My Friend Flicka

 

My Friend Flicka was a 1943 movie starring Roddy McDowall as Ken, the young son of a Wyoming farmer. It was about a young boy and his struggle with life at school and then returning home to be with his horse.

Turn the clock forward 72 years and the story about My Friend Flicker is the story about an ancient and his endeavors to get the best possible sports event on television and the aftermath.

The story starts last Saturday night when the ancient looks at the TV Guide Sports Shows for that night.

Geelong versus Sydney – do we watch that to see what sort of a reception Adam Goodes gets and the fact you picked Geelong in your ABC Show?

West Coast versus Hawthorn – this will be a real dog fight saddened by the death of Nick Naitanui’s mum. Can the Eagles gain a break to make sure the first two finals will be WA events only?

The World Netball Championships – even though Australia is not playing anyone of consequence it still will be worth watching.

The Rugby match between Australia and New Zealand.  Does Australia have the Cheika to win this one?

Or finally the last rites of the fourth Test match. How long will Australia last not will they last?

It was a sports lover’s greatest dilemma in my time.

The ancient decided to become a flicker. The 12th man was out to dinner so 2 televisions could cover some of the events and ABC radio in the family room would also be tuned in along with the radio in the bedroom. Not all bases were covered but at least if one has to move for the necessities of life then not much will be lost.

It was absorbing television flicking from one to another and given the great spectacular of the three football games something to cherish. One’s love of sport had hit the high note. Even Roddy McDowall in his dotage would have been impressed.

My love of cricket became the mainstay. WE all have a masochistic streak in us and because of what I have seen and heard this English summer I wanted a quick demise of Australia. I love my cricket but I have ceased from becoming an Aussie fan. Firstly the annoying “Aussie, Aussie , Aussie, oi,oi,oi” and secondly the lack of consideration by the players and officials for other national teams.

The attitude started a few years ago and has permeated through a series of misfortune. The criticism of Coaches Buchanan, Arthur, Marsh and the spite by former players on various selections.

Unfortunately the cart is pulling the horse and today’s cricketers now have too much to say, say the wrong thing and even retire on television with “my best mate”.

Australian cricket has not been in a sorrier state for a long time and there needs to be a complete purge of selectors, coaches and players. The following players must go Clarke (gone), Rogers (unfortunately), Haddin, S.Marsh, Watson, M.Marsh (back burner), Ahmed (they won’t play him), Nevill (batting not good enough), Voges (age against him). That’s 9 players. I won’t drop Siddle because at least he has some G & D that was wanting in the first four tests of this series. While we are at it give Lehmann the flick as well. Do you have any tickets for the soccer?

John Buchanan straightened the side out when he was coach and I don’t think Lehmann is in the same mold.

First Test against Bangladesh the side should be: Warner, Bancroft, Smith, Burns, Handscomb (wk), Khawaja or Head, Stoinis, Pattinson, Starc, Hazelwood, Lyon. 12th man: Siddle

By 9pm all three footy matches were reaching a crescendo and it was hard to not just focus on one so I chose all three.

My Friend Flicker won out in the end. A glorious night for arm-chair sport.

About Bob Utber

At 84 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.

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