Its a Privilege
To see a champion lift himself in the face of adversity is a privilege to behold.
Last night in Terrey Hills I was honoured with such a privilege.
But I ask the readers when does a champion say enough is enough?
Just hours before the start of the fixture Jackett called in to his team mates and said his leg injury would deny them the honour of his presence.
The message was passed onto Jackett's nemesis and team mate, The Man. The Man would not allow the quality of the game to be tarnished by Jackett's absence. If Jackett was the champion he claimed to be, then he would be there at Terrey Hills 7.30 sharp and that he better be ready to play.
While Jackett does not bow to any man or woman's demands [!!!!], he does know what it means to the people to see their champion, even if it is at the expense of his own health.
Jackett knew his leg would not be last the full 90 minutes so he needed to take the game by the scruff of the neck early.....and take it he did.
Not many words are spoken during the games between Jackett and The Man and this crisp autumn night would be no different. They are aware of each others presence.
Taking the ball at first receiver in the first few minutes of the game, Jackett tore across the ruck and dummied to his team mates inside and outside, the defence was lost in a haze of mystery and Jackett glided through to open the scoring.
The champion had decided that pain would not stop him today, little did he know that this decision would not be his to make.
Jackett and The Man guided their team around the park with silent strength. The teams were only 6 vs 6 players on a full field, 100 metres in length and these two champions knew that a slow and steady pace would be the only way to last the 90 minutes and win.
Jackett's leg was tiring and hurting as the game went on, he let The Man have his way this cool night and was happy to be play second fiddle at times.
Jackett would go on to score another try and setup 3 others but the muscles shearing apart was slowing him down as the game wore on.
The Man would keep demanding Jackett's presence in the attacking line, a champion always rises to such demands, his pride commands it.
Jackett's mind played tricks on him and at times you would not have known of the debilitating injury he was dealing with. He would make the last tackle in the defensive line, he would run down the faster man at the surprise of his team mates ....... and the faster man.
With 10 minutes left and after another successful attacking raid, Jackett asked The Man "I do not know how I got this injury". The response was short and sharp [like The Man's wit] "Your 38 years old".
The factual response came with a nod from The Man, confirming to Jackett that he knew the answer was true.
With the game getting away from him, Jackett made vital errors late in the game. Bombing two tries with the line wide open, Jackett's night was over. As the game came to a predictable end, the people's champion lowered his head and limped off to the sheds.
The only friend the champion would have this night would be the cold crisp feel of a thick glass tumbler filled with Bourbon and Coke.
But I go back to my first question asked "when does a champion say enough is enough".
The answer, a champion does not know. A champion comes back time and time again.
The Chronicle
There is Another
2010
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
Winter is gone, time to get excited
September 1, 2009
After missing the previous Monday Night Football, the crowd were ill at ease on whether Jackett would show up this week.
They were not disappointed.
But they were unhappy with his opening half hour of play. Showing only glimpses of brilliance, Jackett once again struggled with his fitness. However, playing a low risk game he gradually worked into this 90 minute battle.
The ground was hardened by the late winter sun. Dusty and scratchy from the lack of the nourishment that only rain can provide. The field cracked through his boots that had been put up on the retirement hook many years ago. While they were bought in a North American sports store for just $US30, they have travelled with their user on many, many passages to victory and defeat.
While Jackett’s agent is working on an endorsement deal that will lock Jackett into a multi year deal with a leading shoe supplier, its privately understood that the delay is the bad press Jackett has been getting from some areas of the media. But not from this little black duck at The Chronicle.
Back to the game report: little by little, bit by bit, Jackett worked into the middle of the field barking instructions to his loyal subjects. Those around him asked for more of this direction “lead us to the bright lights”.
Down 3 to 1 with 30 minutes to go, Jackett ordered that they play through the middle of the field. That’s were the lazy players would be hiding. How did Jackett know? Because he had many times found solace behind the ruck and relying on his faster defenders either side.
3 to 2 become 3 all very quickly with 10 minutes on the clock.
Do I need to explain how the game had been locked up? NO I don’t. You, my loyal readers have heard it all before.
“Lets make this happen one more time”
Parry and thrust, to and fro…the last 10 minutes went slowly as both teams tried to find a way to win.
While you are looking to hear if it was Jackett’s day…alas it was not.
But on this last night of winter, what we saw was the path towards warm Spring nights. With that cold sharp air behind us, who knows what we are about to see from the people’s champion.
While this battle wore on there were whispers from the stands that there is another magician out there. “Have you heard there is another…he comes from the lowlands”, “He is not from Terry Hills”, “Some say he quit to become a star in Hollywood”.
This commentator will spend every waking moment to try and discover this ghost.
