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This article is not science fiction. It is not from an episode of the Twilight Zone.
I have been a fanatic sports-watcher since I was nine years old. I am much older now.
Sometimes things happen that you have seen before. But rarely is there a period of three days when the past seems to have been revisited so many times.
Last weekend was one of those times. Let me tell you why.
Cricket
When Steve Smith was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer at Lord’s, we were all reminded by the tragedy of Phil Hughes. As he lay on the pitch surrounded by English players and medics, we prayed that he was alright. Fortunately he was and the world was spared the complexity of cricket’s latest concussion protocol. Long may Smith prosper, but please, put the neck protectors on to your helmet.
Rugby
In Perth last week, the Wallabies played like world-beaters and annihilated the invincible All Blacks. Only one more win at Eden Park and we would hold the Bledisloe Cup again. Surely we could do it again after over 30 years?
People kept asking, “can they win?” I kept saying, “I hope so.”
Reports of the All Blacks in disarray kept the sporting pages busy. Surely this time we would prevail. The false dawn never arrived and at 7.30pm, the depressing score line was there for all to see. We got thrashed. Couldn’t score a point. Oh dear, back to the drawing boards.
(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
AFL
It was 2003 and the Brisbane Lions were premiers again. A champion team and a team of champions. No one could beat them.
Then followed years of disappointment and poor results. The crowds at the Gabba diminished and hope slipped out the door.
Season 2017 arrived and so did Chris Fagan – a loveable tough guy who stated his tenure with high hopes and a great work ethic. In 2018, the team finished 15th but showed some good signs.
In 2019, the Lions are first on the ladder having beaten the ladder leaders Geelong by one point after an amazing comeback. It is 2003 all over again.
Tennis
Since the arrival of Nick Kyrgios, the average tennis-watcher has suffered his erratic behaviour.
He would abuse his opponent, the umpire, the linespeople, the spectators and his team in their box. But we kept making excuses for him.
He needs to grow up. Now he is 24 and last week he produced his usual great first set, explode in the second and fold in the third. No, not again. Yes, again.
There was false hope in the Washington Open when he joked with the spectators had a great last match but lost. No tantrums. Maybe the corner has been turned.
Then came the Cincinnati Open. Like a nightmare, it happened again. Abuse, destroying racquets, and now spitting at the umpire. A fine of over $160,000. Surely now he has gone too far.
Anyway, déjà vu! Nick has done it again.
I know he doesn’t like tennis. I reckon we don’t like him.
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