IN THE DOGHOUSE: Kevin Hillier

■ Why do some talented sportspeople make it and others don’t? Why, for instance, did Doug Hawkins play 300-plus games of AFL footy but many of his equally talented Braybrook teammates played none? Some people don’t want to go to the elite level; they’re happy to just play with their mates. Others dream of a baggy green cap or an AFL career but just don’t make it. I ask the question because I’m thinking of a player like Deer Park’s Kwame McHarg, who starred in the Vic Metro side last week and will have AFL recruiters talking about him because he’s a very good footballer. But is he good enough to make it? I don’t know, no one does. Does he want to make the sacrifices required to make it? He’s the only one who knows that. An AFL contract is very different to a rookie list contract, where there are no guarantees and no security and the money is not great. The dream’s fantastic but doesn’t pay the bills, feed the family or secure your future. In life sometimes you have to take a chance and I hope Kwame takes his, if that’s the way this plays out.

■ Interesting to see Bulldogs president Peter Gordon launch Ross Oakley’s book The Phoenix Rises last week. Flashback to November 1989 and the two would not have been happy in the same postcode, let alone the same room. I know Peter and Ross have smoked the peace pipe in recent years and both have aired their thoughts on each other and the proposed merger between the Dogs and Fitzroy. I had to laugh as I remembered the stickers around at the time — ‘Up Yours Oakley” and ‘Merge Oakley into Outer Space’. I’m yet to read his book but I am keen to see how Ross views those events. I can remember a breakfast show I did from the MCG on the eve of the 1990 season. I remember clearly what Ross said to me and the tone in which it was delivered. Suffice to say he wasn’t a happy camper. Our paths have not crossed since.

■ Hoppers Crossing Soccer Club is holding a Past Players Day on Saturday, August 2 when they take on Bell Park. Cost is $15 per person and includes a beer on arrival and a spit roast lunch. The band Piggyback Swing will be playing and you need to book by calling Jarred on 0413 169 211.

■ Altona Sports Club is holding a Sportsman’s Night on Tuesday, August 5, featuring Peter Daicos, Tony Shaw and Sam Kekovich. Tickets are $35. For more details, contact John Dawson 0422 410 275.

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