Vale Patrick Hugh Smith OAM

Prahran Cricket Club | November 18, 2023

It is with sadness that we report the sudden passing of former club captain and Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Smith on 12 November 2023 at the age of 71.

Born on January 20, 1952, Pat will be remembered for his outstanding career as one of Australia’s greatest sports journalists. Winner of three Walkley Awards, he was a former football, cricket and athletics writer and columnist for The Sun, and sports editor for The Age and The Australian newspapers in a career spanning almost 50 years.

He was also a longtime contributor to 1116 SEN where he worked alongside Richmond icon Kevin Bartlett for two decades.

Smith’s Walkley Awards came in 1997, 2002 and 2004 when he was recognised for his sharp commentary and cold analysis.

He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021 for his services to print media as a journalist.

Pat will be remembered by our club as a fiery fast bowler who played nine seasons in the First Eleven from 1969/70 to 1978/79, including two seasons and 23 matches as captain between 1974/75 and 1975/76.

He captured 198 wickets at an exceptional average of 18.61 with eight ‘five fors’ and a best bowling of 8/81.

He also represented University and Fitzroy cricket clubs in completing a District Cricket career of 107 appearances and 220 wickets and was rewarded with Victorian Second Eleven representation.

Pat was a great contributor to the club and assisted former club coach Dav Whatmore with a stint as bowling coach and was a member of the selection panel during the club’s premiership year in 1983/84.

He was inducted into the club Hall of Fame in 2001.

Our heartfelt condolences to Patrick’s wife Sue and his family.

A service to celebrate Patrick’s life will be held at 11:30am on Monday 27 November in the MCG Members Dining Room. Entry via Gate 2.