Chris King

Chris King was a great champion. It was always about his power and focus and the presence that he had on the court. He had an agility and speed for his size which was amazing. He anticipated with an extraordinary instinct for the play. He hit the ball with authority and the big fella' was just so tough. He was hard and clambering and inexorable. He just powered up and he never seemed overawed by the circumstances of the game. He never gave up. He always looked for the advantage as he thought through strategy and analyzed opponents. We know for sure that Chris always trained hard, both on and off the court. I doubt any of his opponents were ever any fitter. He had this remarkable self- discipline and a desire. You had to be brave to play Chris with his mental toughness and on court gravitas. His outstanding success comes from his dedication. His victories were no accident. They were planned and whilst we thrilled to his sometimes instinctual responses on court, it was always his dour, relentless preparation, his pounding vision for success that made him such a champion. He's a great bloke as well.

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'Chris King' - By Lew "Digger" Mackenzie

An exuberant and richly talented youth, Chris King became Australian Junior Handball Champion in 1975. For this exciting new player it would be a natural progression for him to be selected in the Victorian Senior State Team.

The transition was not to be easy. It was during an encounter with a strong South Australian pair. Early in the match, Chris' partner, Nick Sticca, the wily strongman of Victorian handball, tore a hamstring. He could not walk. It seemed the game was over, but Chris had other ideas. He instructed Nick to position himself against the right side wall and then went into battle, single handedly attacking and repelling every shot from the opposition, which, incidentally included that most unforgiving competitor Lou Ravesi, partnered by Wally Reintals. It was a mission impossible for the valiant Chris, but he was determined that Victoria would not go down without a fight.

And a fight it was. At the end of this gruelling contest the exhausted South Aussies and the spectators privileged to witness the game stood to applaud the young Chris King.

He had gone to the very limits of physical and mental endurance for his stricken partner, his team and his state.

When I next saw Chris in action, I marvelled at the development in his handball armoury. His serve, his powerful drives, his accuracy and his judgement were, I thought, so reminiscent of the awesome Frank Green.

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