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When
I research my novels I take my journal, a hand-held tape recorder and
a camera. Research takes me to footy fields, Vietnam, islands in the Pacific
Ocean, rivers and even the odd restaurant. Here are some of the photos
that I have used to get places and people just right. I also often write
with them stuck on the wall next to my writing desk.
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In
the rooms it was all liniment and bandages, ointment and jockstraps,
men talking in low voices. When I walked in, looking like a drowned
rat, there was a momentary silence in the proceedings. (p.13) |
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The
strange thing was how many people turned up. Bloody near everybody.
Mum and Charlie sat under a marquee in front of a gas heater. I looked
at the supporters – some under umbrellas, little kids already
soaked to the skin, Nancy cooking sausages under a tarpaulin. I figured
I should do as Mum had suggested and stop fighting the dream. (p.83) |
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Passage
of Play
There’s a footy term called ‘reading the play’.
Some reckon you’re born with it. Those who’ve got it
have a sense of the play – where to run to, the right place,
the right action at the right time.
Early second quarter, senior game, Ballantyne Tigers vs Patterson
Bears.
Tigers on the way back trying to get back
into the game. Trying to get a hold of it. |
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Ball
comes to ground. Quick pick-up, kicks to Shannon, ball sits, Shannon
pounces, runs around an opponent, hesitates, gives himself plenty
of space, pops it over the top, Court grabs it running by and passes
it off to a player. It’s Carbone, who was in the middle of the
ground a second ago, Carbone spins around an opponent and slams it
through.
Now that’s reading the play. (p.45-6) |
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