From the MCG to the Recreation Reserve...

I couldn't help but smile on Saturday when we drove into the recreation reserve where my daughter was playing and umpiring netball. My daughter plays for a local team, who wear red and black, so again I was watching the Bombers play.
What a contrast.
Last week I was sitting behind the interchange bench at the MCG, one of 90,000 people watching Collingwood do battle with Essendon.
This week, I was at the footy again, only the interchange bench was a tin shed, the crowd was a fraction of the previous week's and instead of physios, fitness staff and endless trainers rushing after the players, parents carried drink bottles onto the oval  and stood by the coach with clipboards.
But the passion and love for the game was the same.

Mind you, this week, I paid scant attention to the football, and concentrated on the netball.
This week, the Bombers had a win.

Anzac Day

It's become a family tradition for us to spend Anzac Day at the MCG with dear friends. As much as I love the game,  the most important part of the day for me is the pre-match ceremony. The servicemen and women's lap of honour, the last post and minute's silence are truly moving. There is nothing like a capacity MCG crowd standing in silence, nor the roar that fills the ground after the national anthem.
I'm fortunate to have been to about 20 grand finals, but nothing, not even a Collingwood win (well...) compares to the atmosphere at the G on Anzac Day.
Before the game, as the servicemen and women past our seats, my 20-year-old friend turned to me and said, 'I just can't imagine what they have been through.'
The respect and admiration woven through each word is what Anzac Day is all about.
And a Collingwood win ;)
 

Peter Costello...

What on earth is Peter Costello on about? It's not the first time I've asked that question, but it's the first time I've asked it related to footy.
I teach as well as write, and I LOVE footy. I've been at schools where AFL footballers have run clinics for primary school kids, and as much as it pains me to say it as the players were from Geelong, the guys have been amazing with the kids - boys and girls.
The players were positive, approachable, inspiring and encouraging, and I've raved to people about their attitude and efforts. They even accepted the kids' attempts at humour (not mine!) in good grace. I can't speak highly enough of the experience for kids and the impact it had on them.
Can I please stop now, as I really can't handle praising Geelong.
My point is, Peter Costello is WRONG. Sure, some AFL players aren't great role models, but there are others who do incredible work.
Harry O'Brien, Nick Maxwell, Daisy Thomas. Yes, they are Collingwood players and I know many other players do great things, I only pay attention to the Pies. Tragic, but there it is!
When run well, footy clinics have a lasting impact on kids and so too does a positive experience with a player.
When I was about 13, I approached my then hero for an autograph after a country practise match. I was polite, though nervous. He'd had an ordinary game and brushed me aside with a wave of his hand. I was devastated. Stan Magro - gotta love Stan - and Renee Kink -Kinky! - came to my rescue and made a fuss of me, signing autographs and chatting. I've never forgotten them for that. As for that hero...let's just say he was demoted from my duffle coat and bedroom wall!
A few years ago, my daughter approached Daisy Thomas at the end of his first season. (Okay, so I approached on her behalf, because she was too scared)  Dale was incredible with her - warm, chatty, delightful. I've dined out on that story .
So Mr Costello, sure some AFL players, like the rest of society, stuff up, but many of them do fantastic work, particularly with kids in schools.