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Absolutely Bleeding Green

The Raiders story
4.21 goodreads logo

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( 14 ratings, 1 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The book chronicles the rise of the Canberra Raiders, a rugby league club that entered Sydney's competition in 1982 against all odds. It highlights their thrilling 1989 grand final victory, regarded as one of Australian Rugby League's greatest. Through detailed accounts of wins, losses, and player careers, it explores the development of the Raiders' adventurous playing style and strong team spirit. Featuring interviews with players, coaches, administrators, and fans, this edition also includes coverage of the 2019 Grand Final, showcasing the enduring legacy of the club.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for rugby league enthusiasts, Canberra Raiders supporters, and readers interested in inspiring sports stories and team dynamics in Australian sport.

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The story of the Canberra Raiders football club, from the early days of community games, now updated to cover the successful 2019 season and the nail-biting 2019 NRL Grand Final in a brand new chapter.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Headon makes no secret of his love of the club... [his] knowledge of the game and careful research shines from every page. β€” Canberra Times

The Canberra Raiders' spectacular grand final win against the Balmain Tigers in 1989 is widely regarded as Australian Rugby League's greatest ever decider. For a fledgling club, this was an extraordinary and unexpected achievement, heralding a sequence of years that produced two more premierships and two near misses. The Raiders' trademark adventurous style of play was welcomed by all lovers of the game. Attacking football was back in vogue.

David Headon tells the story of a unique football team that entered the Sydney competition in 1982 with little fanfare and plenty of pessimism, despite the fact that league had been an integral part of communities across the Limestone Plains for nearly a century. From this firm base, the Raiders emerged to make their mark.

Absolutely Bleeding Green recounts the big wins and heart-wrenching losses as it follows the players through their Raider careers, revealing how the club was able to build exceptional team spirit, even in difficult times. It includes interviews with players past and present, with coaches and administrators, as well as with families and supporters who are so proud of the distinctive lime green jersey. This paperback edition includes the nail-biting 2019 Grand Final.

This terrific book tells the story of a unique club that changed my life forever, just as the Raiders changed Rugby League forever. β€” Mal Meninga, Rugby League Immortal, Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame

Dave Headon's history of the Canberra Raiders explores the club's origins, why it was able to defy the odds and be so successful, so quickly, and how it fought its way through more troubled times. In the process of the highs and lows, a special culture of camaraderie was created. The Raiders family has a big story, and for me it's personal. I'm honoured to be a part of it. β€” Ricky Stuart, Rugby League Legend, Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Canberra Times praises the book for its engaging coverage and insight, noting it is fascinating even for those who aren't die-hard fans. Rugby League legends Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart commend the book for capturing the unique culture and importance of the Raiders to the community and sport.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760878689

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 August 2020

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 532g

Pages: 336

About the Author

David Headon is a Canberra-based historian and cultural consultant, and a regular commentator on cultural, political and social issues on ABC Radio. He is a Foundation Fellow at the Australian Studies Institute of the ANU, and recipient of a Centenary Medal in 2001. David is editor of The Best Ever Australian Sports Writing and, with Lex Marinos, of League of a Nation, and he is the author of several other books on Australian history, culture and sport.

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