In the Blood

"Cheer, cheer the red and white..."

Thirty years ago, in 1982, the struggling South Melbourne Football Club flew north of the Barrassi line to become the Sydney Swans. In round one of that year, the Swans played their first game at the SCG against the Melbourne Demons and tomorrow night (Saturday), to mark the occasion, the Swans play the Dees again (in 1982 the Swans won 137 points to 108. Needless to say I'm hoping for a similar result tomorrow night!). So, in honour of the occasion, let's consider this offering.

In the Blood by Jim Main (a fellow Swans tragic) celebrates the rich history of the South Melbourne/Sydney Swans Football Club. Covering every season from its foundation in 1874 up to 2009 (when this book was originally published), Main's passion and knowledge of The Bloods history shines through, with the highlight being the 2005 Grand Final triumph (as well it should be!).

While there may be two AFL teams in Sydney now, the Swans were here first and in many ways blazed the trail for what was to become a truly national competition.

"What though the odds be great or small, Souths/Swans will go in and win over all.
While here loyal sons are marching, Onwards to victory!"

Best on Ground

In memory of Jim Stynes, 1966-2012.

In what is truly Australia's national game (yes, I know there's a National Rugby League. But I don't know how you can call it a national competition when it's only played in the eastern states!), supporters on both sides of the Barrassi Line will passionately defend their love for their team. In Best of Ground sixteen authors (Gold Coast and GSW weren't offically in the competition at the time of publication), including such luminaries as David Williamson (Collingwood), Peter Corris (Essendon), Malcolm Knox (Richmond) and Don Watson (Carlton), write with great eloquence on their love for their respective teams.

Just the thing for the start of the 2012 AFL season this Saturday.

Cracking the Footy Codes

It's that time of year when the days grow shorter and nights grow colder. And that can only mean one time. Yep, the footy season's back!



So, if you find yourself an outcast in your social circle because you don't know the difference between a Steeden and a Sherrin, or between a Swan, a Socceroo, a Dragon and a Wallaby (and exactly what was Cazaly doing "up there") then may I commend Mr Tony Squires excellent volume Cracking the Footy Codes: a beginners guide to AFL, League, Union and Football. Squires' is an eminent authority of these matters, being not only the main sports presenter on the Channel 7 news, but has also (according to the cover blurb) played footy, refereed footy, written, talked about and cried over footy (as a a fellow St. George tragic I have some sympathy with that last bit). This book explains in simple terms the four footballs codes in Australia and is full of all sorts of interesting trivia to impress your friends with.

Recommended for both novices and tragics alike.