Dreamtime at the “G” has always been “a must go” game for me. However, as I’ve just come back from a three day holiday at St. Vincent’s Hospital, I accepted that I would miss my first game, after attending all the previous Dreamtime evenings.
I have very strong feelings towards our First Nations people. Sixty thousand years caring for country, sixty thousand years of culture, language, and understanding, that today we know very little of. Every day should be a celebration, not just one week a year of football games.
The Mighty Dons under Kevin Sheedy encouraged champion First Nations footballers down to Essendon all those years ago, and what a contribution they made. I can remember three or four regulars each week but tonight sadly there is only one – Tex Wanganeen, who is a medical sub. Tex’s father, Gavin, was one of those champions whom Kevin Sheedy brought to the Dons, and what a fantastic player he was. Richmond on the other hand, have five First Nations players tonight.
There was another special happening on Saturday night that completely captured my attention and I couldn’t turn away from it: the election. I can’t remember the last time the Dons were winners at Dreamtime and it’s been a long time since the progressive parties have scored a victory on Election night.
The game commenced and The Dons were much harder at it than last week, but already Richmond looked better. The election counting started and the early counts were not showing much of a swing. Back to the footy in the second quarter and Richmond were looking too strong. The Dons couldn’t take a mark in their forward line, Richmond could and their lead was 26 points by half time. Back to the election for the half time break and I was starting to feel pretty happy about what was going on with the counting. The Reds, Teals and Greens were all doing very well, but it was still too early to conclude anything.
But then the Western Australia polls closed and votes were being counted. As the numbers rose so did my spirits. Things were starting to look a lot more positive as far as I was concerned.
I had to drag myself back to the footy and all I can say is thank goodness Richmond can’t kick straight, they added 2 goals 7 to Essendon’s 3 goals. I guess that means Richmond won the quarter by a point, when in fact they were much better than that. Better at moving the ball all over the ground with precision except, thankfully, in front of goals. At three quarter time they lead by 27 points, but it should have been more.
On the election front I was feeling very excited, the counting of votes meant a change of Government was a certainty, however on the footy front things were not going so well for the Dons. Richmond showed that Essendon are simply not good enough. It’s all very well to tackle and harass but the Dons can’t kick to a teammate and can’t mark in the forward line. Very sad that Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has retired, he would have made a difference tonight on our forward line.
The election news kept getting better when I returned from the footy, an absolute landslide to ALP. I watched for a while as Anthony Green predicted seats that were to fall to Greens, Teals and Reds. I haven’t smiled as much at federal election results for many years – tonight I was making up for it.
So to bring me back to earth I went back to the “G”. Richmond appeared to be playing half-hearted against the Dons in the last quarter and although the Bombers kept trying they just weren’t good enough. Just as well I didn’t believe all that pre season junk they print, I reckon if they win two or three more games this season they will be doing well. Richmond by 32 points at the final siren and it should have been more.
Footy front not all that happy, but when it all boils down, footy is just an exciting game, you win some and lose some, elections steer the country in particular directions with effects on everyone. In my opinion those less privileged, those who care about First Nations people, the environment and integrity are the winners tonight, and footy takes a distant second place.
I am happy.
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