The Dream Team
© David Judge
Winner, 2023 Serious Section and Overall NSW ABPA State Championships, Guyra, NSW.
They were legends in their lifetime for the way they played the game,
and from what they did and who they were was how they got their name.
There were players from the outback, from the coast and in between,
and they talked about The Dream Team as the best they’d ever seen.
The selection of the team each year was never done in haste,
with so many in contention and the hardships that they faced.
They were chosen for their willingness to go that extra yard,
when confronted with adversity that others found too hard.
For the fullback they decided that the Flying Doctor Corps
had a pilot who could tackle any challenges he saw.
His experience in navigation made a lot of sense,
to provide the team with guidance in attack and in defence.
And the wingers who were fleet of foot and know the Outback well,
had survived despite the stories that their elders had to tell.
Their endurance is a lesson for their team mates to behold,
as the opposition tactics of divisiveness unfold.
For the centres in the backline they have chosen left and right,
with a truckie who delivers and a soldier who can fight.
They provide essential services that many cannot do,
where conditions can be challenging and suited to so few.
The position of the pivot had selectors in a bind,
with so many players suitable, but only one to find.
The selection of a nurse who had the skills we all admire,
would provide the inspiration if the team began to tire.
When it came down to the halfback in a team of such repute,
the selectors chose the RSL to find a new recruit.
They advised their bloke from Legacy was who they’d recommend,
who had served with great distinction and became an orphan’s friend.
For the forwards, there were many who were suited it would seem,
but they chose an aged-care volunteer as hooker for the team.
And although at times unnoticed, he was always in the fray,
with his passion and commitment, which is how the team would play.
The selection of the props was where policemen made their mark,
when conviction and decisiveness were needed on the park.
They had witnessed unimagined sights to challenge hardy souls,
which is why they were selected for those key enforcer roles.
When they chose the second rowers, paramedics came to mind,
so they put one with the fire brigade to see if they would bind.
They became an awesome duo in behind the tough front row,
and were always seen together when the siren sounded, ‘Go’!
For the lock or number eight there were not many in the frame
but a jackeroo was chosen for his rugged claim to fame.
The selectors all agreed that if a bloke could bulldog steers,
he could tackle almost anything despite his youthful years.
Whilst the players were the focus, there were others to select
and a teacher was appointed as a coach they could respect.
There were looks of consternation, I could see it in their eyes,
but for those who knew what teachers do, it came as no surprise.
When I look at those selected in that team of Aussie pride,
I can see so many others who could play in such a side.
The selections have been finalised to be in this year’s team,
but alas! the team will never play; it was a poet’s dream.
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