JOCK: No, he tripped over little Rabbit Rutherford coming out of a pack and did his cartilages with three games to go, and I can’t say I was sorry; in fact to tell you the truth, I laughed me bloody head off. No, I’ll make no bones about it. I’ve got no love for Laurie. Not after the way he took over as coach. I know the style of game had changed and I was making a few mistakes—I was brought up on a different brand of football, not this modern play on, killer instinct, steamroller, win at all costs stuff—and if anyone had have put it to me straight and open that I was getting a bit past it I probably would’ve agreed and stepped down like a man. But that’s not Laurie’s style. He went around to the members of the Committee behind my back and told them I was drunk during the ’67 Grand Final. I had a cold and I had a few sips of whisky, but I wasn’t drunk. He’d had his eye on the job for years. He just waited ’til I made one little mistake and went in for the kill. He’ll keep. He’s going to get his. He promised that Committee the world and he hasn’t won them one premiership. Not one bloody premiership and I’ve won four. I don’t wonder that you’re having trouble with him Geoff and I don’t blame you at all because you’ve got real ability and you can see through him. He can’t command the respect of anyone of real ability and he never will. What we need around here is a man of authority who can command, because these days it’s fear that wins you premierships, Geoff, I’m afraid. These days the game is so bloody tough that you’ve got to get your players so scared of making a mistake that they go out there and play the game in a state of fucking terror. Fear’s what wins you premierships and Laurie couldn’t scare a field mouse.

There is a pause.

Yes, I can understand why you can’t discuss anything with Laurie and I just wanted you to know that I’m on side. What’s your problem?

GEOFF: It’s a bit difficult to know where to begin. It is to do with women.

JOCK: Usually is. Are you going with anyone in particular?

GEOFF: No.

JOCK: What about that tall sheila I saw you with at the Club ball?

GEOFF: She’s just a friend.

JOCK: Jesus, I’ll tell you what. I wish I had a few friends like that. I don’t mind admitting, Geoff, I was having a bit of a perve. Did she know you could see straight through that thing she was wearing?

GEOFF: I think that was the idea.