Graeme Mackey created a record when he made a phenomenal 267 senior appearances for
the now defunct Sandy Bay Football Club. His record was all the more phenomenal in that he played in no less than five winning grand final sides. A champion centre man and half forward, Mackey excelled at getting the hard ball and delivering it with pin point accuracy.
He first tasted premiership success in 1971 followed that up the following year only to be denied the hat trick in 1973 by an upset that shook not only Sandy Bay but football followers in general. It was Sandy Bay, coached
by Rod Olsen, undefeated in all twenty appearances that year and going for an unbelievable 28 wins in a row, who were out gunned by a more determined and spirited Hobart side.
Mackey and Sandy Bay got it together again in 1976 under the guidance of Paul Sproule and completed the hat trick this time with premierships in 1977 & 1978, making it five in all during the 70's.
Like some of his team mates Mackey was regularly required at state level and represented Tassy on numerous occasions including the National Carnival in 1972 and captaining the side in 1975. He holds the Sandy bay club record
of most games for Tasmania with 13.
Twice runner-up in the prestigious William Leitch Medal, Mackey won the Sandy Bay Football Club best and fairest on three occasions; this feat being highlighted by two wins in premiership years.
He coached the Club from 1979-81 before retiring only to continue his involvement as a committeeman. Graeme Mackey's undoubted football talent and dedication to his club were recognised by the naming of the Sandy Bay
Football Club's social rooms in his honour.
These days he is State Manager of a fruit exporting company in Hobart a firm he has been with for well over 30 years. Living at Blackmans Bay, with his wife Carol they have a daughter and two sons. Daughter Deleese is keen
on hockey, son Scott lives in Melbourne, while Craig who wears the familiar number 4 guernsey played previously with Sandy Bay and the now defunct Southern Districts and now plays for Kingston.
Graeme Mackey reflected fondly of his playing career with "The Bay" and recalled the strong camaraderie that was prevalent those days, not only with team mates but also with opposition players after the final
siren. Great players that came to mind were Clarence full back Robin Norris and Glenorchy's Trevor Sprigg. Team highlights being the premiership in 1971 when they weren't expected to beat flag favourites Clarence, and the hat trick of wins from 76 to 78.
He still follows the football with great interest. He keeps fit with a game of indoor cricket followed by the odd Cascade ale. Mackey thanks his good friend and confidant Dr Syntax for his continued good health. With the
disappearance of Sandy Bay Graeme Mackey's senior games record will be etched into history like the man himself.
A Club & State Captain, Coach, Best and Fairest winner, premiership player, games record holder and committeeman. A great clubman who was hard but fair both on and off the field.
Graeme Mackey: "You did it all - who could ask for more?"
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