Peter Motley
Such Is Life: My Story
An autobiography by Sturt and Carlton champion Peter Motley
A powerful football journey through grit, loyalty, loss, and legacy.
From suburban South Australia to the biggest stage in Australian Rules Football — this is the untold story behind the jumper.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Story Bigger Than Football
Such Is Life: My Story is the raw and deeply personal journey of Peter Motley, a man whose life was shaped — and tested — by Australian Rules Football.
From his early days pulling on the Double Blues guernsey at Sturt Football Club, to living the childhood dream of playing for Carlton Football Club, Peter’s story is one of resilience, identity, and the reality behind elite sport.
This is not just a football book.
It’s a story about purpose, adversity, and what happens when the crowd fades and real life begins.
WHO IS PETER MOTLEY?
From the Double Blues to the Big Stage
Born into elite sport, Peter Motley didn’t just grow up around greatness — he was expected to live it.
Peter is the son of Geof Motley, a nine-time Port Adelaide Football Club premiership star and 1964 Magarey Medal winner, and Gaynor Flanagan, who represented Australia in netball and basketball and played state-level softball. Sporting excellence wasn’t a goal — it was the family language.
Peter made his league debut for the Sturt Football Club in 1982, pulling on the iconic Double Blues guernsey and playing 92 senior games through to 1985. From there, his journey took him to football’s biggest stage with the Carlton Football Club, where childhood dreams meet relentless pressure.
Respected by teammates, admired by supporters, and shaped by expectations few truly understand, Peter’s story reflects the reality behind elite sport — the highs, the sacrifices, and the moments that define who you become when the final siren sounds.
Such Is Life: My Story is not just about football.
It’s about legacy. Identity. And what it really means to chase a dream, lose parts of yourself along the way, and rebuild with honesty when the crowd fades.
WHY THIS BOOK MATTERS
Why You’ll Connect With This Story
✔ A true Australian sporting journey
✔ Honest insight into life after football
✔ A story of resilience, identity, and change
✔ Perfect for football fans, leaders, and anyone navigating life’s pivots
✔ Written with heart — not hype
BUY THE BOOK
Get Your Copy Today
Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or someone who values real, human stories, Such Is Life: My Story is a book that stays with you.
Not available in stores, exclusive release only available online at clubs and events.
All proceeds go to
The Clown Doctors
(Human Foundation)
Click here to buy the Classic Hardcover Book
A$35
The Classic Hardcover Edition is designed for readers on the move.
Durable and travel-friendly, it’s perfect for commuting, flying, or everyday reading.
This edition delivers the complete story in a timeless hardcover format.
Click here to buy the Executive Hardcover
A$45
For those who appreciate something truly special, the Executive Limited Run Hardcover has been crafted as a premium collector’s edition.
Featuring a sleek dust jacket and refined finish, this version is released in strictly limited numbers.
