife; Peter Drinkell (Photographer); Anon (Photographer)

$59.99 AUD

Category: Bicycles

A narrative guide tothe most scenic andinspiring cycling climbsin the French Alps. The Alps are a place of legend for cyclists, road racers, and enthusiasts alike. Home to one of the most demanding sections of the Tour de France, the mountains offer some of Europe's most glorious cycling climbs through Geneva, Chamonix, Annecy, Chambe´ry, Grenoble, Le Bourg-d'Oisans, and Barcelonnette. In this comprehensive guide, Graeme Fife, author, teacher, and passionate cycling enthusiast, presents the greatest mountain routes of the Alps. Aided by Peter Drinkell's beautiful color photography, Fife reveals each journey with historical snapshots, humorous observations, and stirring stories from cycling's past, detailing the challenges of each climb and the key features to look out for along the way. A selection of photographs of the routes and stunning scenery is included in each chapter, and illustrated maps document the climbs of each region. Whether planning a weekend tour or an epic cycling adventure, this beautifully illustrated guide is essential reading for cyclists of all stripes. ...Show more