So a New York Magpies Grand Final, with newspaper coverage and all…. Here is the link to what a journalist had to say, bit disappointed I didn’t get an interview.
http://www.theage.com.au/text/realfooty/articles/2005/09/24/1126982271713.html
There was also a guy on Dave Letterman, who I think plays for Glenelg.
Now the event - I lived, and that is a bonus. Here are my thoughts on the game, before I talk on the event. Congratulations to Sydney. It was lucky the game was close, because I genuinely thought it was a terrible spectacle. Players missing easy chances, and the nature of how Sydney play, did not make it pleasant TV viewing. I also thought that the Eagles did not take their chances in the 1st quarter - especially Judd's and Wirrpanda's hard work.
As some of you may have read, the event was held at the Planet Hollywood in Times Square. Roughly 600 people (mostly Aussies) turned up. VB can not be sold in a bar in this country (long story about Canadians owning the rights to all CUB beers), so the choice of Australian beer was either Coopers or Toohey’s New. There was also Bundy Rum available (also a rarity) and that ran out reasonably quickly. Great Meat pies were also available – a little expensive, but once you live in NY you expect it.
I did wear my 1994 Richmond Jumper with Richo’s signature on the back (and most of the 1994 team) and copped a bit of sh!t. Nothing was said to my face though. There were a few other great Richmond supporters there (G’day Ivan if you read this) however I am not sure of their level of commitment to the club. I seemed to know as much about current players etc etc.
If any RFC supporter in NY reads this wants to get together for a few beers and watch a game next year, PM me.
Like all other Grand Final events over here, whether with the NY Magpies or not, there are a lot of “fair-weather” Football fans. I heard a few times “You know, I would never watch a game back in Australia, but I turn up to this thing every year. That especially seemed the case for a number of Swans fans – people from Sydney, who do what they do best, jump on a winning bandwagon. Some did not know too much about the game, but as long as Sydney was winning, they were happy. For this reason, I decided to support the Weagles.
Obviously the most exiting time for me was the half-time sprint, where I probably made a complete fool out of myself. But congratulations to D-Lids, and thank you for giving me something to cheer about on Grand Final Day.
Anyway, I lived – it was reasonably enjoyable, but a very long night (did not get home until 5am – the game did not finish until 4ish) To be honest though, I really do miss watching footy with diehard and knowledgeable fans that care about the sport more than the event that goes with it.
Will turn up to the NY Magpies event next year (unless the Tigers make it – in that case look for me singing the theme song from NY to Melbourne) without the ’94 jumper - which has retired. Will have to make a purchase at the club shop this year – maybe with D-Lids or Jack’s number on the back.
Thanks again for you help.
GO TIGERS
