Almanac Memoir: Meeting John Birt and Kooka Epis

 

 

 

G’day again John.

 

Thank you so much for publishing my last story about such wonderful (Scallywag) mates.

 

John,

 

The following story is about the day I got a lift home from the Junction Oval, St Kilda from two of my beloved Dons players: Johnny Birt, No. 11 and Alec (Kookaburra) Epis No. 28.

 

John I was about twelve years old.

 

Not having a Dad allowed me more freedom to roam than most twelve year olds deserve. Much to my wonderful Mums concerns.

 

On this particular day I got myself to the Junction Oval, St. Kilda to watch the Dons play against Fitzroy. Of course, now sadly, the Brisbane Lions.

 

The Dons won the game and after that I did the usual and invited myself to join in a kick to kick with others on the ground.

 

It was getting late so I excused myself and thanked the people who had allowed me to join in with a kick after the game.

 

Of course, I had my Essendon jumper on and proudly carrying my favourite players number on the back. No. 11, Johnny Birt.

 

As I was leaving, I walked by none other than these two wonderful footballers and men. They saw the number on my back and said hello. I was so happy.

 

I was walking in front of them towards the tram stop. I then heard a shout to me from them both.

 

They asked me where I was going and how I was getting there. I told them I’d catch a couple of trams and go home to North Essendon, Niddrie.

 

Can you imagine my delight when they told me they were also going my way and would I like a lift?

 

John, we talked all the way about footy but so wonderfully also about ME.

 

I couldn’t wait to tell my mum and the kids at school.

 

I’m sure some of them didn’t believe me, but who cares!

 

I knew that Alec’s nickname was The Kookaburra and I asked him why?

 

It was Johnny Birt who told me why. Basically, Alec never stopped talking to his opponent on the field. Driving them to distraction and gaining an advantage.

 

However, it was the next story from Johnny about Alec that had me laughing in tears and one I’ll never forget.

 

It was a game at the great Windy Hill against the Magpies.

 

Alec’s opponent was none other than the great Des Tuddenham (Tuddy).

 

Now apparently Tuddy had devised a plan to shut Alec up and serve him some of his own medicine.

 

Tuddy saw a piece of paper flying across the ground and proceeded to tell the Kookaburra about the journey of that paper from seedlings to trees to printing colouring and so on and on.

 

Tuddy was very pleased with himself as he’d shut the Kookaburra up for the whole first quarter.

 

To Tuddy’s horror, for the rest of the match the Kookaburra asked him to imagine where that piece of paper had been, what it had seen, who had it known, where it was going next, where it would end up next and so on and so on.

 

As I said, I laughed so much I had tears in my eyes. But most of all the fact that those two brilliant players and great men took the time to not only give a little twelve year old a lift home but shared stories and were sincerely interested in me and who I was.

 

I regret I didn’t get autographs, but at the time, it didn’t seem appropriate because I’d had the privilege of personal autographs.

 

John, As always: my love and warmest Karma to you and all your family and friends and all our FA Family.

 

Cheers mate.

Johno (Snowy).

 

 

 

Read more from John Nugent HERE

 

To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?

And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.