ODE TO PETER O’DONAHUE

1923 – 2012

Coach of La Trobe 1985-1989

Premiership coach 1988-89

His eyes were piercing, his smile was wide,

When he gripped your hand, you were on side.

He came to La Trobe with a pedigree

That, in any era, you’ll be lucky to see.

Captain of Hawthorn, coach of them too,

He had advice, when it came to a blue,

Ignore the protagonist, hit his mate,

When boofhead asks why, tell him it’s fate.

Being part of a team is more than you,

What you can do to us, we can do too.

In the meantime, attack the ball hard,

Trust each other, run the extra yard,

Talk, shepherd, protect the bloody ball,

It’s hard to win it, so don’t let it fall

Into the hands of a pompous old boy,

Or suburban lout, who takes such joy,

In calling you all names under the sun,

Welcome to our ground, hope you can run.

Fortress La Trobe, let’s build on that notion,

Have a game plan that’s always in motion,

Simple, intuitive, adaptable,

Built on mateship, fitness, accountable.

When you’re stuffed and feel you are spent,

Think how much time there is to repent,

For what you didn’t do, in that chance you had,

Because you can’t replace that chance you had.

Listen to Pete, he’s here in these sheds,

In his cream trench coat, with a heart that bled.

From Banjo Paterson, he liked to recite,

Take these words with you, into the night:

‘He was lean and tough a wiry, just the sort that won’t say die,

There was courage in his quick, impatient tread.

And he bore the badge of gameness in his bright and fiery eye,

And the high and lofty carriage of his head.’

Remember those words and never forget,

His secret to success was mutual respect,

A trait that’s earned, they don’t hand it out,

So, buy one for Pete, when it’s your shout.

Craig Nelson 2013