The nation's most prestigious sporting organisation has seven new members, with the Sport Australia Hall of Fame today proudly announcing a stellar group of Inductees for 2025.
Among the diverse list are Olympic, Commonwealth and X-Games gold medallists, champions of both team and individual sports, and a celebrated doctor. The Inductees' exceptional achievements and contributions are matched by exemplary reputations nationally and internationally.
The new Athlete Members are two-time Grand Slam tournament champion Lleyton Hewitt AM; four-time VFL/AFL premiership winner Jason Dunstall; Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup winner Laura Geitz; three-time NRL premiership winner Cameron Smith AM; our most capped Socceroo Mark Schwarzer OAM; and Olympic and X-Games Snowboard gold medallist Torah Bright OAM.
Dr Peter Harcourt AM is being inducted as a General Member. He is widely regarded as one of Australia's, and the world's, most respected and experienced sports medicine practitioners, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades.
Membership as an Athlete Member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame belongs exclusively to the top echelon of Australian athletes who have achieved the highest honours at the peak level of competition. General Members are recognised for their outstanding contributions to sport in visionary and vital supporting roles.
The honour roll of Inductees into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame features the nation's biggest sporting names and champions, including: Sir Donald Bradman AC, Dawn Fraser AC MBE, Cathy Freeman OAM, Ian Thorpe AM , E.J. "Ted" Whitten OAM, Raelene Boyle AM MBE, Wally Lewis AM, Shane Gould OAM MBE, Sir Jack Brabham AO OBE, Greg Norman AO, Lauren Jackson AO, John Eales AM, Mick Fanning AO, Susie O'Neill AM, Rod Laver AC MBE, Bart Cummings AM, Louise Sauvage OAM, Layne Beachley AO and Tim Cahill AO, among other luminaries.
Those in this elite and newly expanded group are our most revered and respected sporting champions; individuals whose results on the greatest sporting stages and across the spectrum may not always have attracted headlines but share a common dignity, integrity, courage and humility.
Each member of the class of 2025 has made a significant impact on Australian sport, not just through personal excellence but as a role model for future generations and by helping to foster a strong sporting culture in a nation so proud of its rich sporting history.
To be eligible for consideration by the Selection Committee, athletes must be retired from their sport for four years.
SPORT AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES FOR 2025
Lleyton Hewitt AM
Athlete Member
Lleyton Hewitt AM carried on the rich traditions of Australian tennis greats, with his extraordinary rise to world No. 1 becoming one of Australian sport's most compelling success stories. With his trademark backwards-facing cap and fierce determination, Hewitt's journey began in his hometown of Adelaide, where his talent first emerged on the junior circuit.
His breakthrough came at the 2001 US Open, where he claimed his first Grand Slam singles title and became the youngest world No. 1 at just 20 years old. Hewitt proved his ascent was no fluke, maintaining the top ranking for 75 consecutive weeks and capturing a second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2002.
Known for his feisty on-court demeanour, fist-pumping "C'mon!" roar and aggressive baseline game, Hewitt's passionate approach didn't always endear him to everyone, but no one could question his fighting spirit or commitment to Australian tennis. His durability was legendary, playing in a record 20 consecutive Australian Opens while proudly representing his country in Davis Cup competition.
Hewitt's contributions to tennis were recognised with his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2016, induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2022, and elevation to the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 2024.
"It's pretty surreal to be honest. When you're playing your professional career it's not something you think about at all or focus on, but over the years growing up in Australia we've had such a rich history, not only in our sport of tennis, but also in so many other great sports as well, that I've had so many great role models and idols that I've looked up to, all there in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. So for me now to be inducted is an incredible honour.
"So many people have been a part of the journey. I was fortunate enough to play 20 Australian Opens in a row. From that young age of 15/16 when I started playing at Melbourne Park and got the opportunity, I had a few different coaches throughout the pathway, but family and friends have always been there. Obviously mum, dad and my sister have been great support, and then my wife Bec and our three kids later in my career. I couldn't thank all those people enough. Tennis is a very individual sport, but when you're out there on the road a lot of people have to make so many sacrifices to give you the best opportunity of playing well and competing hard. I really appreciate that."
