Ode to a Magpie

 

Anonymously written just before the 1958 GF.

Edited by Phil Dimitriadis

 

They’re in it again, the mighty ‘Pies, From the kangaroo they picked the eyes,

And ere the season’s final bell, They’ll pick the Demons tail as well.

 

In spite of much adversity, In the form of injury,

They fought back well-took double chance, Their brilliant record to enhance.

 

Renegade Richards said “no hope”, With North the Magpies cannot cope,

You know what happened – this is why, The Magpies never do say die,

 

Now the big “Two” on the summit sit, Saturday’s Grand Final will be “it”,

The Demons say “Four in a row”, The Magpies, “A Thousand times no”.

 

OK they beat us twice this year, So what, the Woodsmen have no fear,

That these big shot Demons can’t be tossed, No game is won until it’s lost.

 

They’ll go out there on Saturday, And, boy, you’ll really see them play,

The Aussie Rules as sportsmen should, They always have – at Collingwood.

 

They’re hoping that with a bit of luck, To be led by Captain Friar Tuck,

A fellow with a great big heart, Who always plays a Captain’s part.

 

To reach well into the blue, They hope to have Mick Twomey too,

Dynamic Bill may make the side, To take opponents for a ride.

 

A tribute to “Big Bill” is due, And most appropriate I think – don’t you?

So let’s all give a mighty cheer, For a Mighty Magpie’s great career.

 

Well, we’ve got the men to win this fight, I’ll name a few now, If I might,

Like “Lightening Merrett” and Bill Serong, Who worry rivals all day long.

 

Lucas and Mike Delanty strive, To give their team mates a lot of drive,

Ron Reeves burns so does Ken Turner, I’m telling you this boy is no learner,

 

Two Beers?, No – but one will do, Because we’ve got a Brewer too,

Leading goal sneak – and a star, His tally – seventy-one so far,

 

John Henderson, up and coming now, No worried furrows on his brow,

He plays it clever, he plays it hard, And gives his opponents “not a yard”.

 

The Wood’s tall timber’s not so bad, Gabbo, Weidy and the Fellows Lad,

Will make the Demons know they’ve played, And bump for bump these boys will trade.

 

Harry Sullivan, their star full back, Best since Regan (Famous Jack),

Made Johnny Dugdale look a deb, I’ll amen for Demon Athol Webb.

 

So who will win the treasured flag, I feel this pennant’s in the bag,

We’ll kill the Demons – Never fear, YES NINETEEN FIFTY EIGHT’S OUR YEAR.