Vale Michael 'Mike' Craig

Michael ‘Mike’ Craig

7/2/1931 – 21/11/2023

Mike Craig and wife Helen

The Camberwell Hockey Club would like to express our collective sadness at the passing of a club legend and Life Member, Michael Craig, aged 92.

Mike Craig was a Life Member of our Club, a Life Member of Hockey Victoria and Life Member of Hockey Australia. Mike’s hockey life was one of extraordinary success and giving.

Mike was introduced to hockey whilst at Trinity Grammar School in Kew. The then CHC goalie was Laurie Provan, a teacher at the school. At lunchtime Laurie practised his hockey and was soon joined by a number of students including Mike brandishing pickets torn from the sportsground fence! Laurie introduced Mike to CHC in 1942 and in 1948 he gained a regular place in the A Grade team. Mike played in 7 A Grade premierships for CHC. He played in almost all positions and was often the season leading goal scorer.

Camberwell Hockey Club 1949 : Mike Craig centre row 3rd from left

Mike’s hockey was recognised by many State and Australian honours.

He played State U21 1948 – 1951 inclusive. He was Captain in 1950. He played State Seniors 1952 – 1962 inclusive and was State Captain in 1957, 59, 60,61 and 62. He represented Australia in 1960 and was Captain of the Australian Hockey Team at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

After his playing career he coached and wrote about hockey. In 1961 he and his recently married wife Helen embarked on a six week tour of Japan at the invitation of the Manager of the Japanese team at the Rome Olympics. Mike and Helen loved Japan and toured there a number of times.

Amongst many accolades Mike received was the naming of the hockey pitch at Trinity Grammar School in his honour.

In 1982 Mike wrote “A History of the Camberwell Hockey Club 1932 – 1982” an invaluable piece of recording of the club’s birth and its path to be one the leading hockey clubs in Australia.

CHC 2000 Rd 1 Life members: L to R: Peter Collins, Bill Horman, Mike Craig, Ron Yeates

Mike was selected as Captain of the CHC Team of the 20th Century. His selected position was Centre Forward.

2000: Camberwell Hockey Club: Men’s Team of the Century. Mike Craig Front row second from right.

Mike was a dynamic, skilful, hardworking player who was always looking for ways to improve.  A lucid, thoughtful hockey brain. An association with the club for over 75 years is a remarkable relationship. The Camberwell Hockey Club are indeed honoured that Mike was a “Weller”.

The Camberwell Hockey Club extend our condolences to Mike’s children, Alistair, Megan and Robin and their extended families.

CHC 2000 New Ground opening: Bill Horman and Mike Craig Ceremonial Bully