By Pippinu -
July 27th 2009 @ 8:13am
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AFL club songs speak truths
It’s interesting how the various club songs say a fair bit about the clubs themselves. Carlton’s confidently announces itself to the world with the self-assuredness that only the nouveau-riche can possess.
Collingwood’s song harks back to a bygone era, long ago, a time when the premiership was indeed a cakewalk and the shoe factory workers had something to cheer about.
Essendon’s is full of the eternal optimism to be found amongst the manicured lawns and rose beds of Methodist Moonee Ponds.
Geelong’s carries the usual operatic theme of independence and autonomy.
Melbourne’s is straight out of the parade ground where vice-regals and the landed gentry stand alongside the officer class.
Hawthorn’s smacks of the sort of contentment and satisfaction that comes from being a well-paid professional living in the Eastern suburbs.
North’s comes straight to us from the picket lines of the old abattoirs, where workers once stood united demanding better working conditions.
Footscray’s carries a similar theme, more of the painters and dockers persuasion; the original words loudly proclaimed the fact that they were just as likely to lose as they were to win.
But the Sainters have the best fit of all.
Their jazzy blues-gospel number fits St Kilda like a glove, as if it’s come walking straight off the pier into one of the side alleys, home to vagabonds, penniless artistes, writers, philosophers, hopeless romantics and assorted castaways and fringe dwellers of modern society.
Is is a song of hope, of one day being delivered the ultimate prize.
Alas, this is St Kilda, one premiership since the founding of the Victorian colony; but around 25 wooden spoons to go with it, far too many for anyone to know with any accuracy.
A bit like one of those junior footy games where one team completely outclasses the opposition to such an extent that the goal umpires have trouble keeping an accurate tally.
But there is one thing I do know for sure, just as we are reminded by that gospel tune – it may pray for them, dream about them, but in reality St Kilda does not win premierships.
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(111)
Redb said | July 27th 2009 @ 9:07am | Report comment
Good article. Although I disagree all clubs songs ties them to a certain fate.
Geelong generally do play the game “as it should be played”.
Essendon has always celebrated the high mark from Coleman to Van De Haar to Ryder – “See the Bombers fly up”, “To win the premiership flag” (in 2011).
However, St Kilda are clearly going to make a make a mockery of their vagabond drifter heritage this year. They have proven themselves post the Geelong game, easily beating both Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs. There is perhaps one small test left against Hawthorn in a couple of weeks, will they stand up to a Hawthorn at its unsociable best?
The Saints new song should be a revisited version of an old Oil’s hit – “The Power and the Pressure”.
Redb
Tom said | July 27th 2009 @ 9:15am | Report comment
I always used to wince a little at the line in the Fitzroy club song: ‘in defeat, we always try’.
Eamonn said | July 27th 2009 @ 9:34am | Report comment
We will this year, we-re a shoe-in!
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 9:38am | Report comment
Thanks for the comments Redb and Tom.
Can we overcome our fate and destiny.
Will St KIlda possess the qualities to overcome its own history and culture on that last day in September?
That’s the true test – I think they will be found wanting.
Watching them record an easy win against the bullies – I noticed blokes like Ray, Schneider, Milne, Gram, McEvoy, Clarke and Dempster. Blokes who are fine when the rest of the team is humming along (as it is now), but blokes who will succomb in the heat of a grand final when things may not go your way.
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 9:42am | Report comment
Eamonn
you might enjoy this one – it’s entitled “Northhampton supporters showing St Kilda how it’s done!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYg6nMnNk1I
Eamonn said | July 27th 2009 @ 9:47am | Report comment
Who the hell sings like that at a game Pippinu?
No that is self-sanitised beyond belief. Bring me passion.
A Celtic crowd singing When the Celts go marching in…now that’s atmosphere!
Redb said | July 27th 2009 @ 9:52am | Report comment
Pip,
St Kilda re untested at the MCG big crowd, big atmosphere big game – however they do play hard defence first football – that it is finals football. I dont think the’ll be phased.
Geelong were great on Saturday, Bartel, Selwood and Ablett again the heroes, however their bookends are crumbling and at this stage wont be able to kick enough goals to win against the Saints.
Redb
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 9:53am | Report comment
Eamonn
I’m not going to argue with you! (we don’t sing at AFL games full stop!)
LeftArmSpinner said | July 27th 2009 @ 10:01am | Report comment
I find the songs anachronistic in the extreme. They make me cringe but I know that they are part of the AFL “thing”, like those banners they run through before the game…….
The Link said | July 27th 2009 @ 10:07am | Report comment
Do they have a dressingroom version? I’ve hardly heard a footy club song that doesn’t have drinking beer etc… in it somewhere.
Mattay said | July 27th 2009 @ 10:13am | Report comment
Never knew it was only the Victorian teams that had club songs. But then again, I think most of them are embarrassing, so your welcome to claim sole ownership if you want.
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 10:20am | Report comment
The consensus amongst dyed in the wool aussie rules fans is that we love our club songs, the daggier the better, replete with banjos and trombones.
There’s no doubting that the older broadway, opera and marching tunes are far more singable than anything created in the modern age (thus all the club songs of the new clubs, without exception, are absolutely dreadful).
Anachronistic, maybe – but bloody great!!
I love all the Victorian clubs songs – without exception (even if I absolutely hate the clubs themselves).