Will this person bring balance to the game and give Jackett the challenge he as yearned since the 1997 Grand Final against the Beacon Hill Bears. What will Jackett do if he hears his nemesis has returned?
Does this man exist? Or is he just another myth?
I will find out
The Chronicle
To see a champion lift himself in the face of adversity is a privilege to behold.
Last night in Terrey Hills I was honoured with such a privilege.
But I ask the readers when does a champion say enough is enough?
Just hours before the start of the fixture Jackett called in to his team mates and said his leg injury would deny them the honour of his presence.
The message was passed onto Jackett's nemesis and team mate, The Man. The Man would not allow the quality of the game to be tarnished by Jackett's absence. If Jackett was the champion he claimed to be, then he would be there at Terrey Hills 7.30 sharp and that he better be ready to play.
While Jackett does not bow to any man or woman's demands [!!!!], he does know what it means to the people to see their champion, even if it is at the expense of his own health.
Jackett knew his leg would not be last the full 90 minutes so he needed to take the game by the scruff of the neck early.....and take it he did.
Not many words are spoken during the games between Jackett and The Man and this crisp autumn night would be no different. They are aware of each others presence.
Taking the ball at first receiver in the first few minutes of the game, Jackett tore across the ruck and dummied to his team mates inside and outside, the defence was lost in a haze of mystery and Jackett glided through to open the scoring.
The champion had decided that pain would not stop him today, little did he know that this decision would not be his to make.
Jackett and The Man guided their team around the park with silent strength. The teams were only 6 vs 6 players on a full field, 100 metres in length and these two champions knew that a slow and steady pace would be the only way to last the 90 minutes and win.
Jackett's leg was tiring and hurting as the game went on, he let The Man have his way this cool night and was happy to be play second fiddle at times.
Jackett would go on to score another try and setup 3 others but the muscles shearing apart was slowing him down as the game wore on.
The Man would keep demanding Jackett's presence in the attacking line, a champion always rises to such demands, his pride commands it.
Jackett's mind played tricks on him and at times you would not have known of the debilitating injury he was dealing with. He would make the last tackle in the defensive line, he would run down the faster man at the surprise of his team mates ....... and the faster man.
With 10 minutes left and after another successful attacking raid, Jackett asked The Man "I do not know how I got this injury". The response was short and sharp [like The Man's wit] "Your 38 years old".
The factual response came with a nod from The Man, confirming to Jackett that he knew the answer was true.
With the game getting away from him, Jackett made vital errors late in the game. Bombing two tries with the line wide open, Jackett's night was over. As the game came to a predictable end, the people's champion lowered his head and limped off to the sheds.
The only friend the champion would have this night would be the cold crisp feel of a thick glass tumbler filled with Bourbon and Coke.
But I go back to my first question asked "when does a champion say enough is enough".
The answer, a champion does not know. A champion comes back time and time again.
The Chronicle
There is Another
2010
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
Winter is gone, time to get excited
September 1, 2009
After missing the previous Monday Night Football, the crowd were ill at ease on whether Jackett would show up this week.
They were not disappointed.
But they were unhappy with his opening half hour of play. Showing only glimpses of brilliance, Jackett once again struggled with his fitness. However, playing a low risk game he gradually worked into this 90 minute battle.
The ground was hardened by the late winter sun. Dusty and scratchy from the lack of the nourishment that only rain can provide. The field cracked through his boots that had been put up on the retirement hook many years ago. While they were bought in a North American sports store for just $US30, they have travelled with their user on many, many passages to victory and defeat.
While Jackett’s agent is working on an endorsement deal that will lock Jackett into a multi year deal with a leading shoe supplier, its privately understood that the delay is the bad press Jackett has been getting from some areas of the media. But not from this little black duck at The Chronicle.
Back to the game report: little by little, bit by bit, Jackett worked into the middle of the field barking instructions to his loyal subjects. Those around him asked for more of this direction “lead us to the bright lights”.
Down 3 to 1 with 30 minutes to go, Jackett ordered that they play through the middle of the field. That’s were the lazy players would be hiding. How did Jackett know? Because he had many times found solace behind the ruck and relying on his faster defenders either side.
3 to 2 become 3 all very quickly with 10 minutes on the clock.
Do I need to explain how the game had been locked up? NO I don’t. You, my loyal readers have heard it all before.
“Lets make this happen one more time”
Parry and thrust, to and fro…the last 10 minutes went slowly as both teams tried to find a way to win.
While you are looking to hear if it was Jackett’s day…alas it was not.
But on this last night of winter, what we saw was the path towards warm Spring nights. With that cold sharp air behind us, who knows what we are about to see from the people’s champion.
While this battle wore on there were whispers from the stands that there is another magician out there. “Have you heard there is another…he comes from the lowlands”, “He is not from Terry Hills”, “Some say he quit to become a star in Hollywood”.
