Specky Magee and the Spirit of the Game

by Felice Arena

  Specky and the boys roared their approval and started to chant, ‘Bear! Bear! Bear!’

  Bear was in his element. He loved being the centre of attention, and he was strong and powerful. He easily did thirty push-ups and then did the last ten one-handed. The boys cracked up laughing, and even Grub had a bit of a chuckle.

  ‘Okay, to finish off we’re going to do some tackling, shepherding and smothering work,’ Grub announced. ‘We’ve got good ball skills – I’ve just seen them on display. But what will win us the National Title is our ability to do the little things – look after our mates by putting in a shepherd, getting in a smother and laying tackles. So head over to those cones over there and Bobby Stockdale will explain what we’re doing.’

  Bobby was Grub’s trusty assistant coach.

  ‘I want you to split up into groups of four,’ Bobby ordered. ‘Each group will work within one of the squares that have been marked out by the cones. Now, this is gut-busting work. You will work for forty-five seconds at a time, with one player resting. First off – shepherding. One player will have the ball, one player will shepherd, and the other has to try and get to the bloke with the footy. When I blow the whistle, you rotate positions, with one of you having a rest. Now get organised.’

  Specky and Brian headed over to one of the squares, which was about ten by ten metres in size. Spiro Molopolous joined them, along with Bear. Spiro, as always, took charge.

  ‘You have the ball, Specky. I’ll shepherd. And, Edo, you try and tackle.’

  The whistle blew and the drill began.

  Specky knew that the key thing to remember with a drill like this one was for the player with the ball to keep the shepherder – in this case, Spiro – between himself and the person trying to tackle him.

  It was a pretty easy forty-five seconds for Specky. No matter how hard Brian tried, he couldn’t work his way around Spiro’s big frame. Brian was exhausted.

  ‘No one gets around me,’ roared Spiro.

  The next time, Brian rested. Spiro held the ball, Bear became the shepherder, and Specky the tackler. The whistle blew and Specky charged at Spiro. Bear was able to get his body in the way, but Specky, with a size advantage, pushed through.

  He had Spiro in his sights and, keeping his head low, charged at his hips. He tried to wrap his arms around him, but the big ruckman put out one of his huge hands, fended him off and darted over to the other side of the square.

  Specky picked himself up and went at it again. Bear was able to block him this time and he fell to the ground. As he stood up, struggling for air, he heard Grub bellowing at him.

  ‘Geez, Magee! First you get around Gleeson and have a free shot at Molopolous and he brushes you aside like a mosquito, then you have another go, and this little pipsqueak rover sits you on your bum! You better find some muscles in a hurry, buddy.’

  The whistle blew and the boys rotated positions once again. This went on for fifteen minutes. The drills changed quickly. After the shepherding, it was tackling.

  One player had to lay as many tackles as he could on the other two, inside the square, in forty-five seconds. It was continual, repeated effort and Specky found it exhausting.

  Elbows would connect accidentally with cheek bones, a stray knee would make contact with an unprotected thigh and there was only fifteen seconds to recover before you went again.

  The last five minutes were devoted to smothering the ball off the boot, and, to Specky’s relief, it was more about technique than physical exertion.

  When the session was over, Specky made his way slowly into the change rooms. He was deep in thought, replaying Grub’s comments over and over.

  Am I too weak to play in the AFL? he wondered.

  As he changed into his tracksuit, ready to go home, Grub stuck his head out of the office and called him over.

  ‘Don’t go getting the sulks on me, son. You’re a beautiful mark of the footy, you kick the ball nicely, you read the play well and you train hard,’ he said warmly. ‘That’s all good. But you’re also pretty skinny and you haven’t got great strength. You can’t have it all. Well, not yet, anyway. Tackling and shepherding and other things that don’t come naturally you’ll have to work on. The guys you play against aren’t going to get any smaller, so we need to start thinking about a strengthening program for you. Apart from that, you’re going all right. Now get home and do your homework.’

  With that, Grub went back into his office, and Specky felt a whole lot better.

  ∗∗∗

  ‘What did Grub want, Speck?’ asked Brian as they walked outside.

  ‘Oh, he was just telling me I’ve got to get stronger and improve my tackling.’

  ‘Maybe we better get you up to Rivergum, carting some hay with Matt Connelly. It seems to have done the job for him. Besides,’ Brian continued, ‘you’re not the only one who needs to get stronger. I couldn’t budge Spiro in that shepherding drill. I might have to get a look at his birth certificate, I think. I swear he’s at least twenty.’