Michael C said | July 27th 2009 @ 10:40am | Report comment
LAS -
yeah, they are.
it all helps make it a bit of a unique culture.
Is it better or worse than cheer leaders, fire works, walking out side by side??? Dunno. But, it IS part of the look and feel……alas, once upon a time, so too was a reserves game before the seniors.
LK said | July 27th 2009 @ 10:52am | Report comment
What does the Dockers song say about them? I haven’t heard it much this year but it is a real stinker.
Redb said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:01am | Report comment
Eamonn, Pip,
They’re not songs to be sung during a game – they are victory songs.
The Link,
No change between club songs in the rooms or out on the field – same song. Most AFL telecast will feature the club song sung by the players at the end of the game.
LAS,
The songs are not modern but neither are most of the clubs with histories going back 100+ years. The songs seem to come from the 40s to 60s era. I love hearing my clubs song after a great victory and hate hearing the oppositions after a game – like a dagger in your heart.
To me the represent they overwhelming joy of victory or in contrast the pain of defeat and ultimate humiliation.
Farkin’ hate Carlton’s navy blue dirge.
Redb
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:09am | Report comment
LK
I think you’ve answered your own question in 13 words or less!!
Redb said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:22am | Report comment
The traditions of VFL/AFL clubs including the club song, banners,etc are what make the AFL by far the best attended sporting competition in Australia.
Almost 600,000 club members and the 360,000 people who went to AFL games last weekend understand that. The AFL’s club culture including the victory song bind the fabric of club support.
Redb
Richard said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:28am | Report comment
I was at the Carlton Collingwood game on Friday night. Unfortunately I was surrounded by Carlton supporters. They didn’t look like nouveau-riche to me. Ugly bunch.
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:31am | Report comment
Redb
very true – they are victory songs first and foremost.
I can recall one of the first games I ever attended (at the Western Oval) as a 10 year old in 1973, we defeated Carlton at home towards the end of the season – we had a bit of a habit of defeating top teams towards the end of the season back then.
In those days, anyone could walk into the the club rooms, so me an me mates did that with about 1,000 other people (or so it seemed), and the whole crowd sung the club song about ten times.
I relate that story mainly because we all know the cameras following the team into the rooms after the match is a relatively new phenomenon, but the singing of the song goes back decades.
However – picture this – St Kilda are in the GF, ten minutes to go, about 8 goals in front of Collingwood – you don’t reckon St KIlda supporters wouldn’t be feeling the urge to kick start Oh When the Saints????
I would – if I were in their shoes!!!
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:32am | Report comment
…hell – if we’re about to win our 2nd ever premiership, and first one in 43 seasons – I’d even be tempted to sing Good ol’ Collingwood at that point!!!!
I’d be so delirious – I wouldn’t care what the hell I was doing!!!
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:33am | Report comment
Richard
good call!!
I think all opposition supporters look pretty ugly to our eyes!!!
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:35am | Report comment
…by the way Richard – Neon snagged a couple of special ones on the weekend – I’ve been trying to chase them down on YouTube – if you find them – please put ‘em up!!
Redb said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:38am | Report comment
Pip,
Both Franklin and Davis’s goals from the boundary were sensational.
Redb
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:40am | Report comment
I note that I left out the tiggers – it wasn’t intentional – I sort of knocked this article up in about 12 minutes late last night and sent it through without really thinking about it too much.
Let me say that the Tigerland song is perhaps the most rousing of the lot – very singable, great melody, the participatory and highly communul interjection of “yellow and black” – it’s almost the perfect club song.
Also, kids love it, and no doubting that many kids get hooked on the Tigers very early on because of both the emblem and the song.
Unfortunately for them, the song over the last 26 years has not had the same resonance as the 13 years from 1967 to 1980 – when the tiggers won 5 premierships and were numero uno.
If there are any Leaguies out there – do you know if the Wests Tigers use the song as well by chance??
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:43am | Report comment
I also left out the two club songs that ultimately were to leave Victoria’s borders for warmer climes.
Both are pretty good as well.
La Marsellaise speaks for itself – it’s one of the most rousing songs period.
The Swans song is a bit reminiscent of the Melbourne ditty – saluting the flag and all that – still pretty good though.
Michael C said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:44am | Report comment
Redb et al -
North Melb song DOES Vary in the club rooms.
Firstly – the whole “Hearts to hearts etc” section is sung prior to ‘waltzing’ into “So join in the chorus….”,
also,
Instead of the ‘recorded’ version of “North Melbourne play to — win for you and me”
in the rooms it becomes
“North Melbourne will be premiers — just you wait and see”
although, right now you’d be having a ‘wag’ chipping in with a well placed ‘next year’ or the like.
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:53am | Report comment
Richard
here’s one of the two from the other night:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kWEhelMmE0
Michael C said | July 27th 2009 @ 11:54am | Report comment
Pip -
yep, great memories of North Melb premierships in 96 and 99 of the song starting with about 5 mins to go – - the party kicking into gear…..that and the train back to Ascot Vale passing through North Melbourne station (as those heading straight for Arden St disembarked).
back to LAS from earlier -
the irony watching say Melb Storm, in Melbourne town, they ensured they did a club song (a little rock-ey, but, a club song none the less), and are now and then seen on big occassions running through a banner.
