Well it’s been a dismal time for us Carlton supporters since that loss to Collingwood on 21 August! I haven’t been able to bring myself to write. But ok, it’s the Finals and I have to get behind someone…
It was striking that in the first round, all four Melbourne-based teams lost. I got on Freo for my late Aunt Fleur from Cottesloe, a Freo fanatic. This was a little awkward in the first round as they were playing the Western Bulldogs who are in partnership with my employer. The Bulldogs jumped to a massive lead then lost, which must have devastated them.
But there was no ambivalence for me last week. I went to the game and saw Freo lose to what looked a very good Collingwood side, except when they forgot how to kick!
Meanwhile, I had been happy to see Brisbane eliminate Richmond, who I still regard as Carlton’s arch-rivals. And the Qualifying Finals are lower stakes – no one gets eliminated. They were both good games though.
Brisbane v Melbourne was an amazing upset and makes Brisbane flag contenders.
I had some thoughts of going to Sydney for their Prelim against Collingwood but tiickets were impossible.
I thought to go to Geelong and Brisbane tonight but then it rained!
I am now on the Swans for my Sydney relations with Brisbane second. These were the two clubs sent north to conquer the bastions of Rugby League!
Sydney used to be my second team ’til I married an Adelaide girl (25 years ago – it was a good time to get on the Crows!).
I can’t support any team that has beaten Carlton in a Grand Final in my lifetime – none of the four remaining fits that bill.
When we look for the longest losing streak, it’s Brisbane from 2003. I was there in 2004 cheering on Port.
Then Collingwood from 2010 but a Carlton supporter can’t support Collingwood.
Then Geelong from 2011. I certainly cheered for them in 1989 but they’ve had lots of success since then. And of course they are the last team Carlton beat in a Grand Final – 27 years ago!
And then Sydney from 2012 – really not that long ago. I was there supporting them in 2005 – my last Grand Final.
I will be in Canberra for the Grand Final this year, agonising between supporting Ainslie and East Lakes – Jezza’s old team. (Queanbeyan were Premiers!).
Expecting it to be Geelong v Sydney, but we’ll know more after this weekend.
Either way, not much emotional investment but hoping for good games and looking forward to 2023!
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