Three additional interviews differentiate the second Champions from the 2006 edition, making Collins’ gathering of players and coaches an even more formidable collection. Beyond statistics and geeky game facts, in-depth interviews see the players at a very personal and often personable level. In Collins’ own introduction he notes the ‘book doesn’t simply tell readers what they did, but how they did it,’ and each piece is more engaging for it. Spectacular photographs, marking career high moments and the sporting prowess of the game’s heroes and villains (depending on your team), enhance the colour in the content. With names like Silvagni, Stynes, Carey, Archer, Jesaulenko, Barrassi and Malthouse among others, it’s a contemporary who’s who some would think more suited to a cold beer commercial than an emotive and evocative assemblage. While his recent departure makes Leigh Matthew’s absence a little conspicuous, it could be argued that he’s not the only important omission. Still, there are always future editions. Despite the book’s Melbournian-centricity, it is a fine medley of memoir, anecdote and football war-story. Those interviewed discuss obligatory notions of self-belief, mental strength and physical courage, but they openly talk through flaws, faults and mistakes.

Lee McGowan works at Riverbend Bookshop, Brisbane

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