Pip -
the Crows song isn’t bad.
Certainly – the Bears benefitted from the merger via getting a decent song.
I still reckon that’d be part of the plan for WS18 and perhaps GC17, that, 5 years in with some crappy post-modern rocked up piece of twaddle that can’t be sung unaccompanied by a group of 20+ male voices – - and will be replaced by the merged entity ye olde song as performed by the Fable singers.
Richard said | July 27th 2009 @ 12:36pm | Report comment
Pippinu. Thanks for sharing that little bit of Leon Magic. When he kicked that goal, first we jumped up and cheered, then we just stood and clapped. Respect for a master at his work. Breathless in admiration.
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 12:38pm | Report comment
Richard
that’s ok, we all like to see good goals.
I know there was another gem, was it one of his curved along the ground off-break goals??
onside said | July 27th 2009 @ 12:54pm | Report comment
The theme song of The Brisbane Lions is sung to the tune of the French
National Anthem !
Likewise all AFL songs are a mixture of either English or American tunes.
That it’s all so unoriginal and un Australian is no big deal really.The English
rugby union theme song is the negro spritual, ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 2:30pm | Report comment
onside
exactly!! (re Swing Low Sweet Chariot).
Over the years, the origin of the song becomes only of marginal interest – it just becomes part of the club.
Mind you, you can’t say the same for songs from the new clubs, that have a modern rocky edge to them – they sound as if they could be dropped at a moment’s notice (which would be to the relief of most).
The fact is, these sorts of rocky clubs songs are simply unsingable.
Club songs have to be singable en masse first and foremost – and that’s where the gospel, broadway and opera tunes come into their own – they are designed to be sung, often by lots of people.
By the way Onside – do you know if the Wests Tigers use the Tigerland song at all??
MC
The Ascot Vale station is an interesting station, snuck away a bit, almost underneath Maribyrnong Rd, if you don’t know it’s there, you’d never realise there was a station.
I remember one day it was too long a wait for the next Williamstown or St Albans train (to get to Footscray), so I decided to catch the Essendon line, thinking that if I got off at Ascot Vale, and I’d be somewhere near the showgrounds or I’d be in walking distance of Highpoint (I was, but it’s a decent walk!!).
Anyway, I got out at Ascot Vale, and I’m in these little streets surrounded by little single front homes, and I’m wondering – where the hell am I?? Where are all the big streets I know?
It took me a while to work out that Maribyrnong Rd was directly above me!
I also recall a strange sense of deja vu coming out of the station. My mother later confirmed that when I was a kid, we used to visit a family regularly that lived in one of those single front homes just outside the gate of the station.
Michael C said | July 27th 2009 @ 3:24pm | Report comment
Pip -
yeah, Ascot Vale to Highpoint….it’s a fair hike down the hill, across the river and up the other side – - I used to love living there though, it was a great, absolutely great – jogging route to go down past the golf course/driving range, over the new foot bridge, turn left and head for Flemington Race course, being on the other side of the river, once you’d got far enough was the point of no return and so had to keep battling on to the bridge new the race course down near the Merv Hughes oval, get over there and come back along the river beside some of the 9 holes and back home. Brilliant.
Haven’t been there for yonks – now on Google maps I see that low land area that was a lot of wasteland is now a ruddy riverside marina. That’s why they call it ‘Edgewater’,….but, the ‘Magazine Way’ road is a give away as to some of the ye olde land usage.
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 2:49pm | Report comment
Redb
going back to your more serious point about St Kilda’s prospects.
I’m usually quite bitter after a loss, so it’s hard for me to look at the oppostiion with anything approaching objectivity.
But this is what I did notice.
St Kilda were well drilled, disciplined, were always in the right spot at the right time, often in numbers, and made everything a contest.
If I were to compare them to a great team of the past – it would be the Eagles of the early to mid 90s.
They didn’t really remind me of Geelong of the last two seasons.
But as you have pointed out – Geelong might struggle to get their best team out on the paddock in time for the finals.
But I have to say, putting aside the flakey stuff surrounding history and culture, St Kilda have plenty of blokes who can’t necessarily be relied on to beat their man at all times.
And because no team can be expected to carry on such incredible form for too great a length of time (an observation based on the law of averages), I reckon at the most inopportune time, the lesser lights in that St Kilda team will be exposed.
Michael C said | July 27th 2009 @ 3:26pm | Report comment
I’m usually quite bitter after a loss, so it’s hard for me to look at the oppostiion with anything approaching objectivity.
And thus explained in part the reason we AFL followers prefer to lose by 8 goals than 2 points – so, we can be out in the car park by the time the siren goes and the other mob start singing their ruddy song.
SideshowBob said | July 27th 2009 @ 3:22pm | Report comment
The Vienna Kangaroos, to the tune of the Blue Danube Waltz:
We are the Roos – boing boing, boing boing
We drink lots of booze – boing boing, boing boing
And that’s how we cruise – boing boing, boing boing
Our skills they just ooze – boing boing, boing boing
We’ll fly for the mark – boing boing, boing boing
The packs we will shark – boing boing, boing boing
And then we will win,
$h1t it I(iiiiiiiiii)n
And eat schnitzels in the park – boing boing
–
Enough said.
onside said | July 27th 2009 @ 6:02pm | Report comment
Pippinu,
Plus as any good (or bad ) lawyer will say ,”but on the other hand”
The song that makes me squirm the most at International rugby is
Waltzing Matilda.And mate it doesnt any more Australian than that.
