Rex tells his tale

Rex, My Life
By Rex Hunt. Pan Macmillan Australia. 297pp. $30.
Reviewer: LS Rachel Irving


There would be few people in Australia who haven’t heard of Rex Hunt.

Known by many as the voice of football and the face of fishing, Rex is a colourful character who has entered the lounge rooms of most of us at some stage, entertaining us with his uniquely Rex expressions.

His autobiography is as colourful as he is. But underneath all of his Rexisms is a man who has achieved much.

He was a struggler at school but managed to forge a successful career as an Australian rules footballer. He was to become a major media figure, all the while indulging in his passion for fishing.

But this book shows us other sides of the man. He was a Victorian policeman for many years and also did National Service – two years compulsory service for young men when they turned 20 – from 1970-72.

Even through tough times with his wife battling cancer and problems with a dramatic legal case against his former manager, Rex maintains a sense of humour and an appreciation for life.

The book is a good source of inspiration. As he says on the last page, “My story is my story. Boots and all ... if it has helped you along the way then that is a bonus.”

Yibbida yibbida folks ... you know how it goes.