Books published by publisher Fremantle Arts Center Pr

There may be no "I" in team, but there are more than a few in idiosyncratic, and that's precisely what Origin of the Speccies is. A quirky trawl through the recent history of footy (Australian football), Origin of the Speccies combines anecdote, fact, and wild uncombed theory in a fascinating fresh perspective on Australia's national game. Spectacular high marks, or "speccies," tackles, and fast fluid play are the game's main attributes as a spectator sport. Based on the theory that each position in the game stands in some way as a personality archetype, author Nathan Jarvis looks at the individuals who have played the game at its highest level and wonders what they have in common and what keeps them apart. Origin of the Speccies provides illuminating stories, palatable stats, and hilarious characterizations for each position on the ground. Origin of the Speccies is for anyone with even a passing interest in what has to be the most Australian of sporting obsessions.