Good for football

Did you watch the AFL Grand Final on TV yesterday?

After 72 years the Sydney Swans, who used to be South Melbourne, won a premiership. It must be a huge boost for their die hard fans.

Of course it’s also great for spreading the AFL message with a non-AFL state like New South Wales taking home the trophy. I’m sure the win will capture the imagination of many who formerly had no interest in the great game.

It was a very close game which made it great to watch.

There are so many positives to come out of yesterday’s game.

So why do I still feel so devastated at the Eagles loss?

One of the interesting things about the loss was seeing so many fans out and about last night wearing Eagles merchandise. I remember the low level depression that settled across the state after our last Grand Final loss in 1991. It was our first ever Grand Final and the hopes of our state went with the boys in blue and gold.

I went out for coffee with friends on that September night in 1991 and there was just a blank look on every face. The usually busy streets of the cafe strip were almost empty. It was quite eerie.

Last night was very different. We went out for a bite to eat with friends. The mood was generally upbeat. People were coming and going still proudly wearing their Eagles gear.

The West Coast Eagles may have lost but with one of the closest Grand Finals for decades, they were certainly not disgraced.

Posted by Rodney Olsen

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