The Dancing Footballers

 

 

The Half-Back Flankers

 

We strive to run the lines until the opposition breaks.
Imagination is the name we give to our mistakes.

 

 

 

Cyril

 

He sharks it from the centre bounce–
a calculated theft–
and with the step of Fred Astaire
he swings onto his left.

 

 

 

The Interceptor

 

McGovern soars above the pack
and thwarts another Pies attack.

 

 

 

Swoop

 

Matera scoops the Sherrin off the turf
like the eagle scoops the herring from the surf.

 

 

 

Dasher

 

He works his way into the clear
with football in his palms,
and as he tears across the wing,
he tucks it under arm.

 

 

About Damian Balassone

Damian Balassone is a failed half-forward flanker who writes poetry. He is the author of 'Strange Game in a Strange Land'.

Comments

  1. Andrew Starkie says

    damo, write one about K Greig.

  2. Andrew Starkie says

    Nice. M Brady?

  3. That’s correct Andrew. Mike Brady indeed. It’s from an album released in 1981 called ‘Songs of Football’s Greatest Sons’ just after his ‘Up There Cazaly’ and ‘One Day in September’ hits. Brady is a great tunesmith. There’s some cracking songs that were very popular at the time (and still get a run every now and then):

    Bobby Skilton was his name /
    Bobby Dazzler was his game

    Hudson number 26 /
    150 through the sticks

    Barassi you’re the captain of the hall of fame /
    Barassi you’re the captain of our great Australian game

    As well as songs about Greig, Baldock, Nicholls, Coleman, Murray, EJ, Polly Farmer, Lou, Captain Blood and even Peter Moore (The All Bionic Footballer). I should post up a link.

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