MAGPIE MEMOIR MAGAZINE

July 2022:Edition 23

The otheringof Westscontinues to cut deep. The recent appointment to the WestsTigers board of John ‘Joe Cool’ Dorahyoffers a glimpse of hope. It is however a mammoth task for any one individual to turn this juggernaut of orangey perception around.

I was punched in the guts recently by a starkly symbolic moment which loomed large before my lens. While watching our Western Suburbs NSW Cup Cupteam play at Leichhardt, I spotted former Magpies secretary and 1980s club saviour, Rick Wayde (a WestsTigers board member) sporting his Tiger emblazoned cap pulled firmly down to his ears. He was up in the posh seats of the LatchemRobinson Stand with one or two Tiger power brokers as the Magpies battled away below. I don't really know why, but it sent a horrible, blue wiggle kind of shiver up my spine. We fought in the trenches behind this man during the 1980s to save the Western Suburbs Magpies and here he is today –a full blooded Tiger. Pushing Rick, The Wiggles and Joe Cool to one side -I must concede that circa mid 2023, with Western Suburbs providing all of the financial backing and all of the quality juniors, Westsreceive none of the brand identity -I think it’s become a lost cause. When it comes to hearts, minds and general perception -Balmain has well and truly won the war.

©Andrew Stark 2023 email: 10dollarjpegs@gmx.com

ISSN: 2652-4406