There is an indisputable buzz in the air as tension builds leading into the Hall of Fame Tribute Match, sure to keep avid fans awake with the eager anticipation of it all.
Is it seeing teammate pitted against teammate, the best against the best, heroes united, or the Vics versus ‘the rest’ rivalry?
Regardless of which element people are looking forward to most, one thing is certain: as the navy blue Big Vs line up against the pristine white of the Dream Team, the hairs on the back of necks will stand on end.
It’s an amplified version of the sort of feeling the players would have got at the Hall of Fame Induction dinner, when they came face to face with the game’s greats – names they will pay tribute to in Saturday’s match – and the full significance of their privileged position hit home.
The event was a ‘beauty’. Alex Jesaulenko was elevated to Legend status. Nine greats were inducted into the Hall of Fame, including Victorian assistant coach Kevin Sheedy, who represented Victoria eight times during a 251 game playing career.
Reliving some of football’s finest moments through the recollections of past champions could only serve to intensify the Victorian and Dream Team players’ appreciation for what they are about to take part in.
How do you describe the feeling?
Victorian captain Jonathan Brown,– who will play after emerging from an injury cloud – likens the build-up to Grand Final week.
His Brisbane Lions and Victorian teammate, goalkicking machine Daniel Bradshaw says the honour of donning the Big V comes close to his 2001 and 2003 premiership medals.
The players will not only pay homage to greats from past eras. According to Dream Team Captain Andrew McLeod, they also have their reputations to defend.
With the potent Dream Team forward line receiving plenty of attention, let’s not forget the impressive Victorian midfield, comprising the likes of Goodes, Bartel and Judd.
If that’s not enough to get you excited, how about the chance to see Lance Franklin drop his hip into fellow Hawk Campbell Brown’s head? The sledging has been flying thick this week, most notably between players who are usually teammates but will line up for opposing sides on Saturday.
Western Australian-born Dream Teamer Joel Corey has won a premiership with Geelong but says his State of Origin memories have been confined to the television until now. Make sure you’re not in the same boat of having to watch the spectacle on the box – secure your seat now.
