my little boy played in his first football grand final yesterday.
now i grew up watching AFL football.i had no choice.and i did love it.
but to be honest,i wasnt that keen about the commitment we had to make earlier in the year.
i had managed to avoid the football for the last couple of years...leaving it all in the very capable hands of C.
but this year,with C taking on a coaching role,i had no choice but to participate.
i found the football club cold.awkward.a mans world.
but as i cannot sit still for more then a moment or two,i found myself volunteering to help out.
watergirl.team photographer.
i have to admit it...i actually enjoyed myself.
i enjoyed the people.i made some new friends.
i enjoyed watching my little guy do amazing things with an odd shaped ball.
i enjoyed watching his team and the mate ship that was formed.
i enjoyed seeing them go undefeated all year.
they had it in the bag.
they were undefeated.
but we awoke yesterday morning to some fierce weather.
T had been sick for a few days and we werent even sure if he would have the energy to play.
he was lethargic.barking like a dog.wheezing.
he insisted that he was playing.no question.he was co captain.
we got to the game.huge winds.pouring rain.slippery ball.
the game was messy.scrappy.wet.
we didnt score for the first quarter.they kicked a goal.
we kick 6 points in the second to even the score.
no one scored in the third.
i felt sick.
i couldnt believe that these little guys might lose what they had worked so hard for all year.
i was calling the universe.asking for help.
we were all praying in some form.
the boys had no flow.they werent playing their normal game.
perhaps the grand final pressure had crawled under their skin.
the expectation of perfection.
the expectation of extended family watching proudly.
the expectation of hundreds of locals.
the dreams of their football club who were awaiting their first premiership flag.
pressure from themselves.
in the last break we heard some inspirational words from their coach.
he told them he was proud.he told them they could do it.he never showed any doubt.
the fourth quarter was tense.intense.
we feared the worst.
the opposition were getting frustrated.
perfect for our boys.they held tight.
the clock was ticking.still no score.
finally in the last 7 minutes of the game the boys switched on.
something clicked.and they were off.
they kicked a goal.
the crowd went wild.
once that ball went through those posts there was no stopping them.
they kicked another.
and then another.and one to finish.
and then the siren rang and the boys had their moment.
shining stars.great mates.
heroes in the eyes of all who witnessed it.
i shed a little tear.
and watched my boy smile like ive never seen before.
i watched him recieve his medal from the mayor.
i watched into the night as the boys celebrated their victory.
and i couldnt be prouder.
i never wanted my boys to play football.
i thought it was too rough.
i am so happy they do.
T has learnt so much this year.
not just about the game.
no.he has learnt about friendship.impact.focus and passion.
he has learnt that an injured team mate can still be with you on grand final day.on a photo.in your sock.
he has learnt about fairness.loyalty.pride.
he has learnet what it means to be a part of a team.
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