Specky Magee and the Best of Oz

by Felice Arena

  Puffin Books

  By the bestselling authors of

  Specky Magee

  Specky Magee and the Great Footy Contest

  Specky Magee and the Season of Champions

  Specky Magee and the Boots of Glory

  Specky Magee and the Legend in the Making

  Specky Magee and the Spirit of the Game

  and

  Specky Magee and the Battle of the Young Guns

  www.speckymagee.com.au

  Felice Arena & Garry Lyon

  Puffin Books

  Contents

  prologue

  1. footy farewell

  2. your call!

  3. team-mates, check! passports, check!

  4. up in the air

  5. press call

  6. st augustine’s

  7. steam

  8. your irish family

  9. the o’learys

  10. raw nerve

  11. australia calling

  12. irish jig

  13. hurling

  14. reunited

  15. test one

  16. lunacy

  17. the road to galway

  18. ballyglenn

  19. what the …?

  20. grub

  21. underdogs

  22. cya!

  23. home

  prologue

  Specky zipped up his suitcase and propped it against his bedroom wall. He had a few minutes to spare. He shoved his passport in his pocket, sat in front of his computer and typed International Rules Football Ireland v Australia into YouTube. A score of clips appeared on screen. Specky clicked on one and turned up the volume.

  ‘And both teams are amongst the goals tonight …’ blared the commentary from the computer speakers. ‘But it’s now the Irish who have possession. Donaghy drives the ball out on the wing … the Irish skills have really dominated this game. Donaghy taps and dribbles the round ball like Ronaldo, yet he can scoop it up and kick like Lenny Hayes. Look at the Irish champ go!’

  Woah, Specky thought. He’s flying! The ball looks like it’s attached to his boots. His control is awesome! How does he do that? The Aussies are all AFL guns, but even they look like they’re not one hundred percent confident with the round ball.

  ‘Donaghy sidesteps Brown – he twists and turns – he loops over to McCeevay. McCeevay back to Donaghy – and Ireland have set up beautifully to score! But here comes the Aussie backline. Donaghy better get rid of it quick. Smith charges … as does Harvey … but there’s no stopping the Irish boys’ lightningquick skills. The Aussie goalie, Fletcher, rushes out … Donaghy is clear! He’s clear! Dustin Fletcher dives towards him! Donaghy slams the ball into the back of the net, and the Irish fans go beserk …’

  ‘Hey, are you all packed?’

  Specky clicked pause and turned to his dad. He nodded. ‘Yep!’

  ‘Good. Mum’s just feeding Jack, then we’ll be on our way,’ said Mr Magee. ‘What are you doing? Watching more Irish football?’

  Specky nodded again.

  ‘You look worried,’ said Mr Magee. ‘You’ve been practising for four weeks. I know it’s not what you’re used to playing, but you’ve got a good understanding of the game, don’t you?’

  ‘Yeah,’ said Specky. ‘I think I do.’

  ‘Of course you do! You’ll be fine.’ Mr Magee smiled and clapped Specky on the shoulder. He grabbed the suitcase and wheeled it out the door.

  ‘I hope I do.’ Specky sighed heavily. ‘I really hope I do.’

  1. footy farewell

  ‘Oh, Simon, you look so grown-up in your Australian blazer,’ Specky’s mum gushed as she wrapped her arms around him.

  Specky wriggled out of his mother’s grasp. She had been crying and hugging him ever since they’d left the house.

  ‘Mum, I’ll only be away for a couple of weeks,’ he replied, handing his mother the hanky she had packed in his hand luggage. ‘You’re acting like I’m leaving for a couple of years.’

  Standing at the departure gate, all decked out in his Australian team uniform, Specky was filled with a mix of nerves and excitement. In just over two hours he would board a flight bound for Dublin, Ireland, along with twenty-four of Australia’s best Aussie Rules young guns. Specky had been living for this moment ever since he’d been selected in the Under 15s All-Australian team, and they’d been training constantly so they would be fighting fit for the International Rules series against Ireland.

  ‘Don’t forget the list I gave you, wonder boy,’ ordered his sister, Alice. ‘I want the Chanel perfume from Duty Free, but if you can’t get that then I’ll take the Gucci. Got it?’