  Specky laughed – he appreciated Brian’s support. As they reached the car park, Specky and Brian were surprised to see Tiger Girl and Monique waiting for them.

  ‘Nice tackling, boys!’ said Tiger Girl.

  ‘Very impressive,’ added Monique.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ asked Specky.

  ‘Aren’t we allowed to watch the AFL champions of tomorrow?’ smiled Tiger Girl.

  ‘Yeah, it’s a free country, I s’pose,’ he replied, laughing. ‘So how did you get here?’

  Tiger Girl said that her mum’s boyfriend had brought them. He was waiting in the car, using the time to make a few phone calls. ‘We’re going to get Mum now and go to a restaurant for dinner,’ she added.

  ‘Oh, right,’ said Specky. He could see his dad driving in to pick him and Brian up. He sensed that Tiger Girl was definitely not telling them something – both girls were just standing there, gawking at them.

  ‘Anyway,’ Specky said, ‘we better get going. See ya at school tomorrow.’

  ‘Oh, okay,’ said Tiger Girl, looking disappointed. ‘We heard that Alice is having a birthday party Friday night, so I texted her while you guys were training and she said we could come. Is that okay with you?’

  ‘Um… yeah. I s’pose so. Great,’ said Specky, wondering how many others had already heard about Alice’s ‘secret’ big night.

  ‘Cool! We’ll be able to talk more about what I told you this afternoon.’

  Tiger Girl exchanged a brief look with Monique and then winked at Specky.

  ‘What was all that about?’ Brian asked once the girls were out of earshot.

  ‘Monique likes me.’

  ‘She does? How do you know?’

  ‘TG told me. Well, she didn’t exactly tell me, but she dropped a lot of hints,’ said Specky, waving to his dad.

  Mr Magee was patiently waiting for them in the car.

  ‘So do you have the hots for her or what?’ asked Brian. ‘What about Christina?’

  ‘Nah, Christina’s still the one.’

  ‘So you’ll have to let her down somehow.’

  ‘Yeah, I s’pose I’ll have to,’ replied Specky, regretting the awkward situation he’d found himself in. ‘Maybe I can tell her at the party or just get TG to tell her. Something like, “Thanks, but he’s already taken.”’

  Brian just shrugged and jumped in the car.

  Yep, Specky thought. Alice’s party is going to be an interesting night, that’s for sure.

  ‘Okay, have we got everything?’ asked Specky’s dad, stepping back into the hallway.

  It was early Friday evening and Specky’s parents were about to leave for their weekend getaway.

  ‘Just one more bag,’ said Mrs Magee, coming down the stairs. ‘Simon, can you get it for me? And tell Brian we’re ready.’

  Specky grabbed his mother’s luggage and stuck his head into the study.

  ‘My olds are about to leave,’ he said.

  ‘Yeah, I heard,
’ muttered Brian, shoving a few last items into his bag.

  ‘What’s up?’ asked Specky, noticing the look on his mate’s face.

  ‘I just talked to my dad. It’s the same old problem – Ernie’s really struggling to find numbers again this week. A couple of regular players have come down with the flu and, as usual, some of ’em are too flat out with their farms. Looks like it’s gonna be another forfeit.’

  ‘Bummer.’

  ‘Yeah, you can say that again,’ sighed Brian. ‘Maybe Coach Sharkey’s right? How can we expect to play a showdown against his team when we can’t even get a full side each week? It sucks.’

  It was the first time Specky had heard Brian sound so down.

  ‘Look, you’ve still got a week,’ said Specky, trying to put a positive spin on it. ‘Why don’t you call up the Dawson brothers and whoever else you can think of and beg them to play. Tell ’em you’ve only got three weeks to live or something, and you want to see a full side play just one more time.’

  Brian laughed. ‘Yeah right.’

  ‘Simon! Brian!’ Mrs Magee’s voice echoed from downstairs.

  ‘We’re coming,’ shouted Specky. ‘Look, don’t give up. Anything could happen.’

  ‘Yeah, I s’pose.’

  ‘Hey, if you think it’s another forfeit tomorrow, why don’t you stay here this weekend? You’re missing out on Alice’s party tonight.’

  ‘Nah, I better go – help Ernie try and find whoever we can.’

