baby wayne

Otis was barely 15 hours old when he joined in the chorus for the very first time. June 12 will be remebered as Otis' birthday but it also heralded as the coming of the chosen one - the victory baby.

Of course, by this I mean that since Otis' birth his football team - the North Melbourne Football Club - has won six out of a possible eight games. Otis has now been to five games and seen three victories and has been the catalyst for two last quarter comebacks that have fallen narrowly short of victory. Last Sunday Otis inspired a 5 goals-in-7-minutes last quarter revival that saw North Melbourne steal an unlikely and undeserved victory. Players were heard to comment after the match that they had been "doing it for Otis" and that it was time "to repay Otis' faith in us as a group." After kicking his matchwinning goal Nathan Thompson paid tribute to Otis and said that the thought of Otis is what steadied his nerves.

It is quite clear that Otis really likes the football and despite his concerns over the price of 'food' and the substandard baby change facilities on level 3 at Telstra Dome that a lifetime of successful North Melbourne barracking will ensue.

Although most of the rest of Otis' activities appear to be well photographed there are no football photos. Instead, there is an image of Otis' first hero on television - a replay of a game that he did attend.

Glenn Archer

Whilst Glenn is an early role model to Otis it is unlikely that Otis will ever recall the joys of watching Glenn play or the salty tears of sadness that tinged Glenn's inevitable retirement. So the question becomes: what number should adorn the back of Otis' first North Melbourne jumper and which player is worthy of the lofty accolade? Nominations are sought and an inital shortlist is provided below...

Leigh Brown

The "Boggler" has been dubbed by some as a Gippsland bogan but this probably is more an expression of self-loathing than a reason to doubt the fun-loving full-back who is a favourite with the kids.

Chad Jones

Unfortunately named Chad and posessing a slightly hunched running style this big West Australian has plenty of talent and has been touted as the next Corey McKernan - this will mean different things to different people

Jesse Smith

Son of former best clubman, Ross, and deemed worthy of inheriting number 10 from Anthony Stevens, young Jess has played a number of games this year. Slightly gangly and googly-eyed but looks, as they say, a likely type.

David Trotter

One of three players on the list with reputably curly hair. Has recently played his first game and looks like he could be a player of the future. Bears a passing resemblance to Minnie Driver.

Your votes, comments and suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. For a full list of candidates

OK, so Glenn Archer's an early footy role model for Otis, likely to be forgotten, that doesn't mean he's to be swept eternally into the dustbin of history. And, by the way history, given that those who fail to learn its lessons are condemned to repeat its errors, what better model could there be than Barry Davis - the club's first premiership captain, one of the most skilful all-round players the club has ever had, willing to chance his arm but rarely beaten - fine player, fine background, fine man!

Grandpa

howzabout given the kid xavier tanner's number.... what was that? 44 or something...

trotter has to be a major contender if his resemblance to minnie driver has any bearing on his actual performance. she has an astounding record in the nfl where she has recently set the single-game rushing record and the and also assisted in intercepting a record nine passes while playing for the packers (hollywood fortunately pays its actors so poorly that she has not given up her place on the team).

his face is not nearly as triangular as hers, however...