What are the skills and qualities that enable a coach or captain/coach to lead their team to great victories against all odds? One of Australia’s greatest ever actors, John Bell, reckons that Shakespeare had this leadership business summed up pretty well with his character King Henry V. Henry crops up in a few of Shakespeare’s plays but, as a gun fighter and captain coach of a … [Read more...]
Wallaby v France test – the moment that soared above all the others
What was the greatest moment of Saturday night’s thrilling rugby test match where the Wallabies managed a tight victory over a magnificent French team? It’s hard to say. There were so many wonderful moments in a game that see-sawed from the first kick off. The most patriotically inclined might have experienced a moment of chicken-skin even prior to the kick-off as they watched … [Read more...]
How to play great…. when you feel crap
You’ve got an important game today. It’s critical that you play as well as you can. Your team needs you at your best. But you’ve woken up feeling rotten. Maybe a sore throat. Maybe a cold. Maybe an upset gut. Or you have had a terrible row with a loved one. Or your whole week has been a shocker and you are down in the dumps. What are you going to do? You know that the way that … [Read more...]
Their sporting life – A journalist’s story
Last weekend, when driving around a sharp bend (that overlooks one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful ocean views anywhere in the world), I remembered an incident that happened on that very spot over forty years earlier. On that day, my best mate demonstrated that he would not put up with bullying or bullshit from anyone. He bloody nearly got himself (and me) killed, but … [Read more...]
Girls Can’t Surf – film review
Ever heard of a “talking heads” documentary that is funny, endearing, thrilling, witty, sad, life affirming, exciting and informative? No? Neither had I, until recently. Hang onto your boardshorts, surfboards, and sunscreen, because I’m going to let you in on a secret… involving one of the most uplifting and entertaining cinema experiences I have had in ages. It’s a film is … [Read more...]