Strap on your guns and get ready to walk out into the street to face your fate. There's nowhere left to hide. You've rolled snake-eyes, partner. And this time you're on your own. It's your life on the line.
Sheriff Viddie, I'm talking to you.
I've been watching this cowboy series for months now and, much as I'm a fan of the anti-hero fighting his way out of impossible situations, I'm also a fan of happy endings. I don't know how this one's going to end. I sense tragedy. I'm hoping for vindication.
There's seven bad guys out there gunning for you. You're going to have to take down at least four of them to even have a chance of keeping your badge.
Three of them are coming to town to search you out. They think you're running scared. They know you're limping.
Four of them you're going to have to ride out and meet. You'll be in towns you don't know. Watch every window for the assassin's bullet.
There's the Gold Coast Kid first. He nearly died but he's back and shooting better than ever.
After that you've gotta take down the Ancient Mariner. He's getting wobbly and sees you as an easy kill to rebuild his reputation.
Then the Glory Seeker comes to town. He's the one with shiny guns that often misfire. Sure he's schizo but who can tell which personality you'll be up against?
Get scared, Sheriff, because you're riding into hell for the next showdown. Little Boy Blue has grown up and he loves shooting your belt-buckle off and leaving you standing in the street with your pants around your ankles. Are you going to let him do that again?
If you're still standing then it's time to fly over and visit the Flaming Birdman. He talks a good gunfight but you know he's scared of you.
Roar-hide is next. If he makes it into town. He's on life-support at the moment after capitulating to the Kid but he'll remember the last time you two met. He's after revenge.
Number seven is Old King Coal, that guy from Newcastle. He fancies himself at the moment. He's looking to take your scalp.
Seven dates with destiny. Seven chances to save the town and protect the people who pay your wages from despair and derision. Every one of them could be the Last Chance Saloon for you, Sheriff.
You can take your sidekicks with you, but let me give you some advice. Go back to basics. Shoot on sight. Don't play games. Take the young kids who still love you and are up for a fight. Take the hardened shooters who have a history of hitting the targets - even if they've been off-colour. Ditch the boys who haven't got a heart to shoot out. Leave behind the lads who are doing it for the money.
Being a hero never lasts, Sheriff, but it beats the hell out of being dead. Do us proud.
++++
We were rubbish on Saturday. The good things of the last few weeks were lost and we still couldn't shoot. Eugene stood tall - as always - and Leckie showed why he's the go-to man. Fyfe was excellent again. Other than that.....?
But we lost 1-0 to the league leaders at their home pitch. Take a moment and think that through. It's not time to despair. It is time to get tough.
In two weeks we start the run home in a new year. Most of your players should be fit and rested.
I rang the club to ask if Owusu had disappeared but apparently he's fit, failed to score again for the youth and is as frustrated as we are. It's time to bring him back.
It's also time to give Monterosso a proper chance. He's scored nine Youth League goals this year. What can't the first team do? Score. What can he do? Score. Is it that difficult to see what might be worth trying?
Ditch Rudan. Bring back Cornthwaite. Bring in Reid or Sarkies. Marrone to RB. Jamo on for 90. Hughes back to Ireland. Eugene to be captain.
Hugene
Marrone - Fyfe - Mullen - Jamo
Reid/Sarkies
Leckie - Alamao - Cassio
Owusu - Monterosso
Bench: Cristiano/Dodd, Barbiero, Flakes
Our season's not over but we're short of bullets and the barn is burning. This is the time when legends are made or graves are dug.
I'm hoping I don't have to get my hands dirty.