SideshowBob,what a great theme song. Does Andre Rieu play AFL.
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 6:04pm | Report comment
onside
luckily we have only two hands!!
Hey – this is hilarious (although you need to know a bit about Richmond’s recent history for full effect);
The tiggers’ new song: We Finished 9th Again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBD49n36F9k
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 6:07pm | Report comment
On the same page, someone else offered this up as Freo’s song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0FBDoRJfWE&NR=1
Two problems:
1. it’s pretty lame; and
2. it’s full of bull $hit!!
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 6:09pm | Report comment
This is Freo’s real song – none of us actually know it because we’ve never seen Freo win a game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-5ElPCwID8&feature=related
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 6:11pm | Report comment
And someone has put this up as the Gold Coast song.
I’m not sure if it’s official – I hope not!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdp4Ohe5kk4&feature=related
Two problems:
1. it’s lame; and
2. it seems to pinch a line out of every other club song!!
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 6:17pm | Report comment
Interestingly, I stumbled on this, the Victory’s club song – I’m not sure if it has been accepted by the bulk of fans (who am I kidding, I know it hasn’t), but to be honest, I could think of plenty of worse songs (say, the Freo and Gold Coast songs):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwyH12R89Q4&feature=related
Who ever did the clip – surely they could have found something more than Muskie converting a spot kick!!
Do other A-League clubs have this sort of club song?? (i.e. seperate to the various chants)
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 6:24pm | Report comment
This is getting dangerously off topic, but I stumbled on this clip: We are Melbourne, to the Verve’s Bitter Sweet Symphony:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uODE9d5kVHk&feature=related
Some questionable actions and shots here, but if it doesn’t get the hairs standing on the back of your neck – you’re not human!!
Ahh Melbourne – aussie rules – the Victory – what a city – we want for nothing!!!
onside said | July 27th 2009 @ 7:26pm | Report comment
Pippinu
Who owns the pub in Melbourne these days.
onside said | July 27th 2009 @ 7:35pm | Report comment
And Pippinu
Thanks for the you tube links.Some good stuff.
Guy Smiley said | July 27th 2009 @ 7:44pm | Report comment
The songs, like the banners, and the giant pom-poms make me cringe – they are embarrassing and provincial. They’re not going anywhere though.
Michael C said | July 28th 2009 @ 6:20am | Report comment
Guy -
don’t be embarrassed.
Learn to embrace the unique sights and sounds. Otherwise, it’s all just shades of gray.
Cosmopolitan is quite often just a weak excuse for a lack of originality and lack of individuality.
I’ve learnt to just embrace the seemingly daggier aspects of Aust Footy – - and mainly via my kids. One of my 6 yr old boys has ‘google days’ where he spends half and hour googling any and every sports, but, mostly it comes back to footy, and looking for the club songs – - when I hear him singing the Norwood or Peel Thunder club songs I have to wonder but realise that part of the key to our great game is the appeal to the 6-8 yr olds whilst some other games have placed themselves more to appeal to the 24 yr olds.
I’ve even learned to accept the silly looking mascots and the ‘Mascot Manor’, and have discovered that some of those crappy looking kids books on footy are actually quite a good bed time read and the kids lap it up.
So – - embrace it Guy – - or, at least, accept it – - because, it may not be ALL about you (your age group), and treat it more like a movie like “Wall-E” or ‘Toy Story” – - i.e. a movie that aims elements at the adults and elements at the kids. Don’t try to get rid of the kids elements, just because they make you cringe.
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 7:51pm | Report comment
Hey Guy – your avatar is wearing a bombers guernsey – get it out of here before you die of embarassment!!
And the majority of Australians disagree with you – we can continue enjoying the great Australian game, and you can go and do something a little bit more worldly like, I dunno – go and attend a Korfball international!!!
ps I’d be quite happy to compare my cosmopolitan ratings against yours anyday. Do you wanna give it a go?? C’mon, don’t chicken out now, you’re on a roll!!!
onside said | July 27th 2009 @ 7:54pm | Report comment
Guy Smiley
Right up there in the cringe department, ( all codes) is the overuse of the National Anthem.
Guy Smiley said | July 27th 2009 @ 8:08pm | Report comment
Hi Pip, great use of the visual Freudian slip. It does actually look like a Bombers guernsey but I believe its just a red tie blowing in teh wind. Good pick up though, had a good laugh at that.
Seriously though I love nearly everything about the great game, except those three things mentioned above. The lyrics in nearly all the songs are a one-size-fits-all rev up that were clearly written by schoolchildren (Or course they weren’t but that’s how they sound).
Let’s have a go at the cosmopolitan ratings thingo then. I have no idea what you mean by the way, but fire at will.
onside, I agree about National Anthem – pretty dreadful tune but we’re hardly alone in that regard, most are pretty poor attempts at old-fashioned jingoism belonging to a different age, yet here we are.
Pippinu said | July 27th 2009 @ 8:29pm | Report comment
Guy
now that you’ve clarified things, I feel less inclined to get combatitive – I’m glad you like the dons bit!
