Back on to posts on the Australian trip. Sorry for getting a little sidetracked.
On my last post we were at the Grand Final Parade. When Saturday rolled around, it was Grand Final Day. The game came and went in a blur. Bill would watch the game at home with mum and dad, I’d be there trying to savor every moment.
I had a good sleep the night before and tried to keep to my pre-match normal routine as much as possible. I caught my usual train, got to my seat and that was that.
Mrs West, my favourite teacher ever from grade 5 and 6 was actually sitting in my bay – bonus! I missed Meatloaf singing while I was talking to her (not a bad thing) and before I knew it the game was starting. Sandra and I sat under her blanket and before we knew it, the Pies weren’t doing too bad.
I had my usual Pie at half time and at 3/4 time the vibes were good.
Then we lost.
I had a cry in my seat and the minute that the siren went, I ran out of the ground so fast so I could just get home and away from everyone.
In typical fashion, our train was packed with disappointed Pies supporters. I got my usual last carriage and just wanted to get home. It was just about the most miserable train ride I have ever had as there were people arguing the whole way and being just… awful. Then from the back a girl yelled “WILL YAS ALL JUST BLOODY SHUT UP ABOUT IT – WE LOST – JUST SHUT UP!!!” Well, then it was on. Back and forth in the most bogan accent you could ever imagine. Tears were welling in my eyes as I felt like screaming to all of them that I didn’t come all the way over here to see a losing game and then to listen to them argue over absolute rubbish. But I didn’t. I just sat there thinking of what could have been.
Mum picked me up at the station. I was in my jammies within 5 minutes of getting home and mum made a beautiful lamb roast so we all commiserated about that. It was a draining day – great to sit with Sandra and be at another game but… why couldn’t we have just won?
Sigh.