Jason Dunstall
Athlete Member
Regarded as one of the best powerhouse forwards of the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jason Dunstall towered over his chosen sport as one of Australian Football's greatest goalkickers, booting an extraordinary total of 1,254 goals from 269 games with Hawthorn.
Dunstall was one of only six players in VFL/AFL history to break through the 1,000-goal threshold, averaging 4.66 goals per game and kicking 10 goals or more on 16 occasions. Alongside his goalkicking accolades, the four-time All Australian valued team success even higher. He played in four premierships (1986, 1988, 1989, 1991), won two of his four Hawthorn best and fairest awards in premiership years (1988, 1989), and was a three-time placegetter in the Brownlow Medal, finishing second in 1992, equal second in 1988, and equal third in 1989.
Having been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2002, Dunstall was recently elevated to Legend status in 2024, cementing his position as one of the greatest forwards in Hawthorn's history.
"It's an amazing honour and great privilege to be considered a worthy induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Quite humbling given the depth of Australian sport and the incredible quality of our sporting stars.
"My biggest influences were Allan Jeans (first coach) and George Stone (assistant coach/runner). Allan was a real father figure, disciplinarian and mentor who always encouraged, and George worked tirelessly with me doing countless extra skill and fitness sessions."
Laura Geitz
Athlete Member
Hailing from the small Darling Downs town of Allora in Queensland's south-east, Laura Geitz became one of Australian netball's greatest players and most respected leaders, achieving a decade of supremacy with the Queensland Firebirds and Australian Diamonds.
Representing the Queensland Firebirds in 169 games, Geitz played a significant role as both a dominant player and inspirational captain in three championship-winning seasons: in 2011, and back-to-back successes in 2015 and 2016. However, her dominant imprint in representing Australia in 71 games was arguably her greatest impact on and off the court. Geitz's game-changing intercepts, calmness under pressure and resolute leadership saw her excel at the elite level.
She was a member of two Netball World Cup-winning teams in 2011 and 2015, the latter as the Diamonds captain in a home country triumph in Sydney. She led Australia to Commonwealth Games glory in Glasgow in 2014 and was part of silver medal-winning sides at the 2010 and 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Queensland Firebirds and Australian Diamonds defender faced more than her fair share of challenges before and during her decade at the top, yet she conquered each one to become one of netball's most influential players and one of Australia's most successful captains.
"Being inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is such an honour, it's a moment that allows me to reflect on the journey that brought me here. It reminds me of the people who supported me from the very beginning, my family, my coaches, my teammates, and the countless volunteers who helped create opportunities for me to play the sport I love. It also reminds me of the responsibility that comes with it, to continue contributing to sport in Australia and to help inspire the next generation, especially young girls who might see themselves in my story. Now that I can look back on my journey, I can safely say whilst the wins are a huge part of it, the connections and friendships, life lessons and the fun is what I hold closest. Being recognised in this way is deeply humbling, something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.
"For me, the key moments that defined my career weren't necessarily the wins but the challenges along the way. Losing back-to-back grand finals with the Firebirds in 2013 and 2014 was incredibly tough, but I believe that without those two losses we wouldn't have gone on to win the premierships in 2015 and 2016. Those experiences taught me so much about resilience, about myself as an athlete, and about the value of perseverance. Another pivotal moment was my first game as captain of Australia, where I was actually benched. I think I was the first Australian captain to experience that, and it brought on a wave of self-doubt. But looking back now, that moment shaped me profoundly. It taught me that the hard moments, while uncomfortable, are where the most growth happens, and they give you a much deeper appreciation for the successes when they do come. Those challenges made the wins even more meaningful."
Cameron Smith AM
Athlete Member
Cameron Smith's AM NRL career was almost unparalleled in terms of laurels, leadership and longevity, establishing him as one of the game's greatest players and an Immortal-in-waiting.
Smith was the first - and so far only - player to play more than 400 National Rugby League games, representing the Melbourne Storm in 430 matches across 19 seasons from 2002-20. His presence and composure as a hooker (or dummy-half) won acclaim not only at NRL level, but also when representing his native Queensland and Australia. He played 42 State of Origin matches from 2003-17, first as an inspirational player and later as an astute captain. His international career started in 2007 and ran for a decade, spanning 56 Tests as a player and 33 as his nation's captain, winning countless individual and team accolades.
