Round six, the Anzac Day long weekend, and the Crows met Carlton at the MCG. Carlton came into the game on somewhat of a winning streak, having won their past two games, but it was the Crows who proved too strong in the end.
My long weekend started on Wednesday with my third trip down to Crows training for the school holidays. It was just the beginning of my football filled weekend, as I left for Melbourne the following day in preparation for the Crows game on Saturday afternoon.
Upon my arrival in Melbourne I happened to notice something very unusual in the bathrooms of the airport. There were TV screens showing advertisements on the hand dryers, yes that’s right, the hand dryers. With a shake of my head I collected my luggage and made my way to the city.
Thursday consisted mainly of shopping, so when Friday rolled along I was very excited to be attending the annual Anzac Day game between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG. During the course of the week I had tossed up whether to wear my Crows guernsey to the game, it was clearly a decision which required a lot of thought and in the end I decided to go with the guernsey and any comments which flew my way.
Despite the one-sided result, the game was still a fantastic experience. The huge crowd of 88,999 (if only one more person went …) was the biggest crowd I have ever experienced. The guernsey received some mix reviews, mostly, ‘You’re at the wrong game!’ Or ‘Go the Crows’, but there was one Collingwood supporter who boldly asked me if I was serious, to which I smugly replied that I was indeed very serious.
While that game was enjoyable, it could never quite compare to the Crows match on Saturday afternoon.
Late morning I made my way to the MCG, passing through the city and over the footbridge from Federation Square. It was hard to miss the fair amount of Crows supporters waiting to purchase tickets and enter the ground. I jumped in the queue at gate three and managed to find a couple of great seats on the wing on level 1. By the time both teams had entered the ground and were ready to get play underway, the crowd had built up and I noticed a good smattering of red and yellow amongst all the navy blue.
The Crows had three on the board by the first break, the first coming from Brett Burton who collected the spilt ball on the wing and continued to run forward for the goal. Jason Porplyzia followed up with a set shot at goal which was then followed by a brilliant goal from defender Nathan Bock. Graham Johncock got the ball moving from a kick in after a behind, it then dribbled off hands and was collected by Bernie Vince who handballed off to the hard running Bock. Bock took three bounces down the wing before he kicked truly for the goal. Crows fans were on their feet, but it was not quite enough to get the Crows in front, as they trailed by 16 points at the first break.
The Crows were able to nudge their way in front during the second term, kicking three consecutive goals. Young gun Kurt Tippett took one of his trademark one-handed marks to line up for a set shot in front of goal, Richard Douglas got an easy goal from the goal square and Burton finished off for the term converting a set shot from 50 metres out. He had put the Crows in front, but the lead was short lived as Carlton scored the next two goals to regain a lead of ten points at half-time.
The game was looking pretty even and while I had some doubts in my mind, I was fairly confident that the more experienced Crows would get the four points in the end.
An impressive six goals were scored during the third term as the Crows doubled their goal tally for the game. The first goal came after some great defensive pressure from Burton and Tippett who regained possession for the Crows in their attacking 50, to which their efforts were rewarded by Simon Goodwin who sent the ball goalward for a goal.
Jason Porplyzia then found himself in the right spot at the right time, collecting a direct turn over from Carlton in the Crows’ attacking 50. He steadied for a set shot and goaled. Burton kicked the next goal, bringing his total for the day to three.
During the course of the quarter I noticed Ben Rutten on the bench in a jacket. I was initially worried as the bench is somewhere where you don’t usually find him, although he didn’t appear to be hindered and Bock was covering Brendan Fevola well, so I wasn’t too concerned.
The final three goals of the term came in time on. Doughty kicked a great snap, which was followed by McLeod who swooped on the loose ball inside 50 to convert his first for the day. Douglas continued to impress up forward as he was awarded six points after a set shot at goal.
I was left feeling concerned again as Nathan Basset seemed to pull up short after a contest on the wing. My initial thoughts were that he had done his hamstring, but after flicking off his boot he continued to run around without a problem.
The Crows also continued with out a problem, holding a 16-point lead at the final break.
As suspicious dark clouds threatened to rain on the Crows’ parade, I was sitting comfortable knowing at least they had a lead if the heavens decided to open.
And open they did, but at least they had the courtesy to wait until the final minute of the game. Before the rain, Burton notched up his fourth and final goal for the game and Vince and Douglas capitalised from free kicks to seal the game up at the 19 minute mark. The Crows finished eventual winners by 30 points.
With heavy rain now tumbling down on the MCG, I hastily made my way to the fence to celebrate the win. I received a high five from Kurt Tippett as he, and all the other players, made their way around the ground to thank the fans.
Feeling a little wet I headed over to the Ponsford Stand for the after match function. Richard Douglas and David Mackay both gave great interviews to the cheerful crowd.
Later in the evening I went to the Telstra Dome for the Western Bulldogs and West Coast Eagles game. I couldn’t have felt any better sitting on level three in my Crows guernsey - what a good feeling it was to win interstate.
As the Dogs and Eagles battled it out, I had some time to reflect on the afternoon’s game. Jonathon Griffin played arguably his best game for the Club, Douglas presented well up forward, Bock and Rutten held Fevola out of the game and Shirley was just as effective on Chris Judd.
My long weekend in Melbourne came to a close on Sunday. During the morning I walked around the DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) on Spencer St about five times to pass the time before my flight to Adelaide.
With my Crows scarf adorned proudly around my neck, I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.
With Round seven now upon us we look forward to the Crows first night match of the season against North Melbourne. Saturday night looks to be a good one at AAMI Stadium as the club chases its fifth win of the season.
