Full Description
"There is no team that gives pleasure to the sporting public like the Canberra Raiders." --Bob Hawke, former Prime Minister of AustraliaThe Canberra Raiders' spectacular grand final win against the Balmain Tigers in 1989 is widely regarded as Australian rugby league's greatest ever decider. For a fledgling club, this was an extraordinary and unexpected achievement, heralding a sequence of years that produced two more premierships and two near-misses. The Raiders' trademark adventurous style of play was welcomed by all lovers of the game. Attacking football was back in vogue.David Headon tells the story of a unique football team that entered the Sydney competition in 1982 with little fanfare and plenty of pessimism, despite the fact that league had been an integral part of communities across the Limestone Plains for nearly a century. From this firm base, the Raiders emerged to make their mark.Absolutely Bleeding Green recounts the big wins and heart-wrenching losses as it follows the players through their Raider careers, revealing how the club was able to build exceptional team spirit, even in difficult times. It includes interviews with players past and present, with coaches and administrators, as well as with families and supporters who are so proud of the distinctive lime green jersey."This terrific book tells the story of a unique club that changed my life forever, just as the Raiders changed rugby league forever." --Mal Meninga, rugby league Immortal, Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame
Contents
ForewordAcknowledgementsIntroductionChapter 1: Roots: Frederick Campbell to 1921Foundation years The strength of southern footballPoints of the Lazarus sundialChapter 2: A league of their own: 1921-81Rugby League beginsBob CraigBetween the warsA homegrown nurseryWar years and afterInternational glamourBlues, Roos and a blur named LarryChanging the gameTime to roll up the sleevesChapter 3: The Canberra phenomenon: 1982-85Sink or swimThe Pioneers, 1982'Upset of the decade' and other achievements, 1983Two steps forward, one step back, 1984 and 1985Chapter 4: A movie script come to life: 1986-90One long nightmare, 1986So close and yet, 1987Opportunity missed, 1988'Inside each of you is a dream', 1989Chapter 5: The team of the '90s: 1990-2001Oozing class, 1990Rise, fall and rise again, 1991-93Mal Meninga and the last crusade, 1994Surviving Super League, 1995-96The changing of the guard, 1997-2001Chapter 6: Harder yards: 2002-presentWinters of content, winters of discontent, 2002-06 Leave your ego at the door, 2007-08 Return of a favourite son, 2009-13 Forever Green, 2014-19Chapter 7: Ties that bindKey sources The Canberra RaidersIndex
