Cheer, Cheer Jan Courtin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Tuesday Keiran Croker had the opportunity to speak at Jan Courtin’s memorial at the Albert Park Yachting and Rowing Club.  The following is a transcript of his speech:

 

Thank you for the opportunity to say a few words on behalf of the Footy Almanac. My condolences to all family and friends. I hope I can get through this OK as I had the opportunity to be in Sydney over the weekend to see the Swans defeat the Magpies.  So I’m a bit hoarse. 

 

The Footy Almanac is a community of writers who write on footy, sport, music and life.  While the goals, behinds and marks are important, equally important is your own story.  Why do you follow your team, why do you hate another, who are you with watching the game and where are you watching it. 

 

I first met Jan virtually around 2015/16 when she started writing on the Swans for the Almanac and we would comment on each others’ match reports. I might add that Jan wrote up every game, whereas I was more occasional. 

 

Her writing displayed her fanaticism and passion for the Swans, attending every game. What also shone through was her sense of humour and humanity, strong values around human rights and a sense of adventure.  

 

I was contacted by Jan out of the blue and she let me know that she was writing a book about her lifelong love affair with the Swans. She said that even though she had never met me she felt I’d be suitable to do a review of the book. I was delighted to do the review.

 

We did eventually meet up several times in Sydney and in Melbourne at the footy. At that time I was part of a group of Swans Almanac writers who had their articles periodically published on the Swans website.  Initially Jan was not in this group, however by the sheer force of her nature she was added.  

 

One memorable gathering was when the Swans Almanac writers all gathered at Billy Brownless’s Pub before our game against the Cats. I think it was 2018 and I believe that we won, though it was the gathering that was particularly memorable. 

 

I am richer for having known her as was our Footy Almanac community. 

 

I’ll leave you with some of Jan’s words.  The first and last verses of her poem published in 2015. 

 

“This is for the Bloods” Kirky echoed in ’05, 

Stand Up, Be Tall, Strive Strive Strive 

We’ll show ‘em we thought, we can do it again, 

Just watch those blood brothers, those wonderful men. 

 

Go the Mighty Bloods, keep the spirit alive 

Remember Kirky’s words, echoed in ’05. 

Never give in, keep the Swans trademark of old, 

And let’s do it again, Be Strong and Be Bold 

 

Cheer, cheer. 

 

 

Read Keiran’s review of Jan’s book HERE

 

 

 

Read Jan’s prose and poetry HERE

 

 

 

 

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