Smith's elite left-foot kicking ability was a defining feature of his game as he became the NRL's all-time point-scorer with 2,786 points. The three-time NRL premiership winner remained at the peak of his powers right to the end of his career, leading the Storm to the 2020 premiership and providing the perfect finale to a brilliant career. Smith was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in the class of 2024, and after the Storm's 2020 NRL title, the club built a statue in his honour. In many ways this was a true reflection of his enormous impact on Melbourne, both the club and the city that came to love him, having been instrumental in rugby league's growing presence there.
"It is an incredible honour. One that I will forever hold with great pride. It's also a reminder of the people who supported me throughout my entire rugby league journey. My parents, my sister and brother. My wife Barb and our three children. Without their love and support I would not have achieved what I did. For that I will always be grateful.
"Being the first person to play 400 NRL games will always be on top of the personal achievements in my sporting career. On a broader scale, playing a role in the growth of rugby league in Victoria as a member of the Melbourne Storm provides me with immense satisfaction. I will always be grateful for being a part of such an extraordinary organisation."
Mark Schwarzer OAM
Athlete Member
An integral member of Australian football's "Golden Generation", Mark Schwarzer OAM carved out one of the most decorated and enduring playing careers for more than 25 years. The son of German immigrants, and a kid who grew up in Western Sydney, Schwarzer broke the record as our most capped Socceroo, and became the cool, composed goalkeeper whose shot-stopping prowess helped Australia to qualify for three World Cups, in 2006, 2010 and 2014, before retiring in the lead-up to the 2014 tournament.
Hard work, dedication and a relentless quest to be the best in the English Premier League set him apart from many other keepers. His 20-year run in the UK started with Bradford City in 1996, but it was his 11-year career with Middlesbrough where he established himself as one of the game's most consistent keepers. Middlesbrough won the League Cup final in 2004 despite his costly early mistake, before making two late saves that landed the silverware. His longevity and methodical approach to training and playing made him the first non-Briton to play more than 500 EPL games for five clubs: Bradford City, Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea and Leicester City.
Although he had retired from international football in 2013, he forged ahead in the Premier League as a squad member of title-winning clubs Chelsea and Leicester City, before retiring from all levels of the game at the age of 43 with an enviable career CV. Schwarzer prided himself on keeping clean sheets, 152 in the EPL and 44 for his country. And the magical saves that changed Australia's World Cup fortunes, including two thrilling penalty saves against Uruguay in a 2006 qualifier, etched his name in Australian football history.
"My most cherished moment is most definitely 16th November 2005 at Stadium Australia, qualifying for only our second ever World Cup after 32 years of heartbreaks. We finally did it! It was the rebirth of Football in Australia, the fulfilment of a dream.
"First of all, I thank my parents for their support in the early stages of my career as a young kid who loved football. My Dad's love of football was infectious. Then throughout my professional career my wife Paloma, without her I wouldn't have had the success that I had. She has been constant and unwavering in her support of me and my career, from those moments of extreme doubt in my ability to succeed to being my biggest off-pitch problem solver and cheerleader. She has also almost single-handedly brought up two wonderful children of whom we are both very proud. I owe her so much."
Torah Bright OAM
Athlete Member
Torah Bright OAM stands as Australia's most successful Winter Olympian, having captured one gold and one silver medal across three Olympic Games while elevating snowboarding's profile throughout the nation.
Born and raised in Cooma, near the New South Wales snowfields, she began skiing at an early age before transitioning to snowboarding at 11. Torah made her Australian Winter Olympic debut at 19 during the 2006 Turin Games, finishing fifth in the Snowboard Halfpipe, just one point shy of the podium. Her competitive excellence continued with gold medals at the 2007 and 2009 Winter X Games, complemented by silver medals in 2006 and 2008. Her defining moment arrived at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. After carrying Australia's flag at the Opening Ceremony, Torah faced injury concerns heading into the Halfpipe final. Rising to the occasion with remarkable determination, she delivered a magnificent performance to claim the gold medal, a victory that transformed both her life and snowboarding's status in Australia.
At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Torah made history as the first female athlete to compete in three snowboarding events: Slopestyle, Halfpipe and Snowboard-cross. Her silver medal in the Halfpipe secured her position as Australia's most successful Winter Olympian, cementing her legacy in the nation's sporting history. Torah retired from competitive snowboarding in January 2020, having revolutionised the sport through her achievements, innovative technique and ability to inspire the next generation of snowboarders both in Australia and internationally.
