Footy Books

[ptw]

I am interested in anyone's views on good footy books.

I am particularly interested in ones on general Australian football, not histories of individual clubs.

I am having the Fitzroy book delivered tomorrow (thanks again Shinboners). My personal favourite is "The Winter Game" by Robert Pascoe.

ptw

 

[Fred]

My favourite is "The Encyclopedia Of League Footballers" written by Jim Main and Russell Holmesby. pub. 1992. It lists every player and gives stats. I think it was distributed via Australia Post.

 

[Dan26]

That's a a good book Fred. But that lists every player who has played in the VFL/AFL since it began in 1897.

PTW wanted to know about the "general sport" of Australian Football. Not necessarily confined to the VFL/AFL.

 

[GoEagles]

ptw - this one should definately be on your Christmas booklist:

Lewie Lewie - Biography of Chris Lewis (#28 Champion of the Eagles!)

 

[sainter]

ptw,

The best footy book that I have read is Saturday Afternoon Fever.

Although I enjoy reading all kind of footy books, this one is more of a comedy and is very funny (in my opinion). Besides, sometimes most of us need a good laugh when it comes to being a footy supporter.

It was written by comedian Matthew Hardy and is about his life growing up as a saints fan in the 1970s and 1980s.

I was not fortunate enough to stand week in week out at Moorabbin (as an adult) and fully appreciate watching footy from this venue. However, it is something that supporters of all teams and ages should enjoy.

Only costs about $16 from most book shops. Or you could just be cheap and borrow it from your local library like I did.

------------------
Fortius Quo Fidelius

 

[Mr Ripper]

The Coodabeen Champions Big Bumper Footy Book.

I even have a story in there!

 

[Woofer]

A book called "Football Ltd - The inside story of the AFL" published in 95 was captivating. It covered the entry of the Eagles and Bears (Cronin & Skase), the Edelsten era at Sydney, the major problems at the Bears and Swans and the establishment of the Commission & the associated politics.

Probably a bit dated now, but Santo at Melbourne Sportsbooks would probably still have it

 

[Fred]

Dan24

ptw said he was particularly interested in general books. That does not mean only interested in etc.

 

[Danni]

There is also one called 'the footy club' by Ross Fitzgerald, he spent the whole 95 season with officials from the Bears, it is based on that. Including the very beginning talks of a merger and the coaching issues etc.

 

[ptw]

I really don't mind...any good footy books will do, VFL/AFL or Australia wide.

The best footy book I have read recently was Fever Pitch....of course about soccer. But I could really relate to a lot of the emotions described (for those who have not seen the film it is an autobiography of a mad Arsenal fan....4th September 1987 ...Arsenal 1 Man City 0...got married.

ptw

 

[fighting fury]

I think its a great idea for writers and publishers to organise general footy books for us all to read. Something to do during the off season. But I do struggle a bit with personalised footy books, especially by those players who are only cashing in on their high rise fame. Every club is a working team in itself and it does annoy me when 1 or 2 or so key players get in on the hard covers as well. But that's just my opinion.

------------------
Welcome to the jungle

 

[Mags]

There Are Things Called Books? Whats going on there? Books hmm?

 

[ptw]

Sainter

bought a copy of "Saturday Afternoon Fever" when I was home...read it cover to cover last night.

I agree...a great read. I would completely recommend it to anyone on this board who is passionate about their club....I also learned a little bit more about football culture in Victoria prior to the AFL. Would be good to be read by a few Carlton / Essendon / Collingwood fans to realise what some fans actually go through watching their sides for 25 years without a lot of success.

Thanks Sainter

ptw