by Amy Andrews

There’s quite a famous song DownUnder about Australian Rules Football (AFL). It came out in 1979 and I think most Aussies of a certain age would know it. I was only 10 at the time and we didn’t even get AFL on the tele where we lived, but I know it because my Mum used to sing it around the house. It pretty much became an anthem for the sport. It’s called Up There Cazaly, inspired by Roy Cazaly who played Aussie Rules in the 1920’s.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7XWiqh7TPQ&w=560&h=315]

Listening to this song again whilst writing the Women of W.A.R series, got me thinking about all the songs that have become anthems for football codes over the years.

As far as spine tingling awesomeness goes, nothing surpasses a rugby union crowd singing Swing Lo, Sweet Chariot in full voice.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToJIY1PjhM8&w=560&h=315]

And I was super, super impressed recently during the rugby league world cup to hear the Fijian players raise their voices in hymn! The Fijian hymn sung with such conviction and passion gave me goosebumps!

[facebook url=”https://www.facebook.com/nrl/videos/10155268682598074/” /]

And then, somehow, this song from Ricky Martin came to represent soccer a few years back during the world cup in Rio. I’m not sure if Cup Of Life will be a stayer but I can’t hear it without instantly thinking of the sport!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8_vxD_Yk2M&w=560&h=315]

Do you have any songs you’d like to suggest for my list?

How to mend a broken heart…

Darcy Clarke would do anything to play for the new Women’s Aussie Rules league, even put up with her ex, Tony, who just happens to be the coach of the Brisbane Banshees. Tony stomped out of their apartment – and all over heart – two years ago, but she’s moved on, and she deserves her jersey.

As his best friend’s girl, Darcy has always been out of Levi’s reach, even after Tony dropped her and moved out of the apartment they all shared. Now, two years on and still sharing the same apartment, she should be fair game. But Levi is no closer to getting Darcy to think of him as anything but a roommate and a friend.

But when Darcy injures herself in play, Levi’s qualifications as a sports massage therapist are put to good use. Suddenly, their relationship becomes very hands on, and Darcy sees a whole new side of her old friend. A pity he seems immune to her charms. When Tony makes it clear he wants back into her life, she has a decision to make: between the man she once loved and the man who never left her side.

All Women of W.A.R. titles are available for pre-order now!

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