Absolutely Bleeding Green: The Raiders story

The story of the Canberra Raiders football club, from the early days of community games, now updated to cover the successful 2019 season and the nail-biting 2019 NRL Grand Final in a brand new chapter.

The Canberra Raiders' spectacular grand final win against the Balmain Tigers in 1989 is widely regarded as Australian Rugby League's greatest ever decider. For a fledgling club this was an extraordinary and unexpected achievement, heralding a sequence of years that produced two more premierships and two near misses. The Raiders' trademark adventurous style of play was welcomed by all lovers of the game. Attacking football was back in vogue.

David Headon tells the story of a unique football team that entered the Sydney competition in 1982 with little fanfare and plenty of pessimism, despite the fact that league had been an integral part of communities across the Limestone Plains for nearly a century. From this firm base, the Raiders emerged to make their mark.

Absolutely Bleeding Green recounts the big wins and heart-wrenching losses as it follows the players through their Raider careers, revealing how the club was able to build exceptional team spirit, even in difficult times. It includes interviews with players past and present, with coaches and administrators, as well as with families and supporters who are so proud of the distinctive lime green jersey. This paperback edition includes the nail-biting 2019 Grand Final.

About the Author

David Headon is a Canberra-based historian and cultural consultant, and a regular commentator on cultural, political and social issues on ABC Radio. He is a Foundation Fellow at the Australian Studies Institute of the ANU, and recipient of a Centenary Medal in 2001. David is editor of The Best Ever Australian Sports Writing and, with Lex Marinos, of League of a Nation, and he is the author of several other books on Australian history, culture and sport.