But I will pose these questions around the general theme of provincialism vs internationalism:
1. Can Australians who enjoy club songs and banners be accused of cultural cringe – or is the reverse true?
2. Are unique cultural norms to be found in parts of the world nothing more than provincialism? For instance, is the muixeranga a unique aspect of Catalan culture, worthy of our interest, or simply a provincial past time that can be dismissed as unimportant.
3. Should unique cultural elements of any country be dismissed simply because no one outside of that country partakes?
sheek said | July 28th 2009 @ 7:18am | Report comment
Pip,
I’m not a fan of club songs, never been into any one club in any one code passionately enough to do so. But loved your article. Because of it I understand the AFL (Melbourne) clubs songs & the clubs quite a deal better.
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 8:18am | Report comment
Sheek
thanks for that – much appreciated!!
BigAl said | July 28th 2009 @ 1:37pm | Report comment
About 10- 15? years ago the there was a move to . . . ‘modernize’ the club songs – not sure about wording, but definately musical style.
Well ! – there was immediate MASS REVOLT by the fans – and everything quickly went back to the daggie old 1930s style versions.
Most people wouldn’t put up with that style of music these days – except when they’re surrounded by a mass of like minded and happy people belting out the same thing – all part of what makes footy great.
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 1:48pm | Report comment
Big Al
you’re right – indeed, there probably have been a few attempts, but the bottom line is that modern songs are not singable en masse, and once a song is accepted by a large group of people as being singable (by them), it’s almost impossible to supplant, and it’s not worth trying (which is why Waltzing Matilda remains very popular as a song that can be sung en masse).
One thing about singability is not just a simple, memorable and rousing melody (difficult but achievable), there must be minimum rests (in musical terms), or where there are rests, they must be capable of being filled with a witty retort (“yellow and black”!!).
Now take a modern club song that absolutely failed – the original West Coast song (in fact I don’t even know if they use it, I don’t know what the hell they use!!)
It went something like this:
Everywhere we go (big yawning gap)
People always ask us (big yawning gap)
Where we come from (big yawning gap), etc
Apart from being incredibly boring – it’s completely unsingable – double whammy!!
Redb said | July 28th 2009 @ 1:52pm | Report comment
What has evolved with various club songs is a certain emphasis from fans at different points in the song.
Some examples:
When Essendon win, the whole Bomber crowd pumps their fist into the air at “Up”. “See the Bombers fly Up, Up… to win the premiership flag (2011)”
Tiger fans yell twice as loud at their colours ” Like the Tigers of old, we’re strong and we’re bold. For we’re from Tiger… YELLOW and BLACK, for where from Tigerland”
I’d imagine Hawks fans put on a goofy face at “we’re at happy team at Hawthorn” – worse song of the Vic clubs.
Redb
Redb said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:07pm | Report comment
Pip,
Yeah that old West Coast song is a take off of a traditional American football team song. Check out the excellent movie “Remember the Titans”
At least the Eagles song doesn’t stick in your head, I reckon the Crows is a real sleeper, but when it comes back almost impossible to remove. “we’re the pride of South Australia…..” Just as well when you take a leak on the Murray River it’s good to know South Australians will end up drinking it.
Redb
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:12pm | Report comment
Reb
really good point – the various songs usually have a point where the fans can look each other in the eye, clench their fist and shout (we rarely are able to sing properly!) , for example, “yellow and black”!!
We might hate all the other clubs, but at least I am able to acknowledge that most of the songs have these high points which are quite rousing and a lot of fun, and the “yellow and black” retort is pretty close to the best one.
The bombers’ “up…up” is pretty good.
The scraggers song is relatively weak, but it does have the one high point: “coz you can’t beat the boys of the bulldog breed…etc)
The Hawks song is pretty weak all round.
I don’t mind the jazziness of the Blues song, with the highlight for singers being: we are the allllllll….etc
It occurs to me that some may not really know too much about the songs – I put up a lampooned version of the tiggers song earlier (We finished 9th again) – but here is the real thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsZEBvXiifo
Ahh – it gets you going every time!! Banjos and trombones and all!!! Great song!!!! Who can’t imagine singing that after a win (a rare as they are these days).
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:15pm | Report comment
Now compare that with a modern club song like the Eagles’ (which I just found):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIM_OPZvoZU&feature=related
It’s chalk and cheese – give me “yellow and black!!!” anyday!!
People from WA – I beg of you – storm your parliament and get rid of this song!!!
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:17pm | Report comment
This is the bullies’ song – it’s not amongst the best – but it’s ours!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMnIqSvIMPw&feature=related
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:19pm | Report comment
The sainters song, is an unusual one in that it’s pretty much just the reprise repeated over and over and over….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uUPY5EZwMU&feature=related
but hey – beggars can’t be choosers…
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:20pm | Report comment
Geelong’s song is based on an opera song (not sure which one) – you can’t go wrong when Verdi or Puccini is your inspiration!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTLEXl344U0&feature=related
Michael C said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:30pm | Report comment
The Geelong song is from the Opera Carmen, by George Bizet – - the tune is the March of the Torreadors (or however you spell it)……also made famous as the tune for the ‘Bad news bears’ kids show (& movie?).
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:22pm | Report comment
This is Carlton’s – I confess that I had actually forgotten the words in an earlier post! Nice jazz standard:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ38WKi8es8&feature=related
Redb said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:22pm | Report comment
unfortunately youtube clips are lost on me, no access. I’ll take your word for it.