This commentator will spend every waking moment to try and discover this ghost.
Will this person bring balance to the game and give Jackett the challenge he as yearned since the 1997 Grand Final against the Beacon Hill Bears. What will Jackett do if he hears his nemesis has returned?
Does this man exist? Or is he just another myth?
I will find out
The Chronicle
Warmer weather
7th August 2009
In a world gone mad there can be only one. When a world needs hero’s there are few who can stand up and face the gailing winds.
Well there is such a person who can bring the crowds back to park touch footy.
After the cold winters nights severely effecting his ability to breathe and the cold icey air drawing like daggers across the walls of his lungs now passing us by as Spring appears, Jackett may have again found the touch and skill we deep down always knew he had..
Last Monday evening he took his team to a 6 – 5 win which included two tries only he could score. One of which was a 50 metre intercept. His driving, incisive runs down the right hand edge of the field led to break after break after break. If Jackett wasn’t charging through the gaps he had made in the defensive line, he was putting his team mates in those same chasms of pasture to run through.
Yes Jackett bombed two maybe, three tries which would have put the game beyond doubt a long way from the final whistle but Jackett is all about the fans now. He doesn’t play for himself. By keeping the game close, he held the watching fans tight in his grip. It could be suggested that it was by his choice that he dropped the ball with the line wide open just so the crowd could ask each other “well maybe he is human after all”.
We will never know the answer as there are not many who can get close to such a personality.
Now with the weather warming up those screaming lungs will be humming like the engine of a Ferrari 360 Modena. Who knows what will arise from the next clash this Monday evening.
One thing I can asure you is that this humble reporter will be there to watch the brilliance..
The Chronicle
Breaks down again
2nd June 2009
In the passion of the 1960’s Frank Valli hit song “What becomes of the broken hearted” a young man may forever be taken from the game that has made brought joy to those around the world.
After overcoming a debilitating injury from last week’s memorable game of Terry Hills touch footy, Jackett took to the field last evening in conditions made only for mad dogs and Englishman. It was a wet and drunken pitch from a week of torrential rain, conditions usually made for magestic ball players such as Jackett but this evening it was not to be.
The regime of [some] ice, beer and ribs worked wonders on Jackett’s injury from last week and he was moving well across the field. However, the spark was not there. The driving runs, the impossible passes to his lesser team mates around him….making them look somewhat like the champion that Jackett is….or was.
For this night his game fell down in a manner not seen since the early 90’s when he as cast adrift by the Management at Manly. Even his sojourn to Northern Australia in ‘93 did nothing for his game and it left him with a knee injury he has carried to this day. It was not until many years later did we again see glimpses of what was and what maybe still.
With just 30 minutes of play left in the game, Jackett once again heard that ever so familiar crunch and tear from below. No, it was not his shorts nor was it the same right hand side lower leg that dropped him to the turf last week. This night it was his lower left leg that buckled. As his team mates looked on, Jackett when to the sidelines and decided whether or not to continue.
In what was merely a ghost of his known talents. he played on in pain as he had done so many times before. The game wore down its miserable end. As Jackett trudged wet, cold and muddy from the sodden ground he pondered was this the end. Would the end be at this non-descript ground in these conditions?
Had poor form and ongoing injury brought down the curtain on a 33 year career that has brought so much joy to the tax paying public…the workers of this great land?
Head down as he presented himself to the media conference after the game, Jackett mumbled that he would once again carry out his recovery regime of ribs and beer to get back on the park next week.
But this reporter asks why would he do it again? What is so important that it would make him display his talent again? Can Jackett overcome form and injury?
More importantly do we really want him too? This reporter thinks he has done enough…its now a younger mans game.
But there is only one person that can answer these questions and it may well be Frank Valli and his Four Seascons. What does become of the broken hearted?
The Chronicle
Injury
August 22, 2009
On a mild night at Terrey Hills anticipation was high as the next round of old blokes and young bucks touch footy was on again.
There was talk / rumors / innuendo that the former Allambie Heights Junior stand off half was finding some form in pas weeks but soem had questioned his toughness.
With the game starting at a cracking pace and despite his arduous 5 minute warm up, a loud crunching and tearing was heard across the nation as it stood still for just a moment…Jackett was injured.
As his
The injury was causing the same pain as it did back on the glamorous film set. He did not take medical attention then and damned if he would this time.
A straightening of his broad back, a snort and a grunt he charged back out to battle to the roars of the crowd this night in Terrey Hills.
Taking charge he lead his tiring forces into battle again and again.
Jackett had not crossed the white stripe in some weeks and it was reported his position as the ball player in the
With his
As we said Jackett’s try scoring had been on the wane in past weeks….but not today.
