This song was written as a form of therapy after another devastating (is there any other kind?) Grand Final loss.
Hopefully it conveys the pain but also the devotion that keeps us going back to the well time and time again, despite the disappointment. Not to dismiss the supporters of clubs who have waited far longer than Swans supporters for a flag (at what point does it become a drought? I can hear Tigers fans yelling out “Four years!!”) but the red and white brigade now have a block of flats on our backs after 4 consecutive Grand Final losses. Each with their own emotional story for the victors, revenge for the Hawks in 2014, Bulldogs first flag in 62 years in 2016, Joel Selwood’s last game in 2022, and Chris Fagan becoming the oldest Premiership Coach in 2024.
But, hope springs eternal and this story has a positive post-script. A mate in Melbourne knows Peter Bedford, Swans Legend, a boyhood hero of mine. Knows him well enough that he has his phone number. A week or so ago he messaged me with Peter’s mobile number and suggested I send him the song.
The next morning, with much trepidation, I messaged him, introduced myself, explained how I got the number, and included a link to the song.
Was on tenterhooks all day until getting a message in the afternoon that simply said, “Thanks Glenn, cheers Peter”
That made my day and would have been more than enough until my phone went off about 10 seconds later. It was him!! Peter Bedford was ringing me!!
We had a quick chat about the Grand Final, the new Coach and he spoke about how busy he was Grand Final week, with functions every day and, in fact, he had to cut our call short as he was on his way to Geelong for a speaking engagement.
I still have the footy record from Bobby Skilton’s last game, against North at the Lake Oval in Round 22 1971, with the scores marked. South won and Peter kicked 7.
They say you should never meet your heroes.
Unless their name is Peter Bedford.
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Love it Glenn.
Peter Bedford has been a guest at an Almanac lunch in Melbourne – and has come along to a couple of other lunches too. He is a generous soul. And a hugely talented sportsman.
Thanks John, he certainly came across that way. Have just listened to the interview he did with Adam White on Vic State Cricket Podcast, it’s amazing. A genuine bloke with no hint of ego.