5 May 2001
You hear interviews with UK soccer managers and they say the key to a win was a dominant midfield. Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson may well have been knighted for his services to complaining. But he has built an all conquering side around the middle. Stars such as Giggs and Keane and Mr Posh Beckham. AFL coaches all attribute victory to midfielders.
Several weeks ago 'Bomber' Thompson reflected on Geelong's
loss to Melbourne. He said the Cats midfielders didn't get
enough of the ball. ÅCollingwood prides itself on the work rate of blokes
in the
central portion of the ground. Buckley, Ben Johnson,
Betheras, Lonie and Licuria. Before this group Williams and
Ah Mat and Josh Mahoney and Scott Russell and Graham Wright.
Plus Frank Raso.
Because of his background, Raso qualified as aristocracy of Victoria Park. He was drafted from Preston RSL, the club that produced a man named Daicos. Collingwood picked up Frank with 1997 national draft pick 84. The Pies gave their recruit the number 46 jumper made famous in 1985 when Andrew Witts provided his back to Gary Buckenara for one of the screamerest marks of all time. Raso had a compact physique. He was 176 centimetres tall and 73 kilograms. Frankie had an individual appearance. Long dark hair, long sleeves, socks down. But he had lightning pace and feline reflexes. The Raz got into midfield mode through the rezzies during 1997. He sent a strong message to other AFL sides through a 1998 Ansett Cup game against the Eagles at Subiaco. A few minutes before half time, Raso used his velocity to make space. Ran on to a kick forward by Stephen Patterson. The rookie was then crowded towards the boundary line by McKenna. He looked up and saw the goals but on the wrong side for a right footer. He kicked with the outside of his right boot a la Dwight Yorke of Man. United. A perfectly executed banana. Straight through for a miracle goal that would have excited the Macedonian Marvel.
Frankie made his senior debut round one 1998. Hawthorn at the MCG. Came off the interchange bench and found a fair bit of leather. If there was one blemish on his performance it was his disposal. Raso perhaps needed some advice from the former Preston RSL legend. The youngster returned to the twos for the third round. He showed he was in the rapid development stream. Recalled for round 12 against the Saints at Wellington Road Oval. The Maggies got jumped in the first 15 minutes and played follow the leader all afternoon. Raso produced a stack of run off half back. His speed on the big ground had him over the limit for the area. St Kilda won with room to spare. 11.16 to 17.15.
The big event for Frank Raso occurred in round 15. Geelong at the MCG. Scores close as a shave most of the day. The Cats crept to a two point lead 20 minutes into the last term. They pulled the shutters down seeking the sanction of the boundary line. But when Mark Richardson tumbled the ball forward, Raso ran on to the TWS and darted away. He burnt off Peter Riccardi settled and goaled from 40 metres. Magpies ahead. The black and whites added another major before the final siren. Woods home 10.11 to 9.7.Raz chalked up 11 games in his first season.
1999 was a bit of a struggle. He had the first 9 games in the VFL, played in the ones rounds 10,11,12, interchange rounds 14 to 18 then the rest of the year at VFL level. Frank was delisted at the end of '99 after 19 games. He now stars with VFL side Northern Bullants.Frank Raso was the AFL equivalent of United's Quentin Fortune.