The Things That Make Us

The revealing and insightful autobiography of an AFL superstar.

Updated with a new final chapter.

From No. 1 pick in the 2000 AFL draft, to six-time winner of St Kilda's best and fairest award, to five-time All Australian, to captaining his club for a record 220 games, to more than 330 games as a star of the AFL, Nick Riewoldt is an out-and-out champion.

The Things that Make Us is Nick's autobiography, written with a deep intelligence and insight, and giving a fascinating perspective on his extraordinary life and career. As Nick describes it:

'I hope there's something in these pages for everyone who's known grief, especially anyone who's lost a sibling. I hope, too, that my story brings a deeper understanding of a footballer's crazy world. An insight into what goes into making it, what it takes to stay there, and the crippling anxiety that can consume you when your burden is to accept only the best. I hope it paints a picture of what it's like to be the focus of acclamation and scandal, the good and bad of a searing spotlight, and how these experiences can bring out the best and worst in us.

'I hope it honours my family - the German and Tasmanian sides with their stories of struggle and endurance - who are the essence of the book's title. I hope it gives thanks for the love I found on the other side of the world, and the beautiful next generation Cath and I are building together.

About the Author

Nick Riewoldt is a former Australian Rules footballer, playing for St Kilda from 2001 to 2017, with eleven years as captain. He has won their best and fairest award a record-breaking six times and was selected five times for the All-Australian team.

In 2015 he lost his sister Madeleine to a rare bone marrow condition, and started the not-for-profit organisation Maddie Riewoldt's Vision to raise money for research into bone marrow failure.