Given how well the cards have been dealt to someone like myself, I think there's an inherent obligation to try to reach out and make a difference.

One of the most obvious parts of my character is the smile, and if I wasn't comfortable in myself then I wouldn't be able to smile so much.

My sister died and my mum was really distant, as you do - you don't expect your offspring to die before you. I thought I was bulletproof up until that stage.

My father Big Max told me many years ago that 'anything you are good at will contribute to your happiness'. Great advice.

Given how well the cards have been dealt to someone like myself, I think there's an inherent obligation to try to reach out and make a difference.

Norm Smith personally came and signed me up to the Melbourne Football Club. The fact that I then played cricket for Melbourne Cricket Club - the footy club didn't like it that much.

I was the son of a publican and a master builder. He ran the Empire Hotel in North Hobart. His name was Max, too. Big Max.