FAN IN THE OUTER
When you meet a new person in Western Australia the question of football is raised rather quickly, ‘who do you support, Eagles or Dockers?’ is generally how it goes. When one answers with ‘neither’ you’re instantly grouped as a traitor, turncoat or their favourite – a bloody eastern stater, this sort of attitude breeds irrational behaviour and we like nothing more than to beat the Eagles or Dockers, an abhorrence that supersedes feelings towards Carlton, Essendon and Brisbane.
When Collingwood comes to town it takes all of one’s poise to stay away from inevitable debates about the draw and sarcastic requests for the stats on how many times the Pies have come to town since they last won here against the Eagles in 1992. I love a bit of banter but I have to draw the line at our frequent flyer account totals.
Although in the past couple of years going in against the Eagles confident have been thoughts reserved for Dockers supporters, we have done well in that same period and I felt good in the lead up to this Easter Saturday clash. I donned my Guernsey to do the weekly shop and was met with several odd looks, a few laughs and no less than six abusive taunts and that was before I even left the car park. With the price of meat as it is I would have thought my black and white stripes would pale into insignificance.
With the weekly shop done, suitable banter stored and the competitive juices flowing mum and I headed to the pub to meet a few enemy supporters before bounce down. We walked into the pub to find the 2002 Grand Final screening, with the pain of that experience renewed pints were ordered and guard was taken. Some uninspiring banter followed and my confidence was growing, no Cox, ‘beauty, Fraze will love that’ with the blue and yellow leaving early to see their flag unfurled mum and I enjoyed some space and a few friendly black and white faces. We were primed!
Sitting behind the goals with fellow Pies members we felt safe and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. So much so that at one point after a Leon Davis major I accidentally punched the guy in front of me in the back of the head, luckily, he was a good sport and we all had a laugh. The match was a great arm wrestle and I was surprised to learn just how much Chris Judd resembles MC Hammer, as you can’t touch this. I felt ripped off by many decisions but that’s the nature of the beast and we move on.
The Eagles fans don’t barrack when they aren’t in front, so for much of the game we were surrounded by some very shell shocked, quiet people and it was sweet while it lasted, that is until the final siren sounded and we were 12 points short, the long walk back to the car began with half a cup of beer poured on me, followed by a giggle and a very well constructed jibe that went a little something like ‘ha ha’ they’re a smart lot over here.
The drive home was also painful, forcing ourselves to listen to Glen Jakovich and Co talk as if the Eagles had either won by 100 points or played an intra-club match because Collingwood and it’s players were not mentioned once in 30 minutes of air time.
I felt that our boys really deserved to win, but I won’t buy into gallant losses and Mick’s response after the match was encouraging. He won’t accept a gallant loss to the reigning premiers at their home and anything less than the four points wasn’t acceptable, that proves that we have high standards and high standards breed success.
I’m very proud to be a Magpie member and we have a lot to look forward to now and into the coming years, Go Pies!
Please note: the views expressed in the above article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Collingwood Football Club or employees of the club. The Collingwood Football Club would like to acknowledge the tireless work of its supporters who contribute to collingwoodfc.com.au.
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