  ‘No way,’ said Specky, rolling his eyes. ‘If you’re lucky, you might get a four-leaf-clover t-shirt.’

  ‘Seriously – drop the ’tude!’ Alice snapped. ‘I’m in the middle of my exams. I should be home studying right now, not farewelling the mighty warrior as he attempts to invade and conquer Ireland.’

  ‘Whatever,’ shrugged Specky. ‘No one forced you to come.’

  ‘Yeah, right! You know Mum and Dad made me. The very least you can do is bring me back something decent. And just one more thing …’

  Alice leaned in and, before Specky could figure out what was going on, she hugged him tightly. ‘Good luck. I’m proud of you, squirt,’ she said.

  Specky was caught off guard. ‘Okay, where’s my sister? You’re an imposter!’ he joked.

  Alice just smiled.

  ‘We’re off to get some coffee, Si,’ said Mr Magee, lifting Specky’s baby brother, Jack, out of the pram. ‘We’ll be back in a sec.’

  ‘And there he is, folks, looking resplendent in his Australian blazer with the coat of arms proudly displayed for everyone to see.’

  Specky grinned. He knew that distinctive voice immediately. It was his friend Gobba. And alongside him were Specky’s best mates, Danny and Robbo.

  ‘Yes, Simon “Specky” Magee, the megastar from Camberwell is about to embark on a footballing journey to the other side of the world. What a moment for this impressive young lad, and what a moment for the loyal and supportive friends who’ve been with him every step of the way. I don’t think it’s too much of an exaggeration to suggest that he wouldn’t have got this far without the guidance of Josh Roberts, Danny Castellino and myself, the one and only, legendary commentator-in-the-making, Ben “Gobba” Higgins.’

  ‘What are you doing out here?’ said Specky. ‘I’ve already said goodbye to you guys, like a hundred times.’

  ‘Yeah, we love you too, legend,’ said Robbo sarcastically.

  ‘Nice!’ added Danny. ‘We drag ourselves across town, catch a tram, a train and a bus across the city just to show our support for a mate, and this is the welcome we get? Is that how you’re going to welcome her too?’

  Danny pointed. Specky looked up to see Samatha Shepherd, who they called ‘Tiger Girl’ because of her obsessive love of the Richmond Tigers. She was winding her way through the crowd in the terminal.

  Robbo started laughing.

  ‘What’s so funny?’ asked Specky.

  ‘Look who else came to see you off,’ Robbo snorted, and he pointed in the other direction.

  Specky turned to see his ex-girlfriend, Christina Perry, smiling and waving. He gulped.

  ‘Well, welcome back, viewers.’ Gobba kicked into his best commentary voice. ‘If you’ve just joined us, let me bring you up to speed. After footy superstar Specky Magee was selected for the All-Australian team he expressed his admiration and love for Tiger Girl, only to discover later that his old flame, Christina, was moving back to Melbourne from Sydney. Talk about throwing a spanner in the works! For the past month Magee has been a massiv
e wimp and avoided the problem. So stay tuned because this is going to be hotter than Mr Castellino’s garden of flaming chilli peppers.’

  Danny and Robbo looked like they were going to die laughing.

  Specky looked around, hoping that his All-Australian team-mates were busy checking in and wouldn’t notice him.

  ‘You’re full it, Gobba!’ he said, struggling for a comeback. He knew Gobba was right. He liked both girls. So he’d just avoided them and focussed on his footy.

  ‘Hey, you peanuts,’ huffed Tiger Girl, slapping Danny on the shoulder. ‘Thanks for the invite to tag along with you guys. Not!’

  ‘You weren’t home,’ said Robbo with a grin. ‘We called, but your mum said you were out shopping.’

  ‘Well, I was,’ said Tiger Girl, handing Specky a soft-toy AFL tiger. ‘Here, Speck, I bought you this to remind you of home. And by home, I mean me,’ she added with a smile. ‘I was going to get you a koala or a kangaroo, but that would’ve been tacky as!’

  ‘Hi!’ Christina said brightly, brushing past Tiger Girl and giving Specky a hug. ‘This is for you. A little reminder of all of us thinking about you back here in Oz …’

  Christina handed Specky a soft-toy kangaroo. Specky caught Tiger Girl giving Christina an evil look.

