What’s your first footy memory? Who was your first hero? And who was your first villain?
At The Mongrel Punt, we like to dive into the history of the game, but everyone’s history is a little different.
In this series, we’ll be asking a series of questions of those passionate about footy – players, coaches, personalities, and those with profiles outside the game. What drew them to footy? What made them love the game?
Tim Rogers is one of the more esteemed members of the Australian music scene. As the frontman for You am I, he has experienced success for decades across the country, and he has never hid his love for our game.
Rogers famously spearheaded the AFL’s finals series campaigns in the early 2010s and continues to adore his Kangaroos.
Here, he gets to share his passion for the game with Mongrel readers, as he lets us know about his first times in footy.
What is your first footy memory? How did the game become part of your life?
Following Dad to games in the Goldfields League, Kalgoorlie. He was an umpire by then. Knowing that he was a better player than any of those he officiated must’ve been challenging, but he was graceful about it.
Who was the first person to influence your love of footy?
Dad for sure. He was never that parochial – just loved good tough play and a good story, always. Could kick a torp longer and straighter than any human I’ve seen.
Do you remember the first game you played? Maybe the first season?
Perth, 1976. Applecross Primary. I was, and have always been, a Full Forward. Still never been in a Final. Could mark and kick straight, but never had a body, only height. Admired greatly those who could get in and under packs.
How did that first season play out?
One win, perhaps a dozen heavy defeats?
When was the first time you realised you were better off being a fan than a footy player?
I still believe I can be a handy player. Come on, I play in a rock ‘n’ roll group… reality is not my friend.
Who was the first player to truly capture your imagination?
Jim Sewell of East Fremantle. He and Stephen Michael of South Freo. Stephen was so impossibly graceful, it was mesmerising. Jim and I shared a haircut and a Full Forward’s gait.
Who was the first player you tried to emulate when you played?
Malcom Blight.
Me too. I was nowhere near it! Who was the first team or player you really hated?
Takes a lot for me to “hate” a club, as I have friends who follow all other clubs, and I hear and feel their pains. Have to admit to a lack of empathy with some Swans friends though… During the whole “Boo a Roo” bullshit in the early 2000s, I had a few altercations with Swans strangers. Seen a lot of games at the SCG as a neutral when Swans were getting very few folks through the gate. Figure I’ve tried…
When was the first time you met your footy hero?
When the family moved to Adelaide, I swiftly bacame a Sturt F.C devotee. Though I LONGED to meet Michael Graham or Paul Bagshaw, my brother who follows Glenelg used to somehow get us into the Tiges’ Social Club after games.
Twice had awkward 10-year-old stare-offs with Stephen Kernahan where I tried to put a hex on him. Later, getting to know Glenn Archer and get social was an education in “keeping one’s shit together”.
A few years ago watched a Sturt Grannie with Rick Davies. That was…Jumbo. Had a beer with my Dad and Des Tuddenham. I knew Dad ADORED Des and to feel Dad “keeping one’s shit together” was a treat.
What is your favourite memory of going to a game?
1999 Round 17? North v Essendon with Dad. He was a Bomber. The best game I’ve witnessed live. In the outer with Dad slurpin’ amber, Carey kicking 10, Lloyd kicking 8, SO many brawls, great fun crowd baying for blood, but all knew we were watching brutal beauty.
When was the first time the game broke your heart?
Watching folks at games give my Dad grief as he walked off the ground. He coulda belted any of ‘em, but had to keep his head down as an umpire. To this day, I can’t abide with umpire bashing. Sure I’ve bitten my tongue, but Dad took it all incredibly seriously and demanded fair but tough play.
When was the first time you felt the game let you down?
Hearing racist bullshit thrown at the Krakouer brothers from idiots. I’d been bewildered and shocked hearing stuff in Kalgoorlie, but these men were Gods to me and hearing a criticism let alone the absolute inhumane idiocy of racist bullshit shouted had me in tears. How I wish I could go back to being a kid and call out that crap daily.
Who would be the first player you can think of from your (favourite) era that would fit perfectly into the modern game?
David Dench. He and Ross Glendinning were timeless.
What would be the first thing you would change about the way the game is now played?
“HOLD YER BLOODY POSITION”.
The roving maul lessens my love of the game. And woolen guernseys or lace-ups back.
Who would be the first five players picked in your all-time team?
Stephen Michael – grace, finesse, time stood still.
Francis Bourke – tough without bluster. Could build a defence around him.
Ross Glendinning- “ “
Jim Krakouer – A footy brain like no other. His read of the play was peerless and execution acute.
Glenn Archer- I’d stick him forward too. Give him a bloody break… Known as a backman but saw some of his best footy forward. Relentless.
If there is anything you’d like to mention?
Only that I still train regularly and still follow North, Sturt and East Fremantle as avidly as I did as a kid.
And admission to ANY show I’m involved in is guaranteed with a local guernsey. Two tickets if it’s made of wool and fits. Actually, you have access to the drinks rider if so.
Thankyou.
TR
What a great bloke, and a fantastic read. Keep your eye out for more in the “First Time” series in the coming weeks.
In case you missed the first one, our chat with former Demon and Docker, Jeff White can be found HERE.
