HE is the beloved WA boy from the bush who has taken his natural cricketing talent across the world with a personality that has endeared him in the hearts of people wherever he goes.
Willetton’s Brad Hogg, the naturally affable spin bowler and batsman, declares he has probably had three cricket careers and reflects on the journey in his new book The Wrong ‘Un; a raw reflection of his life and the highs and lows along the way.
“To be honest when I (participated) in the book, I wanted to write about what people don’t know about me and what happens behind the scenes,” he said of the book written by Greg Growden.
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READ NOW“The whole book was to have a story of who I am and where I have been including my vulnerability… it’s been a great and different journey.”
Hogg’s struggle with mental health issues has captured the most interest of readers, who he said had come to him to share stories and express gratitude for his honesty.
“I’m glad with the direction it’s taken, I’ve heard from men and women who have got something out of it… I’m glad it’s helping,” he said.
Hogg said his most personal growth came post the Baggy Green; days he enjoyed with mates, but shattered his self-confidence when they ended.
“I’ve probably just gained confidence since the end of my Australian cricket career…You look back with perception, life is a huge challenge, it’s competitive and never fair and it can get in the way of reality,” he said.
“We get worked up when something isn’t going our way, and we get lost in the bigger picture but under the Baggy Green it is like a family and we like to help each other.”
Living in Willetton, and set to play with the Melbourne Renegades in the upcoming Big Bash League, the Hogg juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down.
He will be at his old school Aquinas College this week to launch The Wrong ‘Un, and to share yarns about his life; from being a shy boy on an isolated sheep and wheat farm in rural WA, to conquering his fears and insecurities to stand up amongst the world’s cricketing best over the last two decades.
He said the book is conversational, but like having a chat with him at the pub.
“When I do things I don’t always think about the end result, just like my cricket I’ve always just wanted to be the best I can be and it’s the same with the book. Greg Growden wrote it and it is something I’m proud of,” he said.
“The only reason I read it was to make sure the stories are correct and I like it. For me it was therapeutic to read to revisit the past days and seeing myself now versus then and seeing the growth.
“I feel grateful, I wouldn’t change anything.”
Thursday November 17 book reading, signing and Q&A session
Aquinas College
58 Mount Henry Rd, Salter Point
Tickets must be reserved through www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=241544 or by phone to Aquinas College phone events 9450 0660 or Dymocks Garden City 9364 7687.