Almanac (Grand Final) Footy: The Danger
Citrus Bob with his grandson, Number 35 for the Pivotonians
Patrick Dangerfield received this message from his grandpa last Friday:
“It is not what Geelong can do for you but what you can do for Geelong. Ich bin ein Pivotonian.”
Sure, it is a bit of mixture of JFK’s speeches but it seemed to get the message across.
It is around 3pm on Saturday and he is walking across the hallowed turf of the MCG drinking what looks like a cup of coffee. Surely not coffee?
He is accompanied by Rhys Stanley, maligned by some, and another player wearing a hoodie. There is still well over an hour to go before the start of the Preliminary Final but he is geared up and ready.
He did the same a fortnight ago against Collingwood but on that occasion he was walking alone kicking a football along the ground. This went on for about ten minutes as I watched him through my binoculars.
I mused: what is he thinking?
Was it:
The day a kick from Rory Sloane reached him, he broke, an open goal in front. He slips, is caught by Grant Burchell. Free kick, pass to Rioli goal. Game over. Hawthorn into the Grand Final against Sydney, and Adelaide out? The Crows knew they had the measure of the Swans that year.
Or:
Was it in Brisbane at the Gabba when Dusty made him look so foolish after half-time?
The Cats looked winners at the long break and then came Dusty.
He never mentioned that he had played the final series carrying an injury.
Or:
Was it his relentless pursuit to help win the premiership for Geelong and himself as he enters the final stages of his illustrious career?
Knowing him as I do, it would have been the last item. His quest for the Holy Grail of football which he has not achieved. His sister, in her first season of footy this year, won the premiership with her team the Geelong Ammos. Bragging rights?
His illustrious career has seen him regaled in everything except the Holy Grail. Will it be this year? His fifteen years at the top level of over 300 games has seen him play many scintillating games. The last couple of years, with age catching up, has seen injuries that did not feature in his halcyon days.
He is now a respected elder both on and off the field.
Will his day finally come?
Will Geelong make it?
He answers his latter-day critics by kicking the first goal of the match 48 seconds after the start and continues to be the dominant player for the rest of the game as the Pivots continued their relentless pursuit towards the flag.
They win the game. He is interviewed in his usual manner. Respect for the opposition, respect for his teammates and bigger respect for the people around the club. Not unusual for him.
I am standing with the Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles after the game. I mention the Geelong facemask he wore in the House of Representatives last week. A Geelong cat staring at the opposition. We laugh, football is serious in “The House”.
I mention I have a grandson playing. He asks “Who? My usual answer: “Number 35.”
“A great player but an even better person,” he replies. No need for names.
The team is in the quest for the Holy Grail against the Sydney Swans. Only two Cats have been there before, the rock-hard captain Joel Selwood and forward Tom Hawkins although a former nemesis in Isaac Smith had done for the Hawks on more than one occasion.
He sees me, we embrace.
There is work still to be done.
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About Bob Utber
At 86 years of age Citrus Bob is doing what he has always done since growing up on a small farm at Lang Lang. Talking, watching and writing sport and in recent years writing books. He lives in Mildura with his very considerate wife (Jenny) and a groodle named 'Chloe on Flinders' and can be found at Deakin 27 every day.
Gee, I didn’t realise I was standing with the Acting Prime Minister last Friday night. He follows the illustrious CatMen like Steve Bracks, Ted Bailleau, Dennis Napthine, John Button, Warren ? (Alice Springs) etc., etc.
Hope the picture comes through – a great shot of 35
Nice words, Citrus.
All the very best to #35 !!
He seemed such a nice lad at the Crows. Bloody Victorians. Carn Swans.
Regards from Ebenezer in Perth.
Smokie – many thanks. Should be a great game
Peter B – All I can say is thank god (whoever she is) that he did not go to West Australia. Ebenezer suits you to a T!
Thanks very much Citrus.
Hope #35 enjoys the week and the day.
Let me cite Anson Cameron QC (can’t bring myself to KC) in Balme v Carlton FC “there was general animosity in West (and South – ed) Australian football circles to the Big Brother football state over east, The feeling was that the Vics – men with big sideburns and false smiles – would come raiding every year, with bags of cash and promises of glory, and the best players in the state would disappear to the east until their golden years were spent, whereupon they’d return to play a few desultory games for their former clubs.”
The prosecution rests m’lud. Carn Bloods.
Am sure you and #35 are enjoying the week CB. All the best!
Saw you on the ABC TV News in Perth tonight Citrus. Fake news. I’ve rung Ita to ask for my 9 cents a day back. Carn Swans.
Good read Citrus . I struggle with the Cats a bit which is probably to do with my regular visits to my place in Anglesea where any footy discussion is null and void unless its about the Pivots and references number 35 . Nevertheless they were magnificent yesterday and Saint Patrick of Moggs Creek did you proud .
I think I might let the dust settle before I next go down to Anglesea .
ER – The pleasure is all mine
PB – next time you are in Melbourne I will take you to Geelong for a public flogging.
MR – Mickey it has been a wonderful 3 days and still enjoy it for a lot longer
PB – Lovely for you to notice me send your address and I will send the 9 cents
HK – Thank you for those comments. I think they are struggling for a priest at Moggs and I will call the Pope to arrange canonization at once based on the miracles 35 has performed over 15 years. You only need 3!
Great season of matches and close finishes. (Although, I do lament that close tiger loss against the lions!!) Well done to the grand son! Happy for you Bob. Enjoy the off season.
KB -Many thanks for that I certainly will not be taking part in the “silly season” (the draft!). See you at the cricket somewhere in Oz.