(Statement by Todd Deacon, General Manager, Sweeney Sports)
Despite a lacklustre summer for the Australian cricket team, Ricky Ponting has for the third consecutive year taken the mantle as Australia’s most marketable sportsperson. He tops the list ahead of recently retired swimmer and now newsreader Grant Hackett and semi-retired cricketer Adam Gilchrist.
Results from the 2008-09 summer edition of the Sweeney Sports Report, the 23rd in a series recognised as Australia’s most comprehensive and authoritative sports survey (survey details at end), show that Australian cricketers continue to be regarded amongst Australia’s most marketable sportspeople. They hold four of the top 10 ranking with retired players Glen McGrath being fourth and Steve Waugh eighth.
Despite Australians general high regard for cricketers, Andrew Symonds has tumbled down the list to 36th after reaching a high of 10th position last year. His fall from favour continues a consistent attitude among Australians that sports stars involved in controversial behaviour are not regarded as highly “marketable”.
Fellow cricketer Shane Warne, AFL footballer Wayne Carey and tennis stars Jelena Dokic and Mark Philippousis have in the past suffered similarly. Like Symonds, Sonny Bill Williams has also suffered after his controversial departure from Australia and Rugby League to play Rugby Union in France. He’s now in 78th position, a fall of 34 positions.
Barry Hall has also come under the spotlight of the Australian sporting public after a seven-week suspension for punching Brent Staker. He dropped 25 spots to 63rd position.
Olympic surge Triple Olympic gold medal winning swimmer Stephanie Rice has debuted in 7th place and is now the highest ranked female sportsperson. Cathy Freeman, a long term holder of that title, currently is one place behind in 8th..
Fellow Olympic swimmers, Leisel Jones and Libby Tricket climbed the list to 12th and 13th positions respectively, up from equal 20th position last year.
Retirees dominate. A feature of the summer 2008-09 survey results is a continuing popularity of retired stars.
Seven - cricketers Adam Gilchrist (semi-retired), Glen McGrath and Steve Waugh, swimmers Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe, tennis player Pat Rafter and runner Cathy Freeman - are all in the top ten.
The SweeneyScore of each has increased during the past year. All highly respected for their on and off-field achievements their favouritism indicates that Australians continue to revere “super stars” often well after their playing days have ended.
To read more about this press release, please download the PDF by clicking on the link below.
For information about the Sweeney Sports Report, please contact Todd Deacon on todd.deacon@sweeneyresearch.com.au