"I hope my legacy shows that no dream is too big! I want the next generation of snowboarders and athletes in general to truly believe in themselves. Belief, real, unwavering belief in yourself, your vision and what's possible, isn't something you're just born with. It's a skill. Like a muscle it has to be built, stretched and strengthened every day. People often point to talent or genetics as the key to success. But in my experience, belief is the foundation. It's the silent force that carries you through every challenge.
"Sport has taught me everything. Those early days skiing with my family built the foundation - connection, freedom and fun. Sport gave me confidence in who I am beyond results. It taught me discipline, self-awareness, and the importance of creating an environment that supports who you truly are. It taught me to believe in myself and in what's possible. It also taught me resilience: to feel pain, but still choose hope. To trust the unknown. Most importantly, I've learned that it's all a game. Perspective shapes our experience. Mindset and leading with heart is something I carry into every area of my life now."
Dr Peter Harcourt AM
General Member
Dr Peter Harcourt AM has established himself as one of Australia's, and the world's, most respected and experienced sports medicine practitioners and anti-doping experts over four decades.
With a lifelong passion for sport, Dr Harcourt has worked tirelessly with numerous Australian and global sporting organisations, including the Federation of International Basketball, the International Cricket Council, Basketball Australia, National Basketball League, Victorian Institute of Sport, Commonwealth Games Federation and the AFL. His expertise in sports medicine practice, developing best-practice protocols for individuals and sporting codes and facilitating research, has made significant contributions to sports medicine in injury prevention, concussion management, and return-to-play protocols, as well as anti-doping monitoring and practices.
Dr Harcourt's distinguished service has been recognised through multiple honours: he received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000, was awarded an OAM in 2007, and was elevated to AM in 2023 for significant service to sports and exercise medicine, and anti-doping monitoring. Throughout his career, Dr Harcourt has remained firmly committed to the well-being and safety of athletes, establishing himself as a leading voice in sports medicine and anti-doping advocacy.
"Without a doubt the most rewarding part of my work in sport over 40 years has been the wonderful people I have been able to work with - athletes, coaches, administrators and sports medicine colleagues. It is such a contrast to other parts of medicine - dealing with highly motivated and committed individuals who, more times than not, are grateful for your expertise and contribution.
"I got to be the Chief Medical officer for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, leading a large medical team. That was rewarding and shifted my focus to one of leadership and mentoring up-and-coming sports medicine professionals. I've been to several Games and there is always a special buzz around them. One's first major Games are always a highlight. Mine was the Barcelona 1992 Olympics. There are many memorable moments, but the most spine-tingling ones were at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Andrew Gaze informing the Boomers team of his appointment as the Olympic team flag bearer. He had tears in his eyes and so did all of us. Then there was the shutting down of the Olympic flame at the closing ceremony. I was on the field with the athletes and as the flame went out, an F-111 with afterburner roaring shot over the cauldron - it was like the Olympic flame mystically shooting across the sky above us. It was amazing. Everyone who can should go to the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032."
Nominations for induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame can be submitted by anyone via the SAHOF website. Each year the Selection Committee picks the new Hall of Fame Members to join their fellow top echelon of Australian sporting heroes.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chair, Bruce McAvaney OAM, said: "The seven new Inductees into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame are a diverse group representing team and individual sports at the highest level.
"They've inspired generations of Australians and provided our country with so much joy. Nothing is obvious when choosing between champions from so many different sports, but we know the class of 2025 sits comfortably alongside those who've already been recognised in the most prestigious Hall of Fame in this country.''
The 2025 Inductees will be celebrated and formally inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame at the Induction and Awards Gala Dinner on Monday, November 17, at Crown Palladium in Melbourne. Two existing Members will be elevated to Legends of Australian Sport on the evening, and the 2025 winners of The Don and The Dawn Awards will be announced.
Limited tickets are still available. To join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence in Australian sport, book here:[CC1] Gala Dinner Tickets.
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Induction and Awards program is proudly supported by the Australian Sports Commission incorporating the Australian Institute of Sport, and supported by Crown, Harvey Norman, Sportscover and Deakin University.
