Alexander Scott (Alistair) Rattray

16 February 1925 - 2 June 2010

Seeking a better life away from a war-torn Europe, a young Scottish-born Alistair Rattray migrated to Tasmania, where he first took to the field with Hobart club, Wanderers in 1949.

But it was with the powerful Caledonians club - a club he helped form in 1950 - that Alistair made his reputation locally, playing half-back until retiring in 1960.

Alistair made his first appearance for Tasmania in 1950 against a visiting English side, and again in 1953 against South China. Despite being well beaten on both occasions Alistair played with distinction, ranking among Tasmania's best in each game.

His performance attracted the attention of the Australian selectors and he made his Australian debut in 1953 against Hong Kong in Adelaide, helping the Australians to a 5-0 victory and being voted man-of-the-match.

On the back of this success Alistair was chosen to play for Australia at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games - the first Tasmanian Olympian in soccer. It amused Alistair that he first learned of his selection reading the sports pages of The Mercury newspaper.

At the games the Australians played valuable, but unsuccessful, practice games against Yugoslavia and the USSR - the eventual gold and silver medallists – before the competition rounds began. Their first competition game delivered a win over Japan but defeat at the hands of India saw them eliminated from the competition.

In 2000, SOCOG invited Alistair and his wife Mary to Sydney to attend the draw for the Sydney Olympic Games soccer competition. Here Alistair met Tasmania's second soccer Olympian, Dominic Longo.

A skilful half-back and model of fair play, Alistair won many awards playing at home for Caledonians, including southern, state and international representation, and the admiration and respect of his peers.

A player of exemplary character and a stand-out as a role model for younger players, Alistair Rattray is a most worthy addition to the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame.