by Felice Arena
But this simple training exercise became more than just a tussle between two young footballers and became a gladiator-style marking spectacle. The first kick saw Specky soaring high over the shoulders of Screamer and successfully taking a big grab. The next kick had Screamer winning out with an equally awesome mark. Neither of them was going to give in. It was a fierce battle, and the rest of the team watched them for the remainder of the challenge. They cheered and whistled every time Specky and Screamer leapt for the sky. Even Coach Pate couldn’t help smiling at the competition. The only person who didn’t seem to be enjoying the close duel was Screamer’s dad.
‘Don’t be such a wimp, boy. Go in harder!’ he shouted angrily at his son.
His face was so flushed with frustration that the veins on his neck looked like they were about to pop out of his skin.
Even in the midst of grappling with Screamer, Specky could hear Screamer’s dad yelling at Miss Pate:
‘I don’t know why you’re bothering with this. Are you doing this as a way to pick your full-forward? Because if you are, you’re wasting your time. My boy is made for that position – he proved that this weekend. That Magee kid should stay at centre half-back, he played okay there.’
‘Well, that’s your opinion, Mr Johnson, and as you’re the team manager, I’ll respectfully take that into account.’ Even though Coach Pate was speaking strongly, Specky had to listen carefully to hear her softer voice; she wasn’t shouting like Mr Johnson. ‘But, since I’m the coach, it’s ultimately up to me to decide who will play full-forward; and it might not be either of them. We should be thankful that we have two great players like Simon and Derek playing for us.’
One of the things Specky loved about junior football was that it provided an opportunity for parents and kids to spend some time together and share in the enjoyment of sport. He couldn’t help thinking that Screamer’s Dad had it all wrong – he shouldn’t be challenging the authority of the coach, like that. But it was obvious that Screamer winning was far more important to Mr Johnson than having fun and supporting his son. Specky had heard of ‘ugly parent syndrome’ before, but he had never witnessed it at Booyong High. He suspected that that was about to change.
Screamer’s father huffed and screwed up his top lip, stopping himself from saying anything else even though it was obvious he wanted to.
Robbo was the last boy in the team to kick the ball to Screamer and Specky.
‘C’mon, Screamer. See if you can mark it without having to grab my jumper,’ said Specky, trying to break free of Screamer’s hold.
‘I haven’t got ya. Ya cry-baby. This one’s mine,’ snapped Screamer while he grabbed and tugged at Specky’s T-shirt.
Robbo kicked a perfect drop punt in the direction of the jostling pair. Screamer got away first, leaving Specky some ground to make up. But Screamer had mis-timed his run. The ball had soared directly over his head and into the hands of Specky. With the ball securely pressed against his chest, Specky took a few extra steps before grinding to a halt, only centimetres away from touching Screamer’s back.
Screamer threw himself to the ground. Aware that everyone was watching him and Specky from a head-on view, he had decided to take a dive. He suddenly went into big-time acting mode, pretending that he had been pushed in the back and had been injured.
‘Arrghhh!’ he screamed, loudly.
Coach Pate, his father, and the rest of the team rushed over to his side.
‘Did you see that? Specky wasn’t even going for the ball. He pushed me straight to the ground. I think I’ve sprained my wrist.’ Screamer pretended to wince, as if he was in pain.
‘No, I didn’t. I didn’t even touch you,’ Specky said, caught off guard by Screamer’s Academy Award-winning performance.
‘From where we were, it looked as if you did – you were playing dirty, Magee,’ Mr Johnson scowled.
‘Why would I do that?’ croaked Specky, upset that he was being made to look like the bad guy. ‘Why would I push him on purpose? I don’t play that way.’
Specky glanced over at Robbo and Danny, and caught them looking disappointed. He guessed they probably thought he was guilty, since he had told them how he felt about Screamer. How can they to think that way? They’re all wrong, thought Specky, as he tried to defend his innocence.
‘Okay, okay. That’s enough of pointing the finger,’ said Coach Pate, stepping forward and helping Screamer to his feet. ‘I’m sure Simon didn’t do it on purpose and it’s unfair of us to think he did,’ she said, examining Screamer’s wrist.
‘Are you saying my kid’s a liar?’ snapped Screamer’s dad.
‘No, Mr Johnson, I’m not. I’m just saying that this shouldn’t be blown out of proportion.’
Specky was relieved that Coach Pate didn’t think he was guilty. He watched with admiration as she dealt with the situation.
She asked Screamer to slowly move his wrist in a circular motion. He was still pretending he was in a lot of pain. ‘Well, I don’t think you’ve sprained it. It looks like you may have jarred it instead,’ she said. ‘Either way, we’ll get some ice on it and strap it up. As for the rest of you, well done – you can go home. Good training! See you all on Saturday morning. Remember, the team will be posted on the board in front of the staff room on Friday afternoon.’
As the team dawdled across the school oval to make their way home, Specky looked back to catch Screamer smirking at him. He quickly whipped his head around to see if Danny or Robbo had seen it – but they hadn’t. Once again, Specky knew he would just have to let it go and act as if it hadn’t happened, which was easier to do once he was home and in front of his computer happily chatting with Christina.
CHRISkicks: Hey! Guess what?
FOOTYHEAD: What?
CHRISkicks: Dad told me that there’s gonna b this huge announcement made on Sunday night by Teddy McMahon, right after the live game on TV and again on Sensational Stuff next week!
Christina’s dad was a freelance director. He had worked on lots of Australian TV programs, and even used to work full-time for ‘Sensational Stuff’ – the biggest television footy show in the country. He still had a lot of contacts on the show, and if something was going on in the world of TV footy, Mr Perry would know about it first.
FOOTYHEAD: What announcement?
CHRISkicks: Well, Dad wasn’t giving away 2 much, but it has something 2 do with a contest for kids our age who are into footy! It’s meant 2 b unreal!
FOOTYHEAD: Kewl! I wonder what sort of contest? I bet it’s big if Teddy McMahon is going 2 announce it.
Teddy McMahon was the popular host of ‘Sensational Stuff’ and a number of television game shows. As well as being the host of a TV show, Teddy was also a footy commentator, a radio announcer, motivational speaker, father, and president of a meat pie company. He was one of the busiest and most loved celebrities in the country.
CHRISkicks: We just have 2 wait and see. By the way, don’t forget this Sunday at midday at your school oval!
FOOTYHEAD: What?
CHRISkicks: The footy match I challenged u 2. My friends, Emily, Sophie, and Chloe r all ready 2 take u and your mates, on. Dad’s going 2 drop us off and pick us up again. I told him we’re just getting together 2 have a kick-to-kick. Anyway, gotta go. Mum’s calling me! Cya!
Specky had totally forgotten about Christina’s challenge.
‘She doesn’t have to prove anything to me – I know she’s a great footy player,’ he thought.
The following day, Specky told his friends about the match. Danny was quick to say that he didn’t want to play against girls, but changed his mind when Specky promised to buy him anything he wanted from the school canteen.
Friday afternoon finally rolled around, and Specky couldn’t wait to check out the team list posted in front of the staff room.
‘Unreal,’ Specky said to himself, relieved to see that he had been chosen as full-forward and that Screamer was at centre half-back.
He decided to keep moving be
fore his friends and Screamer turned up. He felt it was best not be seen gloating over Coach Pate’s choice, even though it would be great to see Screamer’s reaction.
As Specky approached the school crossing on his way home, he bumped into the Year Seven girl Screamer had helped earlier in the week.
‘How’s your knee?’ asked Specky. ‘You gotta watch out, running on that asphalt between B and C wing – it’s deadly. There are loose pebbles all over the place; I fell over once.’
The girl looked at Specky blankly and shook her head.
‘I didn’t trip,’ she said, pouting.
‘What?’ asked Specky, confused.
‘I said, I didn’t trip over by myself. That kid who took me to sick bay did it. I hate him – he’s a bully!’
8. all weekend footy
Specky was desperate to tell Robbo and Danny that Screamer had tripped the Year Seven girl on purpose. But he knew that they wouldn’t believe him and would want some sort of proof. In fact, Specky had begged the girl to tell her story to his friends, but she wouldn’t, in fear that Screamer would find out and pick on her.
‘Simon, could you come here, please?’ asked Coach Pate.
Specky was seated next to Robbo and Danny in the changing rooms, tying up his boot laces. He couldn’t wait to play at full-forward again, that morning. He clip-clopped over to Coach Pate.
‘Simon,’ she said, in a serious tone. ‘How do you feel about playing centre half-back again for a while?’
Specky was horrified. ‘What? Why? I thought I was playing full-forward?’ he protested.
‘Let me finish,’ said the coach, firmly. ‘I’m going to play you at centre half-back for the first half and Derek at full-forward, then swap you both for the second half.’
Specky was disappointed by Coach Pate’s sudden change of tactics, but he was grateful that he would at least be able to play in his favourite position for part of the game.
He also knew, deep down, that he would be a much better football player and a more valuable team-mate, if he was able to play in the back line, as well as on the forward line, and even on the ball. James Hird was one of Specky’s favourite players, and he loved the way that Hird could play at full-forward, center half-forward, go into the centre, or play in the back line if he was needed. This unexpected change by the coach was a perfect opportunity for Specky to show that he could be a versatile team player.
But as Coach Pate turned to talk to some of the other boys in the team, Specky suddenly called her back.
‘Something else?’ she asked.
‘Yeah, there is,’ nodded Specky, still feeling a little nervous in her presence.
Coach Pappas had always said that they should come to him and discuss any questions or problems they may have had. He had taught them that communication between players and coaches was very important – a quick chat could often sort out any confusion that a player might have about his role within the team, and make him a more effective and valuable team member.
‘Why?’ Specky asked. ‘What made you change your mind between training and now?’
Coach Pate took a deep breath, as if she were a bit surprised by Specky’s honest and direct question.
‘It’s my prerogative as a coach, Simon. We’re constantly changing our minds. You boys are so evenly matched. I think it’s best for the team if we move you around a bit. I’m sorry if this makes you uncomfortable – but I’m glad you came and talked to me about it.’
Specky screwed up his face.
It wasn’t the answer he was looking for. Specky had suspected that Coach Pate had removed him from full-forward and replaced him with Screamer because she was beginning to feel the pressure from some ‘strong’ personalities around the club.
But he realised he should have given her more credit than that. She couldn’t have coached teams to four premierships if she allowed herself to be influenced by other people. Specky glanced over, across the changing rooms, and caught Screamer’s dad glaring at him and Coach Pate. Not even from someone like Mr Johnson, he thought.
Several minutes later, Specky and his team made their way out onto their opposition’s oval. They were ready and raring to play footy and by the end of the game, Specky was Best on Ground. Surprisingly, he had won most of his possessions while playing at centre half-back. And when he was back in his favourite position, full-forward, he kicked three goals and took a couple of his famous speckies. Screamer had played a solid game, but it was nothing like the outstanding performance he had given the previous week.
The next day, Specky, Danny, Robbo and the Bombay Bullet made their way to Booyong High’s oval.
‘When do you think Coach Pate will get us to vote for team captain?’ Danny asked, making conversation along the way.
‘Why? You reckon you’re in with a chance this season?’ asked Robbo, winking at Specky and Sanjay. Robbo had been the Lions captain for the past two years.
‘Nah! I was just wondering,’ shrugged Danny. ‘You’ll probably be captain and Specky will be vice captain, again.’
Even though Specky had thought about the captaincy a lot lately, he didn’t say anything. He hoped that this season might be the year he got to skipper the Lions, but he kept his feelings to himself. Robbo was his mate and had done a good job, and he felt a little guilty about his secret ambition. Just then, he caught sight of Christina, and felt his heart skip a beat.
‘So, you guys ready for a lesson in losing? We thought you weren’t coming,’ teased Christina and her friends, who were waiting for them.
‘Yeah, you wish,’ chortled Specky, as he and his mates approached them.
The boys and the girls sized each other up, face to face. After introductions were made, Christina took charge.
