I See Red (and white)

Posted September 26th, 2005 by jhuny

Seven o'clock in the morning, just pulled up at Central on the XPT from Melbourne via Wagga and a sea of red spilled out onto the platform. Earlier on that morning, bleary eyed because even in first class those seats are far less comfortable than economy class across the Pacific, I awoke to a rendition of the red and white club song. The aisle of the carriage was lined with red and white flags.

On Saturday in Wagga we had decided to shift the schedule forward so that we could watch the match. It was bloody amazing to see the MCG awash with red, amazing because in Rugby League Central I didn't really think that there would be that many dedicated AFL fans. The extended break also meant an opportunity take a decent nap and, when the Swans were 39-19 up at about half time I decided to rest up, that the Swannies had it in the bag. By the middle of the fourth quarter I woke up to find that it was anything but, and fifteen minutes later I was wide awake and jumping around. We were all so excited that Bangarra decided to do a special dedication to the Swans. Had I had been more organised instead of stressing about my hair I would have done a special commemorative Goanna paint-up but instead had to make do with some random red and white stripes on my arms and legs. The dancers also gave them a bit of a cheer a post curtain call cheer but we got a bit confused because we weren't sure if we were going to cheer "Swans" or "Swannies" or "Sydney" or... Oh well.

Now if only that OTHER red and white team replicated the Swannies' victory. Then I wouldn't find myself at risk of being knocked off the top of the NRL tipping competition. Serves me right, I live in Wests Tigers' territory. Never again...

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