Cirrus@Austlit

'The football adventure that started it all!

'Simon Magee is twelve and mad about Aussie Rules. He's even got a nickname – 'Specky' – because he takes such spectacular marks. But his family hates footy… So why is there a baby photo of him dressed in footy gear? Determined to find out the truth, Specky uncovers more than he ever bargained for.

'Specky Magee is a one gulp book to be read fast and easily . . .' (Publisher's blurb)

'Name: Simon 'SPECKY' Magee

'Age: 13

'Code: Australian Rules Football

'Team: Booyong High Lions, Under 14's

'Position played: Star forward. Known for his SPEC-tacular marking ability and for kicking plenty of goals.

What to expect this season: Specky comes face to face with a tough, talented player by the name of Derek 'Screamer' Johnson. He was responsible for having Specky sent off during a game last season. The two boys become bitter rivals and when a popular TV show runs a nationwide football contest, Specky is relieved when everyone except Screamer decides to enter. But why is Screamer such a bully on the field? And why is he sucking up to Specky's team-mates?

Guaranteed highlights: Incredible footy action by Specky, a surprise trip and the introduction of some terrific new friends.

Question on everyone's lips: A true champion in the making, but is Specky good enough to win the Great Footy Contest?' (Publication summary)

'Simon 'Specky' Magee and his Under 14s football team, the Booyong High Lions, return to battle out the second half of their league's season. The Lions are playing well and Specky's form is looking good – perhaps good enough to win a scholarship to a prestigious sporting school. But a knee injury sees him sidelined, and suddenly his future is filled with uncertainty. Will his team make it to the finals without him? Will he be able to play if they do? And how is he going to impress the talent scout if he can't play footy? Meanwhile, he'll have to deal with his rival and worst enemy, Screamer Johnson, and he will meet the mysterious Tiger Girl and the Great McCarthy.' (Publication summary)

'When Specky leaves his beloved Booyong High, he's torn between his old friends and his new team-mates. And his loyalty will be tested – on the field and off – because when he crosses that white line, Booyong becomes his enemy . . . And Gosmore Grammar expects nothing less than absolute loyalty from their new star student.

'Specky prepares to play a vital part in the school's most revered sporting event – the Boots of Glory football match. But will his need to solve a mystery at the school put his footy future in jeopardy?

'Could the Boots of Glory be the most important footy match he has ever played?' (Publication summary)

'I tell you what, they're turning it on here today, folks. They're putting on a ring-a-ding-ding contest . . . And who is that lad in the number five guernsey?

'Specky can't wait to get to the country and have the chance to play grassroots football for the first time . . . against adults. But more is at stake than the outcome of just one game.

'Who is Razorback Jack, the mysterious footy hero that Specky keeps hearing about? And what are the boys back at Booyong High up to?

'Can the massive underdogs, the Rivergum Redfins, serve it up to the Bull Ants? We have got a game on our hands this afternoon . . .' (Publication summary)

'I tell you what, they're turning it on here today, folks. They're putting on a ring-a-ding-ding contest . . . And who is that lad in the number five guernsey?

'Specky can't wait to get to the country and have the chance to play grassroots football for the first time . . . against adults. But more is at stake than the outcome of just one game.

'Who is Razorback Jack, the mysterious footy hero that Specky keeps hearing about? And what are the boys back at Booyong High up to?

'Can the massive underdogs, the Rivergum Redfins, serve it up to the Bull Ants? We have got a game on our hands this afternoon . . .' (Publication summary)

'This has been an absolute battle ... the ultimate battle of the young guns!

'As Specky battles it out in the state carnival for a chance to play on the hallowed MCG turf, back at school he has a fight on his hands just to be allowed to play with his beloved Booyong Lions. And when his long-lost grandpa comes to visit, it's all-out war at home as well...' (From the publisher's website.)