The Final Word Cricket Podcast Australia’s ADHD leggie – TFW Book Club with Pat Rodgers
Jan 14, 2026
In a captivating discussion, cricket historian Pat Rodgers dives into the life of Syd Emery, a forgotten star of pre-WWI cricket. Pat unveils Emery's transformation from a fast bowler to a googly wizard, exploring his rapid rise, notorious antics, and turbulent decline. They delve into the complexities of Emery's personality, hinting at possible neurodivergent traits, and his chaotic experiences during the 1912 triangular tour. Pat also reflects on the impact of family loss and community ties as Emery navigated his post-war transformation.
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Golden Age Shaped Modern Cricket
- The golden age (c.1890–1914) produced colourful, multi-layered professional cricketers who shaped modern cricket.
- Pat Rodgers highlights googly bowling and pioneering risk-takers as enduring legacies of that era.
How The Scrapbook Was Discovered
- Ronald Cardwell received Sid Emery's 1912 scrapbook after meeting the nearly blind Emery at Petersham Oval decades later.
- The scrapbook, compiled by scorer Bill Ferguson, became a key primary source for Pat Rodgers' book.
Brilliance Paired With Inconsistency
- Sid Emery combined pace with a wrist-spinner's googly at a time the delivery was novel in Australia.
- His raw brilliance produced spectacular spells but chronic inconsistency limited his higher honours.
