Russ Tulloch

Russ Tulloch is a former Wallaby, senior VFL player and lifelong adventurer whose story spans elite sport, international travel, business, sailing and family life.

Selected for the historic Fifth Wallabies tour of the British Isles, France and Canada in 1966 and 1967, Russ became the third Victorian born player to represent the Wallabies and the first senior VFL player to compete at the elite level in both Australian Rules and Rugby Union. He played fifteen matches for Australia during the tour, including time as one of the reserves affectionately known as the dirt trackers.

Russ began writing his memoir as a legacy for his daughters and grandchildren, but soon realised his story carried a much broader message. The Adventures of a Dirt Tracker is a warm, humorous and inspiring reflection on determination, mateship, resilience and the courage to keep having a go, especially when you are not the person everyone expects to succeed.

BOOKS AUTHORED BY RUSS

Not every sporting story belongs to the superstar.

Some belong to the players who trained just as hard, carried the same dreams and stood ready whenever their opportunity came.

Russ Tulloch began life as the undersized boy who was often chosen last. Through determination, discipline and an unwavering belief that effort mattered, he rose from suburban Melbourne football grounds to play senior Australian Rules before making an extraordinary switch to Rugby Union.

Selected for the historic Fifth Wallabies tour of the British Isles, France and Canada in 1966 and 1967, Russ became the third Victorian born player to represent the Wallabies and the first senior VFL player to compete at the elite level in both Australian Rules and Rugby. He played fifteen matches for Australia, sometimes taking his place among the reserves affectionately known as the dirt trackers.

But this is far more than a sporting memoir.

Filled with unforgettable teammates, colourful characters, overseas adventures, hard fought matches, romance, family, sailing, travel and more than a few hilarious misadventures, Russ shares a life shaped by friendship, resilience and the courage to keep having a go.

Warm, honest and entertaining, The Adventures of a Dirt Tracker is a celebration of memories, matches and mateship. Above all, it is a story of hope for anyone who has ever been overlooked, underestimated or left waiting on the sidelines.

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