In Australia, nothing excites such passion as the tribal loyalties generated by Australian Rules football. Australias Game is a collection of essays and writings capturing the agony and the ecstasy of our great game from some of Australias best storytellers. Over 50 contributors share their oval dreams in reflections ranging from witty and affectionate reminiscences and expressions of hope for the future, to statements of deep alienation and betrayal. Featured writers include Don Watson, Paul Kelly, Geoffrey Blainey, Gerald Murnane, Paul Daffey, John Harms, Emma Quayle, Barry Oakley, Peter Corris, Manfred Jurgensen, Kate Eltham, Vin Maskell, Peter Schwab and many more. A revised and updated edition of The Greatest Game -- first published in 1988 -- the book retains a selection of the most poignant writings from the original version, including those by historian Manning Clark, playwright David Williamson and broadcaster Andrea Stretton. Each year millions of Australians attend or watch the footy -- they argue about it, revel in it, despair of it, or even make vain attempts to ignore it. While newspapers keep us informed of the scores or whos been dropped or traded, Australias Game explores the deeper contribution that football has on our culture and society. From the dramatic moments on footys centre stage, to the battles played out on dusty outback ovals, Australias Game contains something for everyone.
Ross Fitzgerald was born in Melbourne and is a historian, political theorist and novelist. He writes regularly for The Weekend Australian, The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald, and regularly appears on radio and television. Ross Fitzgerald has written 35 books and is a lifelong Magpies tragic
Ken Spillman grew up in Perth and has been a full-time professional writer for most of his adult life. During 2008, Ken was a keynote speaker at the Asian Childrens Writers and Illustrators Conference and a guest of the Tasmanian Writers Centre, the Mussoorie International Writers Festival, and the Delhi Childrens Literature Festival.
""Each contributor has shared their thoughts on the game but not necessarily about the AFL. Some talked about how important country football was or how football was a metaphor for life."" - James Gorman"
