Round 1 – Collingwood v Sydney: Red (and white)

 

I’m about 45m out from the city end goals, on a pretty tight angle.

There are bodies everywhere in front, no room to move. The lights are blinding, the anticipation building. Fans dressed in their tribe’s uniform. The pulsating tempo of the crowd rises to an unfathomable pitch.

Taylor steps out on stage.

A Carlton v Collingwood Grand Final. The first ball of a Boxing Day Ashes Test. The Olympic 100m final. Ronaldo and Messi. Kerryn McCann in first place. Queen Elizabeth II. The freaking Pope. Of all the remarkable moments to have taken place on that turf, I don’t think there’s anything that can compare to what Taylor brought earlier this year.

I know how it sounds. “A country singer with a guitar? How great could it be?”

It’s hard to explain to those who weren’t in the stadium, but trust me when I tell you the hype was justified. Three hours of sing-alongs, tears and dancing from the most partisan crowd I’ve ever seen.

Sixteen costume changes, nine eras, scenes built and dismantled in seconds. Eye-popping visuals, light-up wristbands, confetti and fireworks, it was a scintillating night. She’s an unstoppable force of female empowerment, Time Magazine’s Person of the Year who boosts local economys in her wake – Plus she writes catchy tunes. I’m no Swiftie but call me converted.

It was a record attendance for a Taylor show, broken three times in a row. God, I love Melbourne. Taylor reckons she does too.

There was also a moment when spontaneous cheering floored us all. Taking out her earpiece with disbelief on her face, Taylor emersed herself in the loudest cheer the MCG has ever heard. To quote Rex Hunt: there would not be a bigger roar if a thousand blokes in Broadmeadows won Tatts.

The next time I enter the Holy Ground, how could anything compare?

*

It’s Round 1 and my Swans are playing their second match of the season. The reigning premiers are there too. It’s Friday night at the home of football – stages don’t get much bigger than this.

I take my place on the railing, with hope but little confidence.

Grundy (Sydney’s version) takes the tap. It’s great to see him playing again.

Chad Warner picks Sidebottom’s pocket, spins, and slots the first. Such an impact player, Chad at his best will rival the likes of Greene and Petracca. He’s not far off them already. He’s only 22.

But the Pies hit back with successive goals.

Daicos is a marvel. Getting so much of the ball, you’d swear that there are two of them. Bobby Hill’s got new hair but still crumbs as good as he did in September. Sparks Fly as De Goey bends it on the run. This is a great clash.

Swans lift now. Rowbottom’s tenacious, and Amartey launches. Papley runs and guns – he’s Fearless in front of goal.

Pies are under pressure down back. Maynard was resolute. He’s got a Reputation, I hear.

I think Collingwood unfurled a flag of some sort earlier that day. It was hard to tell from this point forward.

Blakey still moves swiftly through the guts and McDonald’s drives them through – four by night’s end.

Gulden’s everywhere, he oozes class. I’m a big fan – I think I’m in my Errol era.

And Heeney’s got Style. His mojo’s back, racking them up in the midfield and kicking two for the night.

Sorry Pies fans, this is a thrashing. I head to the bar again and grab another beer. I’ll try to avoid the hangover too.

Siren blows. End Game.

The red and white have made their mark first in Sydney, now in Melbourne. 2024 is shaping up to be a good season for the Swans in their 150^th year.

The boys are happy, knocking off their more fancied opponents. Triumphant as they march down the race, old bloods cheer. Horse cheers, Callum cheers, Luke cheers, Taylor cheers.

 

 

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