Mal returns to form
'Tis a delightful irony of Australian politics that Malcolm Fraser should reinvent himself as a radical.
Anyone who has been cohabiting with the man within the four walls of Australia these last so many years knows that Big Mal didn't win his celebrity Guernsey by being a friend of the Downtrodden and Oppressed. Indeed, he played for the other side: centre half forward and, for many seasons, captain.
Noted for his aggressive play, Malcolm Fraser was adept at inventive ball skills, especially in the teeth of goal. In the historic 1975 playoff, it was Big Mal who saved the day for anxious Capital supporters.
Before that he captained the Australian first 11 during their disastrous '60s tour of Indochina. Remember that one? Mal didn't bring home the ashes that time. What with all that napalm, he left them there.
After years in semi-retirement, it's great to see Malcolm Fraser back on the field. But many commentators have dismissed his recent show of form as simply a flash in the pan. Indeed, after being awarded club life membership, it is hard to work out why he should suddenly change over this late in his playing career. What's it with this guy? Doesn't he know anything about loyalty?
If the truth be known, the Downtrodden and Oppressed have had a run of very bad seasons lately. Despite the lineup of stars, fans have been turning away in droves. Accusations have been circulated by disgruntled supporters that their own team members have been playing for the other side. This has been the background to the recent spate of match fixing allegations.
In this context, the return of Malcolm Fraser to form is best viewed as a reflection of an ongoing crisis of leadership within D&O ranks. Unable to afford the huge transfer fees offered by its major competitors, the selectors for the D&Os usually grab who they can. Captaincy goes to who wants the job, regardless of form, so it's not surprising that a player like Malcolm Fraser should throw his hat into the ring.
But before we start getting all excited about the changeover, a big question mark must be placed over the team itself. Years of oppression have had their toll on the players' determination to actually go for a win. They lack confidence.
There's confusion about who should be playing for them. All the years of trying to work with the opposition, rather than defeat them, on the field has encouraged a certain softness that has not been conducive to a strong team spirit and a determination to win. Despite any number of different lineups and changes in the captaincy, the D&Os are desperate for someone who can turn their fortunes around.
Can Malcolm Fraser lead them to victory? Only time will tell.
BY DAVE RILEY
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