If you glance over to behind the goal posts, there she sits amongst a sea of red and blue.  For Lorraine Beaman, coordinator of the Melbourne Football Club Cheer Squad, this is a weekly occurrence, as she and the group follow the Demons to each match both within Victoria and interstate.

“I’m a jack of all trades really, I organise people from the cheer squad to go interstate.  In a few weeks time Melbourne are playing a match in Darwin, so I book accommodation and transportation for us all,” Beaman says.

“I’m also in charge of the banner and organise people to go out onto the ground to hold it up for when the players run through it.”

You could say Beaman is the black sheep of her family or better still, a red ruby in the rough; coming from a family of one eyed Collingwood supporters, Beaman decided at a young age that she would follow the Demons, much to her family’s disappointment.  

“I have always supported Melbourne, ever since I was young.  I just decided that I liked them and have followed them ever since.  We don’t discuss football within the family, as we never agree,” Beaman says laughing.

“I grew up in Lakes Entrance, so I didn’t make it to many games at all and my parents couldn’t afford for us all to come to the football in those days.  I do remember going on one occasion with my mother, but it was to see a Collingwood match.”

When Beaman isn’t busy with MFC duties, she enjoys spending time with her beloved boxer dogs and taking time out to relax at her house in Lakes Entrance.

Being a part of the Club for so many years, Beaman reflects on the memories of the past, and looks towards the future.

“Moments such as when Jimmy Stynes ran over the mark in the 1987 Preliminary Final against Hawthorn, causing a loss for the Dees, or coming together to pay tribute to the late Troy Broadbridge before one of the matches, are what makes our club what it is,” Beaman says.

“And with the talent of current players such as Aaron Davey, Cale Morton and Lynden Dunn, it all brings hope of Melbourne making it into the finals over the next few seasons.

“Oh, and most of all I look forward to seeing Melbourne win a Grand Final, everyone wants that.”

One thing is for sure - when that win comes, Lorraine Beaman will be in the thick of the celebrations, at the heart of a sea of red and blue.