His latest book, The Game in Time of War, was inspired by the events of September 11 and the subsequent attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. In short, it is the story of three men going to the football, and the events in the world around them during that time.

In the book, he examines society using the medium of sport—from World War I to the present day. Flanagan found solace in the football at a time when the world seemed to be going mad. ‘So all of a sudden this bloody war’s coming and the only thing which provides me with any sort of degree of relief is going to watch this game. I’m as aware as anyone that that’s almost absurd but equally it was the reality.’

My thoughts
This book had a fantastic opening! When I first started reading the book, I thought for sure it was going to be a three-star book. Somewhere along the line, however, I found it confusing. I really liked the concept of how sport affects thoughts and feelings in time of war or world strife, but the book wandered away from that aspect at times and I wasn't sure where we were going.

That aside, the book relates some terrific and thought-provoking stories. I found that I was drawn to the stories that were somewhat familiar to me: Ned Kelly, players whose names and faces I know, and Aboriginal stories to name a few.

It's definitely a book worth reading, and it's comforting to learn once again how relevant sport is when we are under stress.

Favorite Passage
Later, he worte a piece for the Age saying that for ten minutes or so after you've won a grand final you feel your total self. There is nothing you want or wish for. Briefly, you are.

...and...

Once, when United's rover was knocked out, the runner ran gasping to the coach's bench and said, 'He doesn't know who he is or where he is.' Grumpy sent him back with the message: 'Tell him he's Bob Skilton and we're playing at the Lakeside Oval.'