LOCAL RITES is an exploration of the people, the places and the ties that bind in local football. for one season, Melbourne journalist, Paul Daffey wandered through the heartland of the Australian game, beinginning with a homecoming in old Fitzroy and ending with a fairytale at the Swan Hill showgrounds. The result is a slice of life from every town and suburb where nothing thrills like a long torpedo, and a good four quarters is all that can be asked.

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Finally, a book that football deserves. Paul Daffey has done a rare and remarkable thing. With a wonderfule eye for details and character, he's written a book filled with passion, loyalty and humour that takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the raw heart of Australian rules.
- Garry Linnell, The Age

This is writing that comes from the right place, a combination of knowledgeness and respect for the subject. It is writing whose subject happens to be football.
- Martin Flanagan, The Age

If you thought local football is dying, this book will restore your sagging faith. Its an engaging and easy read, which has been carefully and lovingly crafted. More importantly, it serves to confirm that the Football Club is both vital and fundamental to so many of us throughout Australia.
- Tony Leonard, 3AW

this is a footy book but it spends a lot of time on the periphery. Paul Daffey shows why football is a morality play, community theatre in a paddock. Anyone who's ever done a hammy or worn a silly scarfe will read their own life in this book.
- Bruce Pascoe, author & journeyman footballer