  ‘Yep. As I said, folks, this footy farewell is gonna get hot, hot, hot!’ said Gobba. ‘So don’t flip that channel, ’cause we’ll be back right after this break!’

  2. your call!

  Specky held a soft toy in each hand. He shifted nervously from foot to foot, not sure what to say to either Christina or Tiger Girl. He looked to his mates to help him out of the awkward situation, but they actually seemed to be enjoying the tension in the air.

  ‘Can I talk to you – privately?’ asked Tiger Girl, nudging past Christina and pulling Specky aside.

  ‘Look. I have to say what’s on my mind,’ she said, when they were out of earshot. ‘Or I’ll just dwell on it while you’re away. Lately, for some reason, you’ve totally backed off.’

  Specky stuttered something about training and footy, but she interrupted him.

  ‘Yeah, yeah, I know you’ve had to focus on this trip, but it doesn’t take a genius to work out that the reason you’ve cooled things off with me is what’s-her-name over there. If you really like me, Magee, you better let me know soon. Think about it while you’re over there crushing those Irish dudes. But I want an answer when you get back. You at least owe me that.’

  Specky was lost for words. And as soon as they rejoined the others, Christina pulled him aside.

  ‘Look. This is probably not the time or the place to tell you this,’ she said. ‘But I kind of thought that when I returned to Melbourne things would go back to being what they used to be between you and me. But it hasn’t been the same. And I miss that, Speck. I’ve never stopped thinking of you, but if there’s someone else …’ Christina glanced over at Tiger Girl. ‘Then you have to be straight with me. So, um, think about it in Ireland … and good luck in the big games.’

  ‘Thanks, Christina,’ said Specky, feeling embarrassed.

  Talk about seriously intense, he thought. Man, I didn’t see that coming! Where are my folks? I’ve gotta get out of here.

  ‘Hey, Speck. I’ve got something to ask you, too.’ Finally Danny had decided to help him escape.

  ‘I can probably guess what it’s about,’ said Specky, giving Danny a grateful look. ‘I can read you like a book, Castellino!’

  ‘Fine,’ laughed Danny. ‘Then what’s the answer? Are you going to accept the invitation from Manchester United? It’s friggin’ killing me! Read my lips: MAN-CHES-TER U-NI-TED. This is the opportunity of a lifetime … You gotta at least try out.’

  Manchester United’s ‘Youth Excellence Programme’ had sent talent scouts to Australia to look at candidates from other football codes, and they had been impressed with Specky’s athleticism, speed, explosive power, and his ability to ‘catch the oval ball’ so cleanly. Amidst all the excitement of winning the Grand Final medal for Best on Ground and being named in the All-Australian team, Specky had also been offered a crazy opportunity to train for the most famous soccer team in the world. He still couldn’t get his head around it, but Danny was a huge soccer fan and he couldn’t believe Specky hadn’t said yes already.

  ‘That talent scout said you’ve got a chance at being a professional goalkeeper,’ Danny added. ‘Do you know how much they earn? They’re superstars!’

  ‘Danny’s right, Speck,’ said Robbo. ‘I love my footy as much as anyone, but I reckon I’d take it.’

  ‘Yeah, I know, I get it,’ sighed Specky. ‘But I’ve got a week after I get back to give Man U an answer. So, Danny, you’ll be the first to know when I decide, all right?’

  ‘Yeah, yeah,’ said Danny, obviously disappointed.

  ‘Rightio, you young uns, time to say goodbye. I don’t want this grandson of mine missing the flamin’ plane after all the hard work it took to get here.’

  ‘G’day, Mr … um … Grandpa … um … Grandpa Mr Magee,’ stuttered Gobba.

  ‘Not like you to get stuck for words, son,’ laughed Specky’s grandfather. ‘I’ve heard you commentating everything from Specky’s games to two mothers pushing their prams down the road. Just call me Grandpa Ken, like everyone else. Now let me say goodbye to the champ here.’

  Grandpa Ken gave Specky a big hug. ‘You know how proud I am, kid – you go get ’em and make our country proud. Love ya! Stay safe!’

  ‘I will, Grandpa, I will.’

