Sports of All Sorts

                                                              Sports of all sorts

                                                     By Anastasia Dimitriadis

                                                                  Grade 6

 

As a little child, sport has always and still is one of my main passions. My dad, who has wanted me to be a die-hard Collingwood fan since the day I was born, is the main reason I love sport so much. So many people tell me that my dad and I are like two peas in a pod with how alike we are. My mother on the other hand is a whole different story. Her and I are like polar – opposites. I love to be active and play sport 24/7 while she just enjoys reading a good book.

I first learned how to kick a football when I was learning to walk properly. Ever since then, my dad’s mission to make me a Collingwood fanatic has passed with flying colours.  Over the years, I think it pretty safe to say; with all of the kick- to- kick games that my dad and I have played, we have lost over 50 footballs over the fence. Losing most of them was my fault. As I got older dad started to take me to footy ovals, where I could kick the ball as far as I wanted with no fear of kicking it over the fence, where our neighbor’s dog would attack it.

Going to watch Collingwood play at the MCG has always been enjoyable…well except for when we lose, then dad goes a little big kooky in the brain. In 2011, I played football for a girls’ team at my school and in played the position of a midfielder. I think that I did a pretty good job, but let’s just say Dane Swan makes it look easier than it actually is. I wore the number 4.  Anyway, the point is I always have loved watching and playing football ever since I was young and I don’t think that is going to change anytime soon. GO THE PIES!!!

Footy isn’t the only sport that I love. Cricket has also been one of the main sports that I enjoy playing. Ever since I was around 4 or 5, my dad and I would play cricket with a tennis ball and my dad’s good ol’ 30 year old cricket bat Besty. Of course, with how small I was back then it seemed gigantic for me. It’s a funny story because a normal game of backyard cricket got the best of my emotions if my dad would beat me. Oh the constant teasing saying the classic words like, “You lost Neil!!!” which is a quote from one of my favorite shows “The Young Ones”. This often caused me to run inside and cry uncontrollably.

One day, my dad and I were having an ordinary game of cricket when suddenly an idea to get a cat had popped into his head. So marked the day that was the 19th of October 2005, when we got our cat Skidla.

Since late 2011, I have been playing for the Brunswick Magpies Cricket Club. Just by looking at the name you can tell my dad picked the club. Playing the proper rules of cricket with a real cricket ball was a bit of a challenge at first. However, I soon got used to it. A bit of a harder challenge for me though was, because I was so used to having a baseball swing from my tee-ball and softball experiences, I found it quite difficult playing straight shots. In February 2011, my first season of club cricket had ended. All I can say is that I CANNOT wait until September when I start playing again.

This may come as a shock to all of you, but believe it or not I used to play tennis. This is another sport my dad and I still play in our backyard. Playing tennis was a good way to take out any frustration that I would have out on the ball and that poor Prince racket that my dad and I practically demolished. We would have “Friendly” gambles to see who would win the game and be $2 richer. Ironically that was the year I ended up having around $300 in my money box. I played tennis for a whole year until I got bored of it and dad ran out of money. I moved onto other sports. However, I still enjoy playing it.

A big achievement for me in sport was when my school tee-ball and soft-ball team won state championships in 2011. This was also one of my proudest ever moments. I have always enjoyed playing tee-ball and soft-ball since Grade 3.  However, the only things to do with these sports in the backyard , is when my dad and I have a throw of the tee ball with my glove.

 

I hope that I have given you a quick insight of what kind of sports my dad has taught me to play and enjoy.  Sport has always been my passion. I hope that I never lose my sporting passion.

I would like to say a thank you to my dad for not only for putting up with me while playing all of these sports in our backyard. Not for making me a younger girl version of him, but for being the big brother I never had.

About Phillip Dimitriadis

Carer/Teacher/Writer. Author of Fandemic: Travels in Footy Mythology. World view influenced by Johnny Cash, Krishnamurti, Larry David, Toni Morrison and Billy Picken.

Comments

  1. Lord Bogan says

    Sounds like you see your dad as somewhat of a money tree Anastasia. I wonder if he paid you to write this article? But seriously, well done on expressing your passion through sport and writing. I’m sure other young girls will have heaps of similar stories to share :)

  2. I have tears in my eyes after reading that last line – I wonder if the Junior Almanac editor does too?

  3. Phil Dimitriadis says

    Cookie, the only tears in my eyes are from all the money I’ve lost to her playing tennis and cricket. At least Itunes are happy.

  4. Anastasia – that is a great story (except for the bit about barracking for Collingwood – parents can be so cruel).

    I hope you keep enjoying your sport. Try lots of them and see which one gets you in.

    You could take up athletics – its very cheap except for the shoes.

  5. Phil Dimitriadis says

    Dips, in early 2007 when Collingwood wasn’t travelling so well, she said that she wanted to barrack for Hawthorn, who were the up and coming team. I offered to take her to Northland to buy her a Hawthorn jumper and scarf. Her reply was: I can’t. I don’t know why but I just cant.” We went to Northland and SHE chose a Collingwood jumper, insisting that number 10 be on her back. From then on it was out of my hands.

  6. Phil – glad to hear it. Stick to your colours. She is a girl of conviction.

  7. Danielle says

    Hey Anastasia,
    i really enjoyed reading this piece. It reminds me of how i grew up, also a Daddy’s girl, no doubt a tomboy just as obsessed with the Magpies as my Dad is.
    I have a younger brother who is 16 who pretty much hates footy so does mum, again i completely understand your bond with your Dad :)
    I Look forward to reading more of your work, you should try your hand at a match report next :)
    Go Pies!

  8. Anastasia Dimitriadis says

    Hey guys, Anastasia here!! :)
    Just want to say a quick thank you to everyone who has read AND responded to my story! It means a lot and you will be seeing some other stories soon. :) again a MASSIVE thank you to everyone xxoo :D

  9. John Harms says

    Anastasia, Kooky in the brain is one of the greatest terms ever use on the Almanac website. And completely appropriate.

    Great yarn. Love the many passions and enthusiasms you have.

  10. Anastasia,

    You sound like the loveliest kid in the world. Young ones, cricket, AFL … all things that are dear to me. Love the pacing and tone of your piece.

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