As for the Blues song – nothing is good about that lying cheatin tankin scum – ahh feel better now.
I don’t mind the stirring part of the Bullies song or Collingwood’s for that matter (not that I hang around long enough to hear it)
I think “Hear the barrackers a shouting, as ALL barrackers SHOULD ” gets ‘em going. Hang on I feel a bit sick at the moment..
Redb
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:24pm | Report comment
I’ve always liked the Collingwood song because it was my junior club’s song (which also wore black and white) – it’s a real supporter’s song, sung for the supporters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z45ytXTzcA8&feature=related
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:25pm | Report comment
This is Essendon’s – I think it’s based on an old Broadway song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIlPGNCQokE&feature=related
Michael C said | July 28th 2009 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
Keep your sunny side up, up.
Hide the side that gets blue.
If you have nine sons in a row
Baseball teams make money, you know.
Keep you funny side up, up.
Let your laughter ring through, through.
Stand upon you legs.
Be like two fried eggs.
Keep you sunny side up.
From “Good news”
Redb said | July 28th 2009 @ 3:20pm | Report comment
Thats shite, Bombers version much better.
See the Bombers fly up, up!
To win the premiership flag.
Our boys who play this grand old game,
Are always striving for glory and fame!
See the Bombers fly up, up,
The other teams they don’t fear,
They all try their best,
But they can’t get near,
As the Bombers fly up!
Glory and Fame MC, Glory and Fame.
Redb
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:27pm | Report comment
I also like Melbourne’s, especially the end bit!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-NznmUykqQ&feature=related
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:28pm | Report comment
This is North’s – a version was also used by the Vic rep team:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwurk2Vcbgk&feature=related
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:29pm | Report comment
this is Hawthorn’s, pretty poor one (riding the bumps with a grin!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfy4LFWn5Rg&feature=related
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:30pm | Report comment
As I’ve said hard to go wrong with La Marsellaise – here’s Fitzroy’s/Brisbane’s:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3viF-ZP8yPA&feature=related
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:32pm | Report comment
The Crows started life with a terrible modern song, but then replaced it with this typical bush ballad number (wise choice) – it’s pretty good for a new song, of course, having to hear it in two consecutive prelim finals in 97 and 98 put me off a bit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKuN0gywloc&feature=related
Michael C said | July 28th 2009 @ 3:08pm | Report comment
The Marines hymn or something like that.
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:37pm | Report comment
Speaking of bush ballads – I can recall in the early years the Brumbies used to have as their club song something sung to “Clip go the shears boys” (“spin the ball out wide”) – I went looking for it – but couldn’t find it!
I always thought it suited the club (bush capital, brumbies, etc etc) – anyone know if it’s still sung these days??
The Link said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:49pm | Report comment
Give me the Green Machine anyday Pip, a classic.
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:38pm | Report comment
This is another modern monstrosity – Port’s:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOrn9planTM&feature=related
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:40pm | Report comment
Swans’ is pretty good (shake down the thunder from the sky!! bloody hell, that could almost sit comfortably in a Sabbath song!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8pWYylLOlA&feature=related
Pippinu said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:44pm | Report comment
MC
thanks for the clarification on the opera!
redb
I’m hearing you (not hanging around, etc) – definitely something to enjoy away from the actual ground!!
Redb said | July 28th 2009 @ 2:55pm | Report comment
Yeah pip, nothing wrong with the Swans song.
Michael C said | July 28th 2009 @ 3:10pm | Report comment
Brisbane Lions “La Marseillaise”
Carlton “Lily of Laguna”
Collingwood “Goodbye Dolly Gray”
Essendon “Keep Your Sunnyside Up”
Geelong “Carmen”
Hawthorn “Yankee Doodle Dandy”
Melbourne “It’s a Grand Old Flag”
North Melbourne “A Wee Doch and Doris”
Richmond “Row, Row, Row”
St Kilda “When the Saints Go Marching In”
Sydney Swans “Notre Dame March”
Western Bulldogs “Sons of The Sea”
Midfielder said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:20am | Report comment
HUGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEE News from the NRL / AFL
I don’t often post in AFL threads and sorry Pip this has nothing to do with your article … but some huge breaking news.
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/articles/…546753089.html
Karmichael Hunt to join AFL
July 29, 2009 – 8:33AM
Brisbane Broncos rugby league star Karmichael Hunt is switching codes to play Australian football in a move that will rock the NRL to its foundations.
In an unprecedented cross-code switch, Hunt, 22, is to announce today that he is signing with the new Gold Coast franchise, which joins the AFL competition in 2011.
He will begin his new career with the Gold Coast franchise next year. The club is yet to commit to which competition it will play in next year before joining the AFL, but it is most likely to be the VFL competition.
It is the first time a rugby league international has switched codes to play Australian football.
The move will intensify the fierce turf war between the strongest football codes in Australia, with rugby league in danger of suffering further raids on its most talented players, especially if Hunt makes a successful transition.
Hunt is regarded as one of the brightest talents in the NRL. Fellow Test players Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and Israel Folau are other obvious targets for AFL clubs.
Hunt knocked back a $1.2-million three-year deal with the Broncos earlier this year and his manager David Riolo has been overseas looking at his options.
