Born in Home Hill, Queensland, Mervyn Crossman grew up in Townsville, Queensland, where he took up hockey in 1947. Starting as a goalie, Crossman switched to fullback in the mid-50s and played hockey with the Queensland Colts in 1956 and Queensland Seniors from 1957-68. Known as one of the finest penalty corner strikers Australia has produced, Crossman was capped 32 times with the Australian national team from 1960-65 and scored eight international goals. Crossman was a member of the 1960 and 1964 Australian Olympic teams, finishing sixth in 1960 and winning bronze in 1964.
After finishing his sporting career, Crossman remained active in hockey circles as the coach of the Townsville Hockey senior and junior teams, Queensland Senior selector (1969-87), Queensland Under-17 selector (1975-88) and Queensland Senior manager (1970). Outside of hockey, Crossman worked as a clerk and salesman.
Australia