Sean Garlick - Jack of All Trades, Master of All Trades

Today on Chiming In, Chimes is joined by the legendary Sean Garlick. Known as a "jack of all trades," Garlick has successfully navigated careers as a professional rugby league player, a policeman, an actor, and now the powerhouse businessman behind the iconic Garlo’s Pies.

Toughness from the Start

Growing up in the South Sydney area, Garlick’s passion for rugby league began early. He recalls the toughness required to fit in at La Perouse Primary, where he quickly learned that being small meant you had to be fearless. His father, Terry, even considered a career as a jockey for Sean because he was worried his son was too small for footy. Fortunately, Sean was deemed "too big" for racing at age 12, allowing him to pursue his dream on the field.

The Dual Life: Footy and the Police Force

Garlick shares fascinating stories about balancing his early football career with his time in the police force. He joined the police academy at 19, often finding that the service was incredibly supportive of his sporting ambitions, tailoring his rosters so he could train and play. He reflects on how the discipline and camaraderie of the police force mirrored the environment of a football club, though it also required him to develop a thick skin to handle dangerous situations on the street.

From the Rabbitohs to the Roosters

A significant portion of the interview covers his professional football journey. After being tapped on the shoulder by Alan Jones at Souths, Garlick found a second life at the Roosters under coaches like Arthur Beetson and Phil Gould. He recounts the surreal transition of going from captaining the reserve grade to captaining the first-grade side in just one week. He also revisits the infamous "Battle of Brookvale," where Gould famously tried to pull the team off the field in protest against the refereeing.

A Brush with Hollywood

Before he was a footy star, Garlick was a child actor. He landed a role as a paperboy in a Cadbury Crunchie commercial and eventually starred in the big-budget Australian film Fortress alongside Rachel Ward. He shares humorous behind-the-scenes stories, including a closed-set scene where his father somehow managed to remain in the background, much to everyone's surprise.

The Tragedy of the Bali Bombings

In a deeply moving segment, Garlick discusses being in Bali during the 2002 bombings. He describes the horrific aftermath and how his police training kicked in as he attempted to help identify victims at the local hospital. The tragedy had a profound impact on his family, and he speaks candidly about the long-term emotional toll it took on those who survived.

Building a Pie Empire

The conversation wraps up with the story of Garlo’s Pies. What started as a small family business in Maroubra has grown into a national brand found in major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths. Garlick discusses the challenges of franchising, the importance of "thin pastry and big meat," and his current efforts to take the Australian meat pie to the US market. With his sons now involved in the business and his son Bronson recently signing with the Rabbitohs, the Garlick legacy in both footy and business remains stronger than ever.

Catch the whole episode on Fanatics TV.

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