The news is a setback for South Sydney, which last week targeted Hunt as a possible replacement for Craig Wing whom they released so he could take up a lucrative offer with Japanese second-division rugby union franchise NTT Communications.
Hunt, who returns from injury for the Broncos in Saturday night’s match against Canberra, said he would announce his future after Origin III but had always indicated he was heading overseas to play rugby union.
Irish club Munster had recently been linked with him through his connections with their coach Tony McGahan, Hunt’s former high school coach.
French club Bayonne and Suntory in Japan were also believed to have expressed an interest in signing him, although former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said last week that Hunt had priced himself out of Suntory’s reach.
A number of English Super League clubs are believed to have also made approaches.
Hunt played some Australian football as a schoolboy in Brisbane, attracting the attention of Queensland AFL scouts, before joining the Broncos as a 17-year-old in 2004.
The Auckland-born fullback has since played 10 State of Origin matches for Queensland and 11 Tests for Australia.
With Hunt’s Broncos contract up at the end of the 2009 NRL season, his future has been a hot topic in recent months.
Hunt will make his shock code-switch announcement at a press conference on the Gold Coast this morning.
Pippinu said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:23am | Report comment
Mid
just been discussing it on a rugby thread!!
It’s big, big news – unbelievable news – right out of left field.
The question I have been asking is this: what’s behind his motivation???
Midfielder said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:26am | Report comment
Pip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkhX5W7JoWI
Pippinu said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:29am | Report comment
MC
can it all just be about money??
Will the GC really pay him $500,000 per annum just to run around the VFL for a season??
He’s going to go from someone at the very top of his sport, pursued by overseas clubs, to someone who will be lucky to be the 200th best player in a a domestic comp.
It’s a big, big decision on his part.
But it’s also fascinating – there’s a best seller brewing here!!
Pippinu said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:30am | Report comment
Des Hasler’s reaction – over the top??
SYDNEY, July 29 AAP – Manly coach Des Hasler says the AFL’s
capture of Brisbane star Karmichael Hunt should serve as a serious
warning to rugby league.
The NRL premiership-winning coach said Hunt’s decision to switch
codes could open the doors to more players joining the AFL if the
Queensland State of Origin star’s move is a success.
And with the AFL planning to launch a new team into the
traditional rugby league heartland of Sydney’s western suburbs,
Hasler said Wednesday’s news had lit the fuse for red-hot battle
between the rival codes.
“Here’s another career path for aspiring league players,” Hasler
said.
“Given that Sydney has a four-and-a-half to five-million
population, the outer west, where if another AFL side is
commissioned there, it just puts pressure … on our code,
particularly as far as recruitment is concerned.
“Sydney’s only going to grow west, just the population and the
number of young players that are out there, that are looking for a
career path in sport. It’s just another code to which you can
aspire.”
Hasler said Hunt was undoubtedly one of the most exciting
players in the NRL and the AFL’s decision to make a play for such a
high-profile star meant it was game on between the rival football
codes.
“It’s a real battle of the codes,” Hasler said.
“It’ll be interesting to see how it pans out.
“There’s been some talk in the papers of an NRL commission. I
hope that’s not too late because there needs to be some clear goals
or definite outlines on what they’re trying do as far as
recruitment and keeping young players interested.
“Maybe it’s time to look at places like Adelaide, look at places
like Perth. I just think now, with this (Hunt’s signing), that it
is well and truly gloves off.”
Pippinu said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:32am | Report comment
Sorry Mid – I thought that was MC that had directed me to the Pink Floyd clip!!
But same question – this guy can earn stacks of money anywhere – that’s the bit that’s not quite gelling in my mind at the moment.
Dogs Of War said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:33am | Report comment
Thing Hasler doesn’t mention is that if you don’t succeed in AFL, where too next? You may have burnt a bridge in leaving the NRL, as other codes now think that having been out of the game, that you may not be able to readjust again, and won’t throw big money at them.
NRL for all it’s faults, allows players to earn a living elsewhere in the world, via playing in England in the ESL, or moving across to Union. AFL is a dead end career path if you can’t make the grade.
Pippinu said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:41am | Report comment
Dogs
you’re right – it’s part of why all this is so puzzling and fascinating – I’m serious when I say there’s a best seller brewing here.
It’s only a three year contract – but he’ll still be only 25 when it ends – so maybe he’s weighed it all up??
Chop said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:48am | Report comment
He could become a tri-international, if he succeeds at AFL and becomes an all Australian, he’ll still only be 25 and could then go to Union with the 15th franchise and become a Wallaby.
He’s a very good athlete, I wouldn’t rule out that happening…
The Link said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:57am | Report comment
Let me get this straight Chop, that would require him becoming an All Australian in his first year of full time AFL???!!!! A year in the reggies won’t get him there that’s for sure.
He’ll get a few games off the bench in 2011 to keep the crowds / interest / PR up, that’s all.
Chop said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:06pm | Report comment
Link I think you’ll be surprised, he does have some background in AFL.
He’s signed a 3 year deal hasn’t he? 2 years in AFL getting back into the game he could do it. Don’t undervalue his abilities. His physicality will be something AFL doesn’t see now.
The Link said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:52pm | Report comment
All we know is that he played AFL at school and the ’scouts’ we circling. Sounds like some media spin to me, i’m sure he also played lacross and vigaro at school too.
