Some thoughts on Round 12.
About John Harms
JTH is a writer, publisher, speaker, historian. He is publisher and contributing editor of The Footy Almanac and footyalmanac.com.au. He has written columns and features for numerous publications. His books include Confessions of a Thirteenth Man, Memoirs of a Mug Punter, Loose Men Everywhere, Play On, The Pearl: Steve Renouf's Story and Life As I Know It (with Michelle Payne). He appears (appeared?) on ABCTV's Offsiders. He can be contacted [email protected] He is married to The Handicapper and has three school-age kids - Theo, Anna, Evie. He might not be the worst putter in the world but he's in the worst four. His ambition was to lunch for Australia but it clashed with his other ambition - to shoot his age.
I was surprised as anyone at taking the loss in my stride… however, the irrational anger was a slow burn and at the previous week’s levels by midday on Sunday.
You’re right though, a very odd feeling after the game.
I tipped against Carlton for the first time ever (obviously I have not been aiming to win) and at one stage half way through the last thought it had done the trick. At the end, like you mention, I had an odd feeling of nothingness. This was watched from my laptop in Guam, the same time zone as AEST and for the first time I realized just how late these games end. Why did they move the time from 7.10 to 7.50?
When I returned home on the Sunday, the loom bracelet craze had taken over the house (do you have that there in Aus?). With no dark navy blue in the colour set I chose 3 colours for my daughter to make me one and a few hours later realized I had chosen Port Adelaide – they have crept into my subconscious and as for many, have become the team you love to watch.
At the risk of being expelled from the Almanac, I think it was Richmond versus Fitzroy in 1970 when her Maj was visiting. Probably she was barracking for the Lions.
I seem to remember Brownlow Medalist Kevin Murray lining up to shake hands and it was either televised or I was there.
It wasn’t quite the 1960’s so I should really remember whether I was there or not.
Round 1 1970. Richmond vs Fitzroy at the MCG (on a Sunday). Roys won by 20 points.
If you are referring to the BD I’m thinking of, I thought he was from Elizabeth Grove, not Lameroo.
Wasn’t that the day Kevin Murray covered up his tatts with long sleeves?