Dear Santa

You and I have not always had the easiest relationship. Like that time I told you that all I wanted for Christmas was to remain coach of Collingwood and instead I got Michael Buble’s Christmas CD and the book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Not exactly delivering was it? But did I complain? Yeah I did and still nothing. I was really angry with you Santa but time heals all wounds.

I’m now at Carlton and I’m ready to admit the Michael Buble CD is an absolute cracker. He’s very talented and charming too; feel free to go down that path again.

But The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? What the hell was that all about? All that nonsense about computer hacking and tattoos – why would you think I had any interest in that?

Given your past efforts have not lived up to the high standards, we should all hold ourselves to in life, I’ve come up with a bit of a way to make things right.

This year, a great little book came out about one of the most successful and respected AFL coaches in history. A terrific journalist, somehow managed to get full access to the coach, and has written a deeply insightful study.

The name of the book is, Malthouse: A Football Life and it’s a terrific read (I’ve read it several times and learn something new every time).

What I’d like to ask for this year is not something for myself but a gift for the 6,973,738,433 people on this planet. Every single one of them truly deserve this book as a Christmas gift.

Now I know not everyone celebrates Christmas but the themes in this book are universal; dedication, courage, teamwork and forgoing the corridor to keep possession along the wings.

I’ve already given it as a gift to a lot of people and they all told me it was a great read. My daughter really enjoyed it.

You can probably get some sort of discount if you order six billion plus copies from Amazon and I’m happy to sign a few copies.

With that out of the way Santa, I think its time to recognise that I’ve been good this year and I’m keen on a nice pair of slacks and a DVD boxed set of the classic ITV show, Minder.

Thanks Santa

Mick

P.S. I’ll leave the Malt ‘o’ Milks in the normal place.