The big man flies - into lousy umps
By Michael Cowley and Harriet Alexander
September 8, 2005
http://www.smh.com.au/news/AFL/the-big- ... 84414.html
The Sydney Swans have recruited a new centre half-back from the Penshurst Panthers, and he soon showed he was not afraid of criticising umpires.
The Premier, Morris Iemma, was yesterday presented with his No.1 guernsey by coach Paul Roos. But unlike so many politicians who suddenly become affiliated with a football team when the finals arrive, Mr Iemma has some footy form.
"I used to play Australian rules," he explained.
"I played for my local team in the St George competition, the Penshurst Panthers, and started out at under 9s and finished at under 17s, so I've had a long association with Australian rules."
Mr Iemma - a long-time fan of Collingwood - said he watched the Swans' heart-breaking loss to West Coast last Friday, a game littered with some bad umpiring decisions.
The Premier also challenged his Victorian counterpart, Steve Bracks, to a friendly wager on tomorrow night's finals clash between the Swans and Geelong at the SCG.
"To Steve, if the Cats get done, you'll have to fly the Sydney Swans' flag, not in Spring Street … I'd like to see it flying above the MCG."