  ∗∗∗

  ‘Okay, are you sure you have all our contact numbers?’

  Specky and Brian joined Mr and Mrs Magee – and Alice – at the front door. Specky’s mum was going through the final run down of instructions.

  ‘And please don’t stay up all night watching TV or playing computer games.’

  ‘Okay, okay,’ said Alice. ‘Don’t worry about us – just go.’

  ‘And, if you’re going to use the stove, try to –’

  ‘Mum!’ snapped Alice. ‘We’ll be okay. Now go!’

  ‘Yes, good idea. Or it’ll be really late by the time we get there,’ said Mr Magee. ‘Now give us a hug.’

  As Specky and his sister embraced their parents, the phone rang. The answering machine clicked on:

  ‘Hey, Speck! It’s me. It’s Danny. Are you there? Oh, well, I just wanted to check about tonight. What time does it kick off again? It’s gonna be huge. It’s my big chance with Monique and –’

  Alice’s face dropped. Specky rushed over to the phone and quickly grabbed the handset.

  ‘Yep, it’s me. We’re just saying goodbye to my folks. Yeah. Yeah. See ya.’

  ‘What was all that about?’ asked Mr Magee.

  Specky couldn’t remember the last time his sister had looked so desperate. Her eyes were begging him not to say anything.

  ‘Um… he just wanted to know what time the footy starts,’ he said.

  ‘Well, hasn’t he heard of a TV guide?’ said Mr Magee. ‘Okay, let’s go.’

  But Mrs Magee wasn’t so easily convinced.

  ‘Why is the footy his big chance with Monique?’ she asked. ‘Who is Monique anyway?’

  ‘Mum, look what time it is,’ Alice reminded her nervously. ‘You’re never gonna get there if you don’t leave now. Isn’t that right, Brian?’

  Brian nodded.

  Mr Magee was already halfway out the door. ‘Let’s go then. Bye, kids!’

  ‘Bye, Dad. Bye, Mum.’

  ‘Go, Redfins!’ Specky called out after Brian.

  In a moment Specky’s dad had reversed out of the driveway and they were gone.

  ‘Phew! That was close,’ said Alice. ‘I’m going to kill Danny. I owe you big-time.’

  ‘Yeah, you do,’ replied Specky, wishing he hadn’t lied to his parents. ‘That’s as good a shepherd as you’ll ever see, Alice.’

  ‘Whatever,’ she exclaimed. ‘I’ve got a party to put on.’

  The first guests to arrive at Alice’s birthday celebration were Specky’s friends. Danny, Robbo and Gobba had invited themselves along – mainly because they knew Monique would be there.

  ‘What’s that smell?’ asked Specky.

  ‘It’s Castellino,’ said Robbo, shaking his head. ‘It’s foul, isn’t it?’

  ‘It’s not foul,’ snapped Danny. ‘It’s manly.’

  Specky took a step closer and had another sniff.

  ‘Is that perfume?’ he asked.

  ‘Not perfume – cologne. The ladies love it. They have a better sense of smell than guys, you know. You wait and see – this is going to drive Monique wild. Bring on the big pash.’

  ‘It smells as if you’ve had a bath in petrol and toilet freshener,’ quipped Gobba.

  ‘What would you know, mayor of scab city?’ Danny retorted. ‘There’s no way anyone will kiss you with that on your face.’

  Specky took a closer look at Gobba. He had a crusty cold sore on the edge of his bottom lip.

  ‘Whoa, that’s bad,’ laughed Specky, not meaning to sound so insensitive.

  ‘Maybe your sister’s got some make-up I can cover it up with?’ Gobba asked.

  ‘Make-up? Perfume? You’re both starting to seriously worry me,’ said Specky.

  ‘You guys better not hang around the front door all night,’ said Alice, stomping down the stairs, dressed to the nines. ‘Having a bunch of Year Nine losers at my party isn’t a good look. And, Danny, you’re lucky you’re allowed in the door after you nearly sprung us.’

  Specky’s friends pulled faces at one another as Alice brushed past them.

  ‘What is that smell? It’s putrid,’ she choked.

  Everyone sniggered as Danny darted to the bathroom.

  The next wave of guests to arrive were Alice’s closest girlfriends. Carrying food and party decorations, they had come early to help set up.

  ‘Hello? Hello?’

