My dear late dad used to say, “You’re never too old to learn, Mark. Remember that.”
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He was right.
Drawing on a writing style I had successfully used in a weekly column at a Queensland newspaper, I wrote a satirical piece on the Bulldogs’ 305-point win over the Swans in an AFL North West clash at Gunnedah on Saturday.
The article’s premise centred on Bulldogs midfielder Jake Spackman and the “hugely heavy toll” kicking 13 goals had taken on his preferred left leg.
The piece was essentially a work of fiction.
But because it wasn’t badged that way initially, I suspect many people thought it was true, which obviously caused an issue.
However, even when it was badged as satire, it didn’t placate the main aggrieved parties – the Bulldogs and the Swans.
For that I apologise.
I intend to reach out to the clubs to request a meeting so I can do that in person and hopefully ease tensions and cover the sport in a more fitting, respectful way.
I’m a new arrival to Tamworth.
I came here in March with my family.
Up until recently, we had lived in Bangkok.
I had no idea we would end up in Tamworth.
But the city has provided me with everything I had craved.
I’m happy here.
My family’s happy here.
Friends, my eyes were opened this week.
I learned that a writing style, which had chiefly been aimed at politicians, should not be used in the way it was this week.
And I learned a lot about this area’s character in defence of its own.
It’s a lesson I won’t forget.