In any context, any competition, any company, the Scotty Flemming story is one of the greats of aussie rules. The successes he has achieved don't matter - as admirable as they are - he is a pioneer. A fair dinkum pioneer. A 'Burke and Wills'. Just count the number of people you know of who have forgone the usual, the expected, the social norm, to take on a totally foreign and minor global sporting culture in a country on the opposite side of the planet. Moreover, out of an under age environment in a community activity, as against a national sporting league such as the GAA in Ireland. Our information is that of the 16 teams competing in the 2008 international cup only three individuals were active in Australian based AFL competitions and Scotty was the only one of tender years. As true believers we should be proud that our game could attract as fine a family to make the huge committment to support one of their own, and as Catters on the Coast we should revel in the custodian status the Flemming's family move gave us all. That responsibility will be easier to accept by ourselves and others as the next wave of Scotty Flemmings make the move to live their dreams. And maybe the story is not over.
Good luck to Roy and Debbie who will resume grandparent duties in Vancouver, to Amy who brightened up the bar on either side of it, and to Scott who wore the Broady colours with distinction and pioneering pride. Thanks for the company - you are all more than welcome back here.
Scott Flemming: 18 games for the Under 18s, 13 votes in Best & Fairest Award Under 18s, Stingrays squad 2009, leading goal kicker for the Canadian North Wind at the 2008 Aussie Rules International Cup (which negated his participation in the U/18 final series), and All International 2008.
(PS Excuse the lack of photos of Roy and Deb - we are limited to two images on news pages - they are as photogenic, well Debbie is anyway)
Last Modified on 28/11/2009 10:24