Vale Pat Nilan

One of Australian hockey’s most revered players, Patrick Joseph Nilan OAM, has died, aged 82.

Considered a 'giant of the game’ in every respect by the hockey community, Pat was an inspirational player, whose tenacious spirit epitomised his dedication to the sport both on the field and off it.

Pat made his debut for Australia in 1961, before going on to make 73 appearances and score 11 goals throughout his career. A double Olympic medallist, Pat played at three Olympics and won a bronze medal in Tokyo in 1964 before claiming silver at the next Games in Mexico City in 1968.

His contribution to the sport extended well beyond his decorated career and he was recognised with an Order of Australia Medal for his Services to Hockey. Early on, he was one of just a few to be inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions and in 2019, he was inducted into Hockey Australia’s Hall of Fame.

Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to the Nilan family, Pat’s friends, and the NSW Hockey Community.