Leader sports editor Paul Amy’s new book charts the fall from grace of former Port Melbourne footballer Fred Cook

FORMER Port Melbourne goalkicker Fred Cook had one of football’s most spectacular falls from grace — now he’s shared his story in a new book.

Fabulous Fred: The strife and times of Fred Cook

FORMER Port Melbourne goalkicker Fred Cook had one of football’s most spectacular falls from grace.

From the highs of fame, wealth and glory, to the lows of addiction and jail, “Fabulous Fred” became known by the clichéd term “disgraced former footballer”.

The 66-year-old Mornington man shared his hero-to-zero story in detail for the first time with award-winning Leader sports editor Paul Amy, whose book Fabulous Fred: The Strife and Times of Fred Cook traces the player’s demise.

It is an increasingly common tale: the sports star’s struggle to settle into ordinary life once their careers have ended.

“In the beginning he took speed to keep up with his many commitments, time management in powder form,” Amy writes.

“He says now that drugs were his way of substituting the surge of adrenalin that came from kicking hundreds of goals and winning premierships.”

READ MORE: FABULOUS FRED’S DOWNWARD SPIRAL

Cook got involved with a criminal crowd while running the notorious Station Hotel, known for its topless waitresses and strip shows.

For a while, he rode a wave of glorious notoriety, making fast cash and oblivious to the extent to which addiction had taken hold.

But decades of amphetamine use stripped Cook of almost all he held dear, and nearly cost him his life.

Sam Newman, who wrote the foreword to the book, will host its launch at the Port Melbourne Football Club’s last home-and-away game of the season, against North Ballarat, at North Port Oval on August 23.

It will be available for purchase and signing on the day, published through www.melbournebooks.com.au