By Maz Ellis

They were meeting at the station for the word had passed around
That the star from Collingwood had come to play.
He’d been sitting on the sidelines injured since the opening round
now he was back and ready for the fray.

All the lads had gathered for the game to see their star
Then headed to the pub for pre game beer.
They were thirsty having travelled overnight from near and far
And keen to wet their throats to loudly cheer.

Their leader raised his arm and called his buddies to his side
Come on lads! He cried. It’s time to watch the game.
So they left the pub as one, cheering with every stride
And proudly singing out their captain’s name.

They were seated near the bench and could hear the mighty coach
Winding up the team with words inspired
By greatness past and glories that have stood the test of time
About the courage and commitment that’s required

And Daicos, you must trick them, try and run them to the right
Run boldly lad and never fear the pack
For never yet was player that could keep you in his sight
If once you gain the vantage of the back.

And their captain led the team and victory was in their grasp
When all at once the enemy began
A purple patch of teamwork that defined the second half
It seemed the collywobbles  had struck again.

Oh no! The crowd bemoaned and the group of lads began to guess
That another win was slipping through their hands
But the star returned was fresh from weeks of recovery and rest
And called on one and all for one last stand.

He led with speed to show them, he was racing on the wing
Where the best and boldest players take their place
And he charged towards the goal line and he made the whole ground ring
With their cries of joy to see him at full pace.

The opposition followed, to mount some form of an attack
The ball was kicked towards the Magpie’s goal
Upward ever upward Daicos rose above the growing pack
Took a spekky then fell back into the fold.

The scores were tied, the siren sound, the players all were done
And in the crowd the group of boys were mute.
They held their breaths in silence waiting for the star to start his run
And send the ball goal-ward off his boot.

It hit the post but never mind it was all that was required
And every magpie fan began to cheer
For their heroes as they marched with pride into the rooms, all sore and tired
The name Daicos ringing out for all to hear.

And down by Richmond Station where the boys each weekend meet
Before each game they talk about that day
The opposition lost because of one man’s aerial feat
And made Daicos the household name it is today. 

Maz Ellis has lived in Daylesford since 2020.  She writes for personal pleasure short stories and poetry about a broad range of subject matter from the sensible to the absurd.

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