The folklore of AFL football is as much a part of the game as its greatest goals, marks and grand finals. It's also the focus of a new book from journalist Glen Humphries. 'Kevin Sheedy's Bomber Jacket: Australian Football's Controversies and Curiosities' details the stories that have peppered the history of the game, as Humphries explains "even before the modern-day wall-to-wall coverage the sport now attracts". There's the story of the player who allegedly took the field with a hook where his arm should have been, of a Carlton hard man who tarnished his legacy by mistakenly thinking he was an actor, and of a candidate for the worst team of all-time. As well as Luke Beveridge's actions on the dais after the 2016 grand final and Tayla Harris' conversation-starting response to online trolls, the book touches on the shortest coaching stint in league history; a former star who made the transition to the big screen in a Ned Kelly film; and the nasty behaviour of Fitzroy fans in the early 1900s. The collection of tales in 'Kevin Sheedy's Bomber Jacket' is an essential addition to any sports library. Released just ahead of the AFL finals series, and perfectly-timed for Father's Day, it explores both the modern era of AFL and the sport's early days, and includes 30 of Aussie Rules' greatest stories, expertly told. Humphries, an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury, spent a decade playing full back and back pocket for the Port Kembla Blacks reserve grade side; in that time, he acquired a flag, two concussions, several broken fingers and a bunch of stitches. He has dedicated his new book to the Blacks 'and other park footy players everywhere'. 'Kevin Sheedy's Bomber Jacket' (RRP $29.99) is the latest in Humphries' releases through Gelding Street Press, which also include 'Sticky Wickets', 'Jack Gibson's Fur Coat', 'Aussie Rock Anthems', and 'Great Sporting Sites Australia'. It is available at all good book stores.