  Standing at the doorway was Mrs Williams, the mother of Alice’s friend Rachel. Alice was so caught up carrying food into the kitchen that she didn’t even notice her. Specky stepped in to greet her.

  ‘It’s Simon, isn’t it?’ she asked. ‘Are your parents home? I just wanted to check when I should pick Rachel up.’

  Specky had to think of something quickly.

  ‘Um… they’ve gone to get some ice,’ he lied. ‘Yeah, ice.’

  ‘Oh, well, I’ll pick her up around midnight. Does that sound okay?’

  Specky nodded. Mrs Williams left.

  ‘Is it still too strong?’ asked Danny, returning from the bathroom. ‘I washed a bit of it off.’

  Specky didn’t answer. He was distracted by the Great McCarthy’s loud entrance.

  ‘G’day, ladies! The party’s arrived,’ he proclaimed. ‘Legend, can you and your mates help me with this stuff? And man, what is that stench?’

  Danny shook his head and ran back to the bathroom. Specky, Robbo and Gobba helped the Great McCarthy carry in his DJ equipment. They made their way through to the living room that faced the backyard. This was going to be the dance floor.

  Within an hour the Great McCarthy’s dance mixes were thumping through the house and the party was in full swing. About thirty or more of Alice’s friends arrived, including some of the Great McCarthy’s Year 12 mates – with cases of beer in hand.

  Specky panicked. He pushed through the throng of partygoers and took Alice aside.

  ‘Some of the Year Twelve guys have brought alcohol,’ he warned.

  ‘Yeah, so?’ shrugged Alice. ‘What else are they gonna drink – cordial?’

  ‘You didn’t mention alcohol and I’ve had to tell about a dozen mothers that Mum and Dad are out getting ice. I don’t think –’

  ‘Just relax, will ya?’ yelled Alice over the top of the loud music. ‘I told them they’re only allowed to bring a couple of cans each. It’s no big deal. And getting ice – that’s a good one.’

  Specky was feeling extremely anxious about the whole event.

  ‘Stop being a goody-two-shoes, will ya?’ c
ontinued Alice.

  ‘I’m not! But I think Mum and Dad will really lose it if they find out that –’

  Before Specky could finish his sentence, Alice was dragged away to dance by her friends.

  ‘Hey! Great party!’

  It was Tiger Girl and Monique.

  ‘Yeah, I guess,’ Specky said as his mates made a sudden dash for Monique.

  ‘Hey, Monique! Wanna dance?’ squeaked Gobba, beating Danny to her.

  ‘Thank you, Ben – no. We just got ’ere, but maybe later. I would like a drink, ’owever. Just water, please.’

  ‘I’ll get it for ya,’ blurted Danny.

  ‘No. She asked me. I’ll get it.’

  Gobba took off to get Monique’s drink. Specky glanced back at some of the Year 12 boys. They were getting rowdier the more they had to drink.

  ‘What’s up?’ Tiger Girl asked Specky. ‘What’s with the frown?’

  ‘Nothing,’ said Specky. ‘I just hope nothing gets broken.’

  ‘Um… TG, would you like a drink?’ Robbo interrupted.

  ‘Yeah. Yeah, I would. Just a coke, thanks.’

  Specky caught Robbo looking at him meaningfully as if to say, ‘Put in another good word for me, will you?’

  ‘What can I smell?’ Monique asked. ‘Are you wearing cologne, Dannee?’

  ‘Why? Do you like it?’

  ‘Well, it smells a little like – ’ow do you say? Cat’s pee?’

  Tiger Girl giggled. Specky wanted to laugh, but he saw the wounded look on Danny’s face.

  ‘Oh, I love this song,’ Monique squealed. ‘Let’s dance!’

  Monique dragged Tiger Girl into the crowd.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Specky asked Danny.

  ‘Course I am,’ he replied, putting on a brave face. ‘I’m the Italian Stallion.’

  ‘Hi, Italian Stallion.’

  It was the Gladiator, walking out of the crowd.

  ‘He-hello,’ stuttered Danny. ‘What are you doing here?’

  ‘I came with my brother, Justin – Justin Testi.’

  ‘Knackers is your brother?’ said Danny, surprised.

  ‘Yeah,’ said the Gladiator. ‘I thought you might have guessed – Justin Testi, Maria Testi. It’s not a very common surname.’ But Specky and Danny only knew Maria as the Gladiator.