by 'Wally in cooperation with an O.P. Dog Lover"

Like most football followers we appreciate our great game to be played on a Saturday. My Boss "Big Al" is an early riser and on most days he likes to get out early to take me for a brisk walk.

Now that Al is involved with his junior days football club in Glen Iris, Saturday becomes a fun day for me "Wally'. Al seems to think that I need to get my walk in early on Saturdays but really all I am waiting for is my footy.

After the walk and after his footy shirt is put on, I know we are on our way to the SMS U19's. I enjoy getting to the ground where I have developed a great sniffing relationship with the local dogs at Ferndale. There are some truly lovely lady dogs that come down for a run too' I am sure that Al likes to meet the owners also.

Usually I am allowed to have a free run around the ground and visit my regular trees and posts to make sure that no one has contaminated those areas. Everyone knows that I am the "Director of Coaching's " advisor, mate, best friend and all the players, supporters and members treat me with great respect. Pre game I watch the players in their warm ups and as soon as they are completed I wander around sniffing out those who have not raised a sweat and usually the coach watches me and can quickly pick out those players that have not put in. Those players are then nominated for more work outs.

During the match I am close to the action and hear all the frustration and decisions on team placements, interchanges etc. It really is a pity that I can not talk, when I hear some of the strange decisions, as it is clear to me what needs to be done to win the game. Let the skilful players run, scout the packs and snap the goals, make the big men accountable for the high marking and or spoiling but this is FOOTBALL not a poor hand balling game. Football really is a simple game as I heard Bails say on Saturday. So, if so, why do the players stuff up so often?

During the quarter time breaks I get out on the oval and try to show them my speed, dodging weaving and when possible attacking the match ball and rolling it along just to get the feel of the game and show them how. The umpires were not to happy the day I lifted my leg on the match ball though, but when you have to go what else can a dog do??

Sunday is normally my day of rest, an early morning snack, a snooze on the back porch and very relaxing. This week though the VAFA in their wisdom turned on a Sunday final, this ruined our whole routine. Big Al was rather twitchy and nearly forgot my morning snack and we then took off for a ground that we had never been to previously. This caused me concern as I had to find new trees and posts to mark. Al wanted to watch the pre game so I realized it was not going to be too easy for Wally.

The players were all keyed up but still had a chat to me and soon it was SMS turn to take the field.
The Saints looked lethargic and were not able to get the run of the ball, the tricky wind made it hard to score goals at one end. The coaches were making numerous changes to no avail and by three quarter time the Saints were trailing by 25 points.
Coach Leo took charge and pleaded with the boys to play their normal game. The oranges were distributed by our faithful supporter who does a great job each week.

Wally like the players was down hearted. He looked to Big Al for inspiration, would Leo's words win the game and yes it was then that the change came about. Big Al dived into his pocket and produced some special treats for Wally. Was this the answer were the oranges handed out just what the players needed to spurt them on to bigger and better things? Time would tell.

The third quarter had been a long one with the injury to Nathan Evans, but today we are able to advise, he is OK has a swollen kneck but no concussion problems, so we wish him a speedy recovery. Phew, that is good news.

On with the game, Saints needed to lift and Jake Evans threw his body into the fray and other players responded. The coach's box was unsure who they should change. Was al's suggestion a good one, should Leo chuck the white board away and let the players decide. It was getting tense and as I surveyed the state of play, I tried to get my point across by winding myself around the coach's legs. Not a wise move but though, a suggestion by the football manager passed through to the box, to make some positional changes was acted upon. The players lifted and the rest can be seen in Around The Game details.

Those oranges worked well and the boys did as the coach had pleaded. With minutes to go Saints hit the front and the pressure was on Monash. Boy I needed a tree but that would have to wait for full time. The final bell sounded and we headed off to the change rooms to join in the mayhem that follows such a win.

Well done fellows to run out winners by 8 points.

Al picked me up so I could see the after game activities gave me a bit of a hug and rub and so ended a great Sunday at the football for Wally.
We now wait for that next game, be it on a Saturday or Sunday, Wally will be there and like today help to confuse the opposition coaches as to why "Wally the Directors assistant" was so important to the club and the win.

Well only Wally and Al know and they certainly aren't giving away the secret to any opposition coaches.

In reality is Wally the talking dog, can he get his message across or is he just a lovely white dog who loves his master and the football club. Only Wally can tell you that one.

Cheers from
Wally and his ghost writer.