You’ve done the hard yards, you’re the cream o’ the crop,
You’re a fighter, you’re focused and you’ll pump ’til you drop!
Tomorrow you’ll churn and the water will boil as you tear at the air and you rip at the soil.
Now go out and blitz ‘em, but be in no doubt, for Australia to win
“Let the animal out!”

They’ll haunt you, they’ll taunt you, they’ll spit in your space. Then I’ll watch as our flag paints a smile on your face,
As the cameras engage you and capture that tear, and your mates all around you erupt in a cheer,
Stand proud mate and wear it by the rings and the flames
And cherish your moment of gold at the Games!

But you’re thinkin’ about home and your thoughts start to roam,
Can’t really believe that you’re here!
You’re on hallowed ground and that magical sound and the world trembles …
Echoes that cheer!
As that rectangled rag of our great Aussie flag rockets above and … you’re there!
You’re the pride o’ the fleet and the world’s at your feet and our anthem’s shot blastin’ the air.

“Australians all let us rejoice, for we are young and free,
With golden soil and wealth for toil,
Our home is girt by sea.
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts, of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage, Advance Australia fair.”

Huh! You reckon I weighted you down that long track and at times I’ll admit that I did!
But mate I can tell you right here and right now, I’m as proud as a parent can be … of a kid.
I don’t want to tell you I love you, but I’ll tell you right now I won’t fail yer!
And nor will the crew of that bloody great ship that’s just parked out the front called ‘Australia!’

So go! My golden beauties! Don’t put your gold on hold!
Now is the moment! This is YOUR time! And I love you as much as I would were you mine!

Get out there, get at ‘em and rip ‘em apart with the blood of you country ablaze in your heart.
The medals are yours mate, to have and to hold; and mate … stuff the silver …
We’re Goin’ for Gold!

Robert Raftery©