‘Right, let’s get stuck into it, then,’ she said, enthusiastically. ‘We’ll only use half the ground. We’ll kick towards the same goals. Once a goal is kicked, the team who scores holds possession of the ball and has to run back to the centre and start again. It will be like ‘keeping off’ but with footy rules. And we’ll start with the ball.’
Before Specky and his friends had time for the instructions to sink in, Christina had raced off with the footy. She took several bounces before the boys realised they had better hurry and chase her. Specky was the first to reach Christina – he was only a fingertip away from tackling her.
Caught up in a rush of competitiveness and an uncontrollable desire to impress her, Specky grabbed the ball out of Christina’s hand and sprinted for the big sticks – he took at least six bounces before going on to kick the first goal.
Throwing his hands up and cheering, Specky turned around and realised that no one else was celebrating – no one else was anywhere near him. In fact, the others had suddenly stopped playing; they were all gathered around Christina, who was flat out on the ground.
‘Why did you have to bowl her over like that?’ said Christina’s best friend, Emily, upset by the way Specky had tackled Christina.
‘I didn’t think I went in that hard. I didn’t even realise she had fallen over. One minute she had the ball, the next I did,’ rambled Specky, feeling absolutely terrible.
‘Are you okay, Christina?’ he added, looking on, concerned for his friend.
Christina stumbled back up onto her feet. She had grazed her cheek, and it was bleeding a little.
‘I’m so sorry,’ continued Specky. ‘I really didn’t mean …’
‘It’s all right,’ mumbled Christina. ‘I’m okay. I’m glad you didn’t hold back and didn’t take it easy on us just because we’re girls.’
Specky let out a sigh of relief as Christina wiped away a couple of tears, smiled, and then gave him a friendly punch in the shoulder. But he wasn’t off the hook quite yet. As if he didn’t already feel like a jerk, things suddenly got a lot worse for Specky.
‘Hey, look,’ said Danny. ‘It’s Screamer.’
Specky couldn’t believe it. There was Screamer trudging across the oval towards them. As he drew
closer, he said a friendly ‘Hi’ to everyone and walked right up to Christina.
‘Are you okay? Here, you can have this,’ he offered, as he handed her a clean handkerchief.
‘Thanks,’ said Christina. She seemed impressed by Screamer’s thoughtfulness.
‘That’s okay,’ Screamer replied. ‘Watching you hit the ground was like watching my hero, Stephen Silvagni, getting flattened by a Geelong player, a few years back.’
‘Are you a Carlton supporter?’ asked Christina, who had now totally forgotten about her cut and seemed to be taken by Screamer’s charm.
‘Yeah, I am.’
‘So am I,’ Christina gushed.
Specky rolled his eyes.
‘Do you wanna play with us? You can be on our team if you want,’ she added.
Specky thought he felt his heart skip a beat.
‘What?’ he protested. ‘I thought you wanted this to be strictly a boys-versus-girls match?’
‘Awwrrh, is Magee worried about losing? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to take it easy on you – try not to tackle you too hard. Or maybe I should – the way you tackled, sorry what’s your name …’
‘Christina.’
‘Nice name.’
‘Thanks.’ Christina blushed.
Once again, Specky rolled his eyes, but, before he had a chance to argue, the game was under way. It wasn’t long before Screamer was showing off all his football skills – noticeably impressing Christina and her friends with his brilliant marking, kicking and tackling. Specky couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so jealous.
‘I don’t believe this,’ he whispered to himself. ‘I just don’t believe it!’
Later that day, sprawled out on the couch in front of the TV, Specky was pleased to be at home. He was glad that he didn’t have to think about anyone or anything, especially Screamer. He was finally free just to relax and watch the final dramatic minutes of a Fremantle versus Richmond game. With scores dead level, the ‘Wizard’, Jeff Farmer, had taken a sensational mark for the Fremantle Dockers, directly in front of goals just as the final siren sounded. He went on to kick a goal, snatching victory from the Tigers. Specky smiled and wondered if the Bombay Bullet was watching. The Wizard was his favourite player and Sanjay modelled his post-goal celebrations on the Freo champion’s.