Pippinu said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:57am | Report comment
The greatest all-rounder since Dally Messenger??!!
Dogs Of War said | July 29th 2009 @ 11:58am | Report comment
I am sure there are plenty better all rounders since Messenger. Plenty of players in both AFL and NRL have also played top level cricket as well.
Chop said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:08pm | Report comment
I’m think it was Graeme Hughes who played NRL (equivalent) and Shield cricket for NSW, that was about 25 years ago.
Michael C said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:34pm | Report comment
re all rounders – Back in the 80s and early 90s we had AFL examples of Jamie Siddons, Simon O’Donnell and even Craig Bradley.
Chop said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:46pm | Report comment
Did Siddons and O’Donnell play in the AFL?
Did Bradley play Shield?
I ask because I don’t know.
and to correct my earlier post it was the mid 70’s Graeme Hughes played Cricket for NSW and Rugby League for the Bulldogs.
Michael C said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:52pm | Report comment
Jamie Siddons was with the Swans and played a couple of ‘pre-season/night’ matches. I don’t think he cracked a regular H&A game.
Simon O’Donnell was I think a CHB with St.Kilda.
Craig Bradley was an opening bat for South Australia, and he might have managed a game or two for Victoria at one point.
Going back further of course, Max ‘Tangles’ Walker was a shortish ruckman for Melbourne.
And further back to people like Keith Miller, Laurie Nash and even W.W.Armstrong.
(the very clearly distinct seasons in the past and no real options for playing ‘football’ overseas, saw many talented VFL/Aust Footy cross sports athletes – including many runners and Stawell Gift winners).
Justin said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:18pm | Report comment
I dont think it will lead to any more players going over. He has a background in AFL (although I am unsure of its depth) and was spotted by scouts as a teenager. How many other NRL players would have a similar background? Fark all I would suggest…
Michael C said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:37pm | Report comment
Agreed – this whole ‘open the floodgates’ talk is silly.
Hunt obviously had multi code talent, and, it was known that he was stale where he was.
It may just be that he enjoys a more ‘free’ (dynamic) game to play.
ANd, as far as taking on a challenge – he’s got that coming.
Drop a couple of kg’s, improve his endurance.
Good luck to him. Another interesting story to follow.
The aspect of whether he was ‘poached’, ‘lured’, or, just ‘offered’. That’ll be twisted a bit to suit the various AFL and NRL agendas one suspects.
Dogs Of War said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:23pm | Report comment
Plenty over the years Justin. Like Laurie Daley and Darren Lockyer, who were both superstars in the NRL.
Pippinu said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:35pm | Report comment
Yeh, Laurie Daley and Lockyer had good backgrounds in both codes – generally speaking a decision is made to go one way or the other at around 16 or 17.
Many kids in Southern NSW grow up playing both games each weekend right up to their mid teens – in fact, in some towns, it’s almost the norm.
Michael C said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:48pm | Report comment
Most the Wagga kids, such as Daley, and Wayne Carey and Paul Kelly grew up playing a bit of both – if only at school.
Also, a few kids in Darwin do likewise. Geelong premiership player Matthew Stokes was a talented junior at both.
Different types will gravitate to different games. Just as Kieran Jack from his background found he preferred playing footy to league, and perhaps by making that choice for himself rather than family – perhaps avoided a K.Hunt situation that has now eventuated. (not suggesting either that it won’t/can’t/doesn’t happen the other way too).
At any rate – it helps to underline the potential gain for the AFL with building a grass roots schools/auskick base in West Sydney – - long term investment.
Dogs Of War said | July 29th 2009 @ 12:55pm | Report comment
I have to admit I played Union, League and AFL, though I only played AFL because it meant every Wednesday was a half day (or full day) off school, to play another school, though I must admit I wasn’t any good as I tackled like in Rugby, not AFL style, and most times was just the official orange peeler due to my poor kicking ability.
Pippinu said | July 29th 2009 @ 3:02pm | Report comment
Dogs – no wonder you’re constantly getting stuck into aussie rules – c’mon mate – let bygones
be bygones!!
(so were/are you from Southern NSW??)
Pippinu said | July 29th 2009 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
When you look at the builds of Daley, Carey and Kelly – it’s understandable that they went the way they went.
Kelly’s short stature (and leanness) made him ideal to be a midfielder in aussie rules (and no doubt, the rugby codes would have toughened him up a fair bit as he was known for his courage).
Carey is the sort of build in player absolutely every AFL club longs to come across – the kind of build that says in big letters: KEY POSITION PLAYER!!!!!
My club, the bullies, haven’t had a key position player of note since Teddy Whitten hung up the boots in 1970 (although Kelvin Templeton did make the transition from full forward to centre half forward for one brownlow winning season).
Republican said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:17pm | Report comment
Pippinu.
Love the metaphors; well written and entertaining with your reverance to the games history in an era sadly lacking in tribalism, albeit the stuff that is corporately manufactured.
Thankyou.
Republican said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:22pm | Report comment
P.S.
I support the Saints, an inherited birth right since 56′ and 66′ is indelibly stamped on my – soul. They are surely destined to march in again in 2009 if injuries dont have their measure.
Pippinu said | August 7th 2009 @ 3:24pm | Report comment
Cheers Republican – I had forgotten about this one!!