‘Lucky Blues’ – A Family Divided by Geelong and Carlton

 

 

 

 

‘Lucky Blues…” My Grandfather Peppi would exclaim, when Carlton were at their prime and they’d win every week. He’d mock his wife and daughter, even though deep down he longed to feel the joy they felt winning the coveted premiership, year in, year out.

 

The age-old Geelong and Carlton rivalry continues this weekend in my family. It’s a different set up since my Papou passed away six months ago, but it’s the same tension and same age-old unspoken rules that apply.

 

My Aunty Penny and Nona are fierce Carlton-lovers, while my Dad and I followed my Grandfather and the blue and white train of our Cats. It’s our version of a broken home, but at least the colours are the same, right?

 

It will be the first Carlton-Geelong game that my Grandfather hasn’t been around for. It’s an empty feeling this time and even though the Blues hold a special place in my heart, I want Geelong to take charge and win this one for my Papou.

 

Last week’s promising match against Hawthorn gave me a sense of hope. Geelong has been one of the sides that has benefitted from the extended pre-season. Looking back, we were without Mitch Duncan, Sam Menegola, Jack Steven amongst other strong additions when we took on GWS in round one.

 

The Blues had a rocky start last week but out-performed Melbourne in the second half. But they showed glimpses of togetherness and threaten to adapt to the narrower Kardinia Park well on Saturday.

 

I’m antsy and nervous, despite Carlton’s slow efforts last week. The Blues always seem to match up well with our boys and Patrick Cripps can single-handedly change a game, as long as Jack Martin is by his side (great win for the Blue Baggers, by the way).

 

It’ll be interesting to see where Chris Scott goes next. With Steven playing a scratch-match this weekend, Jake Kolodjashnij on the mend, Nakia Cockatoo back training fully, Jordan Clark and Charlie Constable ready and able to fit right in, he’s got all the depth in the world.

 

My Papou would say the Blues have no chance and my Nona would laugh and disagree and we’d go and tell him that Dangerfield was good like usual and that Gary Ablett plays just like his father. And he would have smiled and asked about Matthew Scarlett, even though he retired years before and I’d tell him that Scarlett was the head of the ‘misfits’ backline anyway.

 

So, when Saturday rolls around and the boys in navy blue and blue and white take to Kardinia Park, we’ll be thinking of my Papou.

 

It’s not been an easy six months for us; time can’t heal everything and footy just isn’t be the same without him, but I’m glad we have made it to here.

 

And let’s hope it’s my lucky Cats over those lucky Blues….

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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