  ‘Simon!’ called one of the team’s coaches. ‘It’s time!’

  Specky’s family wandered back to say a final farewell.

  ‘Don’t forget to Skype,’ said Alice.

  ‘What the flaming heck is Skype?’ bellowed Grandpa Ken. ‘Just let the kid go!’

  After a final hug from his folks and a gurgle from little Jack, Specky joined his team-mates at the door to customs. He turned once more and waved.

  ‘Go Australia!’ everyone cheered. ‘Go Specky!’

  3. team-mates, check! passports, check!

  ‘Rightio, boys! Just wait for the others to join us,’ cried out Specky’s team manager, Bobby Stockdale. ‘We’ll head to the gate as a group, so hold on until the last few come through customs.’

  ‘Can you believe we’re actually going halfway around the world?’ asked Dicky Atkins, one of Specky’s closest mates on the team.

  ‘It’s unreal,’ replied Specky, grinning. ‘Although I’m pretty relieved the goodbyes are all over and done with.’

  ‘I wouldn’t have been in such a hurry to say goodbye to those two hotties, Speck,’ smirked Skull, flopping his arm around Specky’s neck.

  Lenny Morgan was known to Specky and his team-mates as ‘Skull’ because he shaved his head before every game.

  ‘Give him a break, Skull,’ said Brian Edwards, another of Specky’s close friends in the team. ‘He was ducking and weaving like Gary Ablett on Grand Final day when his ex arrived on the scene. Talk about daggers flying between those two chicks.’

  Specky was sure his face had gone bright red. So much for hoping no one would notice! He shugged, trying his best not to look concerned. ‘TG and Christina are just good mates. We’re all just good friends, that’s it.’

  ‘Yeah, right!’ snorted Skull.

  ‘Magee, you’re not going to give me any trouble over in Ireland, are ya?’

  All of the boys stopped talking as their coach, Jay ‘Grub’ Gordan, waddled over with the rest of the team. Grub was the most revered junior AFL coach in Australia. He had coached the Victorian team in the junior carnival and had been unanimously appointed to take charge of the national side as well.

  Specky, Brian, Dicky and Skull had all played under Grub and understood his gruff manner as well as the high standards he demanded. He could be harsh in his criticism, and praise was delivered only sparingly. Specky had enormous respect for Grub, and knew that no one had had a bigger influence on his career in such a short
span of time.

  ‘Um, err, no way, Grub,’ Specky stuttered, even more embarrassed that Grub had heard the boys ribbing him.

  The entire team fell silent. They were never really sure what Grub was thinking and where he would go with something.

  ‘I don’t want mobs of young Irish girls hangin’ around our hotel all day, trying to get a glimpse of the young Aussie who thinks he’s a heartthrob or the next Elvis or something.’

  ‘The next who ?’ asked Skull.

  ‘Speck is a heart-throb! Oooh, Elvis, I love you, Elvis,’ stirred Dicky, pretending to be a lovesick female fan.

  Dicky was the only one of them who dared to joke around with Grub. He got along with everyone and was the real heart of the team – always roaring encouragement from the field or the bench and making everyone feel better when things went badly. He looked much older than he was – Specky and his team-mates called him the man-boy and he already had hair on his chest – but he was really just a big kid. Dicky could even make Grub laugh with his clowning around. But this time Grub just looked at him sternly.

  ‘Don’t you start, Atkins!’ he barked. ‘How about we stop with the muckin’ about and check you’ve got your passport, money and documents. That goes for all of you!’

  Dicky immediately did as he was told. As he patted his pockets, a troubled look appeared on his face and he dived for his backpack.

  ‘Atkins? What’s the problem?’ asked Grub. ‘You do have your passport on you, don’t ya?’

  ‘Yeah, I do, I mean, I thought I did,’ stammered Dicky, now rummaging around in his bag, a little more frantic with every passing second. ‘I know it’s here somewhere.’

  Dicky spilled the entire contents of his backpack out on the floor, right in front of a line of passengers making their way to the gates.

  ‘My mum said this would happen to me,’ he said, as books, pens, magazines, packets of lollies and a Nintendo DS machine went flying everywhere. ‘I had it ten minutes ago – I just showed it to that customs dude.’