Chicago Swans

CROUCHY’S CORNERROLLERCOASTER RIDE I think that I have used the rollercoaster analogy to describe the season once before. I don’t think that I can use it again in the situation of the last few weeks. I guess it has not only been the highs and lows of footy but the highs and lows of life.
It all started with the week leading up to Brisbane, my 150th and actually my 150th in concession since my debut. Only one person in the whole history of the AFL\VFL has played more since debut. John Murphy who played 158 games in a row is the record holder, which at the time of writing is not that far away. It is certainly not a record that I set my sights on, there are far more important things in footy to achieve but being able to sit down at the end of my carrier and say that I achieved something that no one else has ever achieved would be nice. I enjoyed the whole build up to the game. Playing against the Lions is always enjoyable as you like to challenge yourself against the best but to play my 150th against my nemesis Aker would be something special. To beat them was great, to beat them in my 150th was something very special, but to win they way we did was one of my greatest footballing moments. We controlled the game from minute 1 to minute 120. Every player played some part in the victory, to say that they won because of my 150th would be silly; we won because we need to, to keep our finals aspirations alive.
The next week saw us taking on the Kangaroos and for 3 quarters we totally dominated the game. For some reason we stopped and they turned a 40 point losing margin into a 5 point victory. I was guttered how could we have let that happen?
Footy was certainly the furthest thing from my mind once we entered the change room and was told the devastating news that head trainer Wally Jackson had suffered a heart attack mid way through the last quarter. If I thought that I was gutter before, then that was nothing compared to the emptiness I was to feel for the next few days, Wally died latter that night. Wally was one of my mates at the club. We would constantly talk about horses, and along with Jason Saddington, had purchased a greyhound together who is going to be the next superstar of ‘dish lickers’ track!! He is one of those irreplaceable people around the club who would go out of his way to get you ready for a game. He was always there win, lose, or draw, to support you, and first one to cheer you up after a bad performance. I am going to miss my mate, my chats on life, and the friendly “G’day Cruncher” every time I wandered pass his bench, but in the famous words of Wally: “life goes on”.
It was an extremely tough week for every one involved with the club, but we had to do what Wally would have wanted us to do and that was to play the type of footy that he always believed we could play. We traveled down to Melbourne and took on the Demons. We again showed that if every one turns up to play then we will be successful. It was, for me, a very emotional win and a special moment not only in my football life but in my life. I am sure that Wally, watching from afar, would have enjoyed it too.
The next two weeks are again vital for our charge towards the finals. Hopefully a 65000+ crowd this week at Stadium Australia against the Bombers and then a crucial game against the Tigers at the MCG, drop either on and our season might be over. Another test of character for the Swans.THE CHICAGO METRO FOOTY LEAGUE
SHARKS AND SWANS ARE HELPING TO BRING FOOTY TO YOUR DOWNTOWN DOORSTEP If you live in or around Chicago and are interested in having a kick with the Sharks and Swans, learn the great game of Aussie Rules, and start to compete in the newly formed Metro Footy League, come out to our Saturday trainings downtown. Click here for more information, including the playing schedule and E-mail to join the Metro Footy list. All matches are held at Waveland Field in Chicago.CROUCHY’S CORNER  SURFING FOR CHARITY
Ten-foot high waves lasted the coastline at Dee Why beach. I stood in the hot golden sand, surfboard under my right arm, gazing into the deep blue, watching in amazement as my team-mate, top female pro surfer and face of ‘Roxy’ surf wear Veronica Kay carved up the massive swell. It wasn’t long before I had to enter the water for the team, to weave some magic of my own. Beau Mitchell and team captain Duuane Rev issued me with my final instructions, team grommet (love that term) Tim also listened in owe as his legend’s spoke. V.K. charged up the beach and as we tagged hands she winked. ‘I knew then that it was up to me to finish the Job for the team’
Well the rest is history, I battled the biggest set of the day with two perfect rides to ignite thunderous applause from the many spectators and team-mates taking cover in the ‘Quiksilver’ tents, to help my team to victory and contrary to what Ryan O’Keefe believes that is my story and I am sticking to it.
Ryan O’Keefe and myself took part in the Quiksilver Board riders Club Surf for life charity event, which is dedicated to assist in raising the awareness of the work of The Bounce Back Foundation (BBF) – a not-for-profit organisation that enables elite athletes to improve the mental, physical and emotional health of young Australians. BBF provides a vehicle for athletes to assist youth in: depression and suicide prevention, alcohol and drug education, fitness and diet.
We were joined by a large contingent of local pro surfers as well as other celebrities including Mathew Johns, Sandon Stolle and Murray Bingham, and most importantly a large contingent of local Grommets.
The Shokz Guide Format was 8 teams of 6 surfers spit up into 2 heats with the winning 2 teams of each heat going through to the final. Ryan’s team finished first in heat one with my team coming a creditable second. We watched as the next heat unfolded watching for any dangers, and then suited up again for the final. I had the last laugh as team Crouch won the event with Ryan finishing second, a very enjoyable day for a worthwhile cause.
It also provides me with bragging rights for a very long time as the clubs best surfer as I am the only player to win a surfing event!