Vale Arthur Sturgess

Hockey Australia is saddened to learn former Australian Men’s Hockey Olympic Coach Arthur Sturgess passed away on Christmas Day last year in his nursing home in Italy.

Arthur coached the Australian men’s hockey team, now known as the Kookaburras, at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games. The team won the silver medal in Mexico City in 1968 and finished fifth at the 1972 Games in Munich.

In total, Arthur coached Australia 55 times, which included tests, World Cup matches, qualifiers and the two Olympic campaigns.

A talented player in his own right having been selected for his home state of Victoria in 1960, 1065 and 1966, it was Arthur’s knowledge of the game and ability as a coach where he made his greatest impact.

Notably, playing for his beloved Essendon Hockey Club, where enjoyed great success, Arthur lost an eye playing summer hockey in 1961/62 but remarkably continued to play full back in A Grade premiership teams and achieve all he did on the local, national and international stage.

Hockey Australia sends its condolences to Arthur’s family and everyone at the Essendon Hockey Club where he was a beloved member of that community.