There is another

Welcome back loyal readers to the stories from The Chronicle and what can be found Wednesday nights in the game they play in heaven....Touch Football.

Back in September 2009, on the cusp of summer I spoke that there was another. While Jackett was seen to many as the saviour to the game, there were whispers on the wind that there is another.

Well just on 3 weeks ago a man of Polish and Aboriginal descent, appeared to the masses at Terrey Hills on barmy late summers night to play Touch Football.

Wearing his old Newtown Jets jersey and his first pair of Dunlop volleys, he announced himself to the other players as 'The Man'. Taken aback by his brash nature, the players let him have his way. Someone this bold must be able to back up words with ability !!!!

Was this the one that had been spoken of in hush tones last year, appeared? Only that whistle to start the game would prove this wrong or right.

Jackett had seen him before in his time playing across the districts of New South Wales and Queensland. He had actually even played alongside him on occasion, playing a mentor type role for 'The Man'. Was it time for Jackett to pass the baton to another and step down from the game again?

Tonights game begun and it was decided that 'The Man' and Jackett should join forces another time. 'The Man' sprinted from the gates and his first touch resulted in 40 metre try.

The crowd and players gasped, Jacket shrugged his shoulders. The peoples champion had seen these flashes of brilliance before when playing on the grasses' of Brookvale.

While 'The Man' continued to display his knowledge of the pure art that is Football, signs of fatigue and pain where beginning to cut through. While Jackett continued to chip away and chip away, 'The Man' could be seen on his haunches gasping for air and praying for the pain in his knees to go away.

The crowd was enjoying the play of these two mighty champions. Who would put who in a hole and who would make up the numbers in defence? With each play of the ball their legend grew.

With 30 of the 90 minutes remaining the crowd asked "Where has he gone?".

While Jackett continued to spin his web and dazzle the defence, 'The Man' had left the field.

WHY?

Time waits for no man. His knees had were gone....just as they were 10 years ago. The grind of bone on bone could no longer be tolerated. The thrill of being in the clear could not surpass the agony.

Jackett slightly turned in 'The Man's' direction and grunted something young children should not hear from a champion.

'The Man's' re-appearance had brought joy to the people. But was this the first and last time the people would see 'The Man'?

He had left them wanting more but could he give them more?

Was he really the chosen one that legends had spoken of? Only his return next week would allow these questions to be answered.

The Chronicle