Footy legend Kelvin Templeton draws on bloody days of 70s VFL in debut novel
Kelvin Templeton, a celebrated Australian footballer, has published his debut novel, 'Collision', inspired by his experiences in the violent world of 1970s VFL football.
Kelvin Templeton, renowned for his prolific career in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1970s and 1980s, has recently ventured into the world of literature with his debut novel, 'Collision'. The narrative draws heavily from his own life, focusing on the tumultuous and often violent nature of VFL football during that era. Templeton's illustrious career included accolades such as the Brownlow Medal and multiple Coleman Medals while playing for Footscray and Melbourne, marking him as one of the most successful players of his time.
Aside from his achievements on the field, Templeton's significant contributions to Australian football continued even after his retirement, where he held a leadership role as the chief executive officer of the Sydney Swans and was later inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2024. Now at 69 years old, his transition to writing allows him to reflect on his rich experiences and shed light on the cultural nuances of football during a transformative period in Australia's history.
'Collision' not only serves as a memoir of sorts but also aims to capture the raw and sometimes brutal reality of VFL football in the 1970s, providing readers with an intimate look at the game's impact on players and the sport's evolution over the years. Templeton's storytelling is a tribute to the formative years of Australian rules football and a testament to the enduring legacies of its legends, all while encouraging a new conversation about the sport's history and legacy in Australia's cultural landscape.