THE FINALS - BE THERE | Thebigtip

Shattered. Disappointed. Angry. 28 September 2008, 5pm. I couldn't leave the MCG quick enough. The Cats had just lost the unloseable Grand Final. I can't help but feel a season full of hope and promise had been an entire waste. As a supporter it is times like these that are dreaded. That feeling of utter disappointment, and the knowledge that nothing can be done to rectify what has surely been an injustice...well an injustice as far as sport goes, anyway.

18 June 2010. Hawthorn v Essendon at the MCG. It's a cold winter night and I couldn't care less about the game. Why was I there? Well, partly because my girlfriend is a Hawthorn supporter (believe it or not) but also partly because I love football. However, it was mainly because I locked in Luke Hodge as my SuperCoach captain so I thought I'd go along to watch him rack up a big score (for the record, he played arguably his worst game for the year, resulting in a SuperCoach loss). Plus, if memory serves me correct, there wasn't much on TV that night.

And then Hawthorn (of all teams) reminded me why we as supporters take beating after beating - Grand Final losses, wooden spoons and such - and still come back for more. Because on that rare occasion - generally when you least expect it, you may just see something special.

Now, I don't care if Buddy Franklin gets the gong for goal of the year for (take your pick) one of his two absolute gems against the Bombers that night. We all know those goals - the game is in the balance and Franklin takes the ball and running from the wing, bouncing a couple of times and slotting at full pelt tied up against the boundary line from roughly 35 metres. The crowd explodes, and for good reason. Then he does it again, this time to level the scores in the last term. Hawks win off the back off those two bits of Buddy inspiration. Incredible.

It reminded me of the bleeding obvious. Hawthorn were better than us in 2008 - at least when it mattered most. More importantly, Franklin's exploits reminded me of a key point in football supporting that is often overlooked - it's always worth going to the football. Even when your team isn't participating, sometimes even more so. You're relaxed, you can watch more objectively and you can soak up the atmosphere and passion of our great game. 

And to watch those special moments unfold. That mark, goal, outstanding bit of play, whatever it may be. So this finals, grab a ticket and get down to the footy. Most of you don't need to be told. For those who do, remember this year can't be salvaged for your team but it can be salvaged as a supporter. Rectify the injustices of 2010 - you'll only be able to if you're there.