FAN IN THE OUTER
My footy experience began on Thursday at Collingwood training. My cousin Tayla was down from NSW so, to show our support, we spent hours making a “We Heart Daisy” sign, referring to Dale Thomas of course. We were pretty embarrassed to hold it up, as everyone was staring and pointing, but we did it anyway and hopefully Dale appreciated our support.
Friday was the day of the footy and I felt like a kid at Christmas. So excited with the big build up and desperate to know what was going to unravel.
I made a checklist of everything I had to take to the game. It looked something like this:
We got to the game and found our seats. When the Pies ran through the banner we held up our sign and cheered extra loud for our three debutants, Shannon Cox, Brad Dick and Alan Toovey. I had seen these players training well on the Thursday so I was really looking forward to seeing them play well and help the team to victory.
When Scott Pendlebury scored the first goal of the game the Magpie Army came alive and broke out in a cheer of COLLINGWOOD!!! Scott’s goal was followed by a few Richmond goals. The Richmond supporters were giving it to us Magpies supporters but it was good natured and we got our chance to give it right back to them. We cheered for the Pies and prayed for more Collingwood goals. These goals came when Alan Toovey took a spectacular mark between his legs and kicked a great goal!
I had had the binoculars up until now and Tayla decided it was her turn with them.“What’s happening?” I ask.
“I dunno, but Dale’s running.” she replies.
It went on like this for most of the game. Tayla would keep me informed of exactly what Dale and Scott were doing and I informed her of what was happening in the game. It turned out to be a pretty good system in the end, well, for us anyway. A grumpy, old, Richmond supporter turned around and gave us a greasy look for cheering too loud when Dale got the ball.
Why is it that wherever you sit there is always a guy with a MASSIVE head right in front of you? The guy that was in front of us had such a massive head that he managed to restrict the view of Tayla and I. That’s two people! This guy deserves a medal or something! They should have special seats for the people with massive heads so they don’t restrict the view of our normal sized headed selves!
The second quarter began with Tayla saying, “Oh! Dale and Scott are both on the bench. What am I going to do now?” She decided to watch the game and really got into it so she didn’t even notice Dale and Scott coming onto the ground until they got the ball. Sorry boys!
At half time the Pies weren’t looking too flash but there was another half of football to play and a lot can happen. Half time was, as always, filled with boring ads. The hot guy selling meat pies, or as we like to call him Hot Pie Guy, offered some half time entertainment.
During the third quarter voices were becoming very scratchy. The Magpies gave us lots to cheer about so we didn’t mind if we lost our voices, as long as we came away with a win!
The fourth quarter was here and the Pies hit the ground running with Rocca and Medhurst quickly putting the Pies in front. Tayla and I screamed and held up our sign. We sat on the end of the row so when Collingwood got a goal we could jump out into the aisle and not block the view of people behind us. This worked well until we were jumping up and down, cheering and I almost knocked some guy over. He almost walked straight into me and we both quickly apologized and moved aside. He wasn’t a bad sort either.
When the final siren blew we held up our sign and sang “Good Old Collingwood” until we felt our lungs would burst. The sulky Richmond supporters left with their heads hung in shame. The boys played so well and we were so proud of all of them! It made me so proud to be a Collingwood member.
Scott Pendlebury played a really great game. He really stood up and it was great to see him bag a couple of goals. Scott Burns was excellent through the midfield and set up many goals. He really deserved best on ground. Heath and Rhyce Shaw were also excellent through the midfield. The three debutants played great games. They really stood up and let everyone know why they were selected. It was great to see Dale Thomas. What do I say about Daisy? He was a real team player. He had many great tackles and set up a few goals. He really got in there and got the ball going our way, letting his presence be known.
Well done boys!!
My mission for this week is to convince my most special, loving and caring father to take me to the game next week. I’m preparing for some major sucking up and room tidying. Everyone pray that Dad will take me to the footy and I will hopefully see everyone at the game.
Go Pies!!
Sam
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.
