AFL Grand Final night

We watched as Brisbane tumbled hopelessly down the ladder. We watched as the Swans rallied but lost to the Hawks in the semi-final. We watched and prayed that Collingwood and the Eagles would get smashed. One did, one didn't. Timon has read everything written on the AFL season this year and even contributed a player profile to some footy blog he loves. So come Grand Final day we were ready to party. We found a local Aussie pub that would be hosting the game, complete with free meat pies at half time. The place was called The Sunburnt Calf. We invited everyone we know to join us, to celebrate a sport that's near and dear to both of us. Everyone declined. It might have been the 12.30am start time, but more than likely they're just jerks. Ever frugal, we had pre-drinks at our apartment and got good and jolly. We wore our Lions and Swans tees and braved some torrential rain (does it ever stop in this city) in the quest for AFL.

The pub was the same as every sports bar in this town. Narrow, not enough seats and TVs over the bar. Hellish in other words. Luckily, we proved eager enough and the waiter guy got us a table out the back where there was a big projector and screen setup. Lucky again that he was a Geelong supporter so we know we'd be amongst friendlies. I had my concerns that Timon would get into a punch-on with any Collingwood fan so it looked like we were safe.

I have to say, I was really excited. There was something about seeing all the Facebook updates about Grand Final parties in Oz that made me feel closer to everyone at home. It also made me a little homesick later in the night when I was on the downslide of drunkeness. We started a tab (always a mistake) and began enjoying beers and ciders and steak sandwiches and fries. It was mega fun cheering loudly and obnoxiously. Most of the crowd was Australian and most were barracking for Geelong. Collingwood supporters were very quiet indeed. Of course there were moments of tension and a surprising sense of sympathy when I saw the faces of Mick Malthouse and his players. It's amazing and a little bit crazy how serious everyone takes the game. Don't get me wrong, I take it seriously, especially when the Swans are playing, but it's all a little bit silly right?

A funny thing happened - a girl came and sat next to us and introduced herself. She said she was a Sydney supporter but was from Melbourne. Timon introduced us, saying he was from Melbs too and I was from Ballarat. The girl then explained that she was from Buninyong, but always tells people Melbourne because hey, who knows where Buninyong is?! It is one hella small world. She also asked us to take claim of her beer if asked because she was underage!

We made it home in one piece although I don't quite remember how. All I know is that Timon still can't talk and it's 2 days later.