COPIES of The Record are being handed out at footy games across the Mornington Peninsula.
But instead of listings football statistics and player profiles, The record is all about the “blockbuster” Battle for Flinders on Saturday 21 May – the federal election.
With 10 players on the field for this year’s biggest political game, independent candidate Sarah Russell says the publication is one of the “innovative ways” being used to steer votes her way.
“The Liberal/Nationals combo is only just holding on to the coveted top spot, but we suspect the ladder may look quite different after the final round,” Russell said.
“After nine years of watching the Coalition constantly dropping the ball, punters are looking elsewhere. It has certainly been an interesting move by the independents to demand that the rules be tightened up – a novel, if somewhat risky, approach in today’s rough and tumble game.
“Even more radically, they want to introduce an independent umpire, which has some of the big- money players looking nervously over their shoulder.”
The Record itself states: “We’ve had a bit of fun putting it together and hope it gives you a laugh. But we are also flagging the critical challenges facing our game. We must fundamentally change the way it is played. To do that we must change the type of players we recruit. We all have a part to play.”
The Record, mixing sports, has a “barrier draw and form guide” which unsurprisingly describes Russell as “the most experienced player in the field … [who had] long been a team player, with a strong record of knowing when to pass the ball, even if it means teammates take the credit”.
Punters (voters) are advised to back Russell over the other independent Despi O’Connor to “avoid splitting the vote”.
“Advertisements” in The Record come from Daggy Dads Porky Pies; Frydenberg’s Magic Puddings Financial Advisors; and Duttons Deft Touch (security and pest control).
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10 May 2022
