Athlete Nicknames
Australians have a habit to giving hilarious names to their fellow athletes.
Just three of these will provide such example. Javid Miandad the Pakistani cricketer of the 70s-80s was nicknamed 'Dave' by the Aussies after the old black and white Australian movie series 'Dad and Dave' (Me and Dad).
Kookaburra (men's hockey) super star forward of the '80's Mark Hagar was given the nickname of 'Horrible' after the cartoon character Hagar the Horrible.
Susan Fuhrmann the Diamonds (Australian and Western Australian Netball) super star defender is nicknamed the 'Furminator".
Now new Australia quick Pat Cummins with his six wicket haul in South Africa has been nicknamed 'Postman Pat' as he always delivers.
Familiar team nicknames
Rugby League
Canterbury Bulldogs
Penrith Panthers
Brisbane Broncos
Super14
Waratah Blues
Queensland Reds
ACT Brumbies
AFL
Sydney Swans
Adelaide Crows
Melbourne Demons
Soccer
Central Coast Mariners
Melbourne Victory
Perth Glory
Field Hockey
Brisbane Blades
NT Stingers
Tasmanian Tigers
Australian Teams
Men's Basketeball - Boomers
Women's Basketball - Opals
Rugby League - Kangaroos
Rugby - Wallabies
Men's Hockey - Kookaburras
Women's Hockey - Hockeyroos
Men's Soccer - Socceroos
Women's Soccer - Matilda's
Men's Softball - Aussie Steelers
Women's Softball - Aussie Spirit
Netball - Diamonds
Swimming - Dolphins
An extensive list can be found at
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_national_sports_team_nicknames
Nicknames are part of the Australian sporting scene whether it be a person or a team.
Another more illustrious Nickname
Nicknames may over time, becomes part of a legal registered name, such as some of the Football Clubs.
Moreover many may not realise this, but such nicknames are old hat! They have been around for at least two thousand years, and one might be surprised as to where nicknames might be found.
The early followers of Jesus Christ were known as people of the Way but is wasn't until Paul and Barnabas began planning their first missionary journey are we informed that the followers of Christ were given a nickname and it stuck!
Acts 11 verse 26: "And it came to pass, that a whole year they (Paul and Barnabas) assembled themselves with the Church (in Antioch), and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
There you have it – this nickname is still around today!
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html