Taking the ball in two hands as he was taught by Manly legend Billy ‘ball skills’ Bradstreet, Jackett distributed the a perfectly shaped spiraling pass on the run to the first of two bucks. They chinked and swerved in a Jackett like manner and sent to ball wider still. They saw lazy markers on the inside and stopped…propped and looked inside for support. Could it be questioned that Jackett playing on one leg and in the twilight of his illustrious career would not be there waiting in anticipation for the perfectly timed pass? Not today.
Outrunning the man chasing him on his inside Jackett took the pass full of steam and crossed the line and wrapped around under the posts to score this long awaited try.
Jackett was back and the game was better for it.
Game injury reports
Jackett will undergo an MRI prior to taking on intensive phsyio through the week just to get back on the park next Monday evening. Its reported he will combine this regime with beer and ribs just like they did back when the game was great.
The Chronicle
Another crack
February 29, 2009
Brought out of a long and enduring retirement Jackett had been invited to play in what is a weekly touch footy game in Terrey Hills on Wednesday nights. Jackett played a cameo earlier by playing as a gift to the people one game before Christmas. There are a few young bucks in the game and a few oldies and the pace of the game is exciting.
In his first game in 2009 and with scores at 4-5 Jackett’s constant probing through the middle of the ruck had to bring some good fortune sooner or later. With not long to go in the game a semi break was made….calling for the ball with what little breath he had left, Jackett found himself in clear pastures with 20 metres to the line and the ball in hand.
Coming across in cover was a speedy runner…as most champions do Jackett had time to see what was needed to be done down and was able to have the patience to see he had faster support players on either side…the line was getting closer…so too was his chaser.
Somewhere down in the dark recesses of Jackett’s mind was the many many many training drills of “draw the man and pass”. He had seen many times at these training sessions where ball players better than he, were able to have the sense of time and space to dummy the pass to their support players and score the try themselves. In his early years, Jackett not wanting to endure the grim dark glares of the coach, would normally pass to the open man and let him score….but not today.
Sensing the approaching attacker the formerly retired front rower propped to pass and having him fooled Jackett could just feel his attacker was on the move towards to Jackett’s support runner.
Swoosh…he had passed on from Jackett thinking his colleague would be getting the perfectly timed pass from a man of 123kg’s…not that quick and happy for someone else to get the glory.
However, Jackett still had possession of the glorious pill and crossed the line to lock the scores up at 5-5.
CLOSING NOTE: Not long after one of the young bucks on the opposing side found a gaping hole formed by tired legs and raced away to score. With rain encroaching and after 90 minutes the game was called. Jackett had endured another loss…there had been many in his 32 years of playing. But scoring a try in that manner made him think for one minute that he still had it. His aching legs still 3 days later now have him thinking that while he still may have it…its in his mind alone.
The CHRONICLE
The Journey
Often we strive for the end result and forget the journey we are travelling through. LA Lakers NBA Basketball coach, Phil Jackson is quoted as a believer of the ZEN ways and that its the journey that is important.
This, I feel can be used in many forms of life.
What is the end result?
I challenge you to provide an example of something that is the end. You may provide the example of death. I will not start the whole life after death argument here today. But you could certainly provide evidence that with death, another journey will continue for another.
You could be a builder who is putting it all on the line after over a years work at 6 days a week. Who is now waiting for Auction Day.
While the hammer coming down on the price he needs is very important, its simply another step in the journey. What he does next with his profits will be the result of over a years back and mind breaking work and only he can make that decision.
If his efforts in building the house are to be the best he can make it be, whats the measure of his success?
The sell price? Or that he can stand back and be proud of his work?
If he has done what he is capable of and others like it, then his phone will ring, "...i saw what you did with that place...can you do it again?"
You may be an author of tales.
You write a short story which may become a novel. Which may become a trilogy. Which may become a movie or a Broadway musical. Each step along the way is a part of the journey.
There is no end when he has signed his book deal.
There is no end when the book goes onto the shelf and there is sure as heck no end on opening night at Grauman's Chinese theatre.
Every decision you make will effect the next short to mid term period of your life.
The next line could have easily said "...so make them wisely...". But this little black duck wont be writing the obvious today.
Why not make a decision that is not the conforming? You can just turn around and make another one an hour later.
Buy stock/shares in a company that is not Blue Chip? If you get itchy about that decision...sell sell sell. You may lose 2 or 3 cents a share. But for those 2 or 3 minutes I bet you felt the adrenalin back running through your veins again.
Remember its the journey and not the price you sell that stock at.
Remember its the journey and not the price the hammer falls on for your property.
Remember its the journey and not whether or not your first movie beat Avatar at the box office.
Stop for a moment...look across the playing field and back yourself in your next decision.
The CHRONICLE
