Nickname: CJ

Favourite Movies: The Godfather and Das Boot (The Boat)

At age 3 my family migrated from England and arrived in Adelaide in 1972. I grew up in the Northern suburbs and played school footy. I also played footy in Clare and Berri.

At 17 I left school and in 1987 joined the Navy where I served 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Squadron. During my time in the Navy I was fortunate to see much of the world and also saw Active Duty in the Middle East in 2003 and 2005 – both attached to the United States Navy.

Unfortunately in 2007 my career ended mainly due to medical reasons which included knee, back, hip and mental health – Post Traumatic Stress.

Since discharge it’s been quite a difficult journey as I lost my “why” in life. Thankfully in the last few years I’ve managed to get back into sport. Sport has been a major part of my rehabilitation and in 2018 it was an honour to be selected and represent Australia in the Sydney Invictus Games where I competed in cycling and indoor rowing.

Being selected to represent Sturt in the inaugural SANFL Wheelchair footy has been absolutely amazing and an honour. It’s great to be back playing as part of a team and club. You’re never too old.