By Lynda Carroll
Hawthorn v Melbourne, at the MCG; twelve months ago it was an impossible dream. Now, while it’s still not quite the same – smaller crowds, queues where you don’t quite expect them, QR codes, uncertain ticketing arrangements, hand sanitiser by the gallon – there’s a sense that every game is like waking up on Christmas Day as a kid and getting the best present ever. If you’re a Melbourne supporter, that’s happening whenever you look at the ladder at the moment. Who’d have thought it?
That, of course, brings to mind the Hawthorn supporter spotted wearing a scarf of gold tinsel. For much of the game, there is no doubt that he would have been sparkling and positively effervescent. Melbourne supporters, however, might have been feeling the trepidation of a close contest with the Hawks, even after a month of victories to start the 2021 season.
While it wasn’t completely back to the rituals and rhythms of pre-2020, the comfort of being at the MCG, the familiarity of the sound of the crowd, the joy of looking at groups of people - even the nerves of a 1.5 start - were all worthwhile. Narrow margins are delicious agony to any supporter’s spirit, and this was a classic example. For the chance of emerging with a hard fought victory, we will willingly suffer.
At half time, it was two points to Hawthorn. Canvassing the crowd attending the MCC Library for signs of wisdom, a firm opinion came from a red and blue clad gentleman. ‘They’ll win by 35 points!’, he announced with an air of assurance, undoubtedly lent weight by his impeccable scarf and suit. Laughter ensued, mostly from Hawthorn supporters, who were extremely chipper, even to the extent that the pompoms on their beanies were bobbing in unison. Meanwhile, the queue waiting to get into the Frank Grey Smith Bar swayed as cheerfully argumentative discussions about the close game buzzed. It’s not quite as it was, but that noise was welcome. You could almost feel the MCG’s framework relax in contentment. Her people have returned.
Fortunately, the confident gentleman was decidedly, definitely and delightfully wrong. Petracca quickly flicked the second half in Melbourne’s favour with the first goal and seizure of the lead. While inaccuracy was still a feature, the momentum slowly switched to the Demons. As the commentary is going at the moment, the team has an embarrassment of riches, and some of those were making themselves increasingly well known as the game went on. With Max Gawn kicking a goal from outside 50 metres, to the previously unsung Ed Langdon building on a great start to the season with three goals; from McDonald with two goals and ten marks to the final quarter barnstorming effort that took the game by the scruff of the neck: this was the signal for the wave of sound that has been absent for so long. The Grand Old Flag was about to fly.
That final quarter, replete with eight Melbourne goals, seemingly impossible after Moore kicked an early one for the Hawks, was apt compensation for all the agonising beforehand. In some ways, it was very Melbourne; seven goals and some tough going in the first three quarters, then storming home with eight goals – each one all the more delightful to see – in the last.
Melbourne supporters knew they were in a good place when the arguments started flowing as to the desired final margin. The consensus was that 50 points would be a good even amount, and so it landed. This was a happy day for the Demons, with Hawthorn not so much a happy team. However, the post-game gathering put a different spin on matters. Sam Frost and Clayton Oliver exchanged grins and chat after antagonising each other during the game, while both teams mingled for after-match presentations. It’s good to be here, it’s amazing to win, and now we ready ourselves for the huge Anzac Weekend, complete with milestone games and commemoration. That is a treasure that seemed beyond reach just short months ago.
The MCG – she has her people back again. And we – we fortunate few, here in this little corner of the world – we have her, too.
Lynda Carroll is happy to have people back at the MCG, and to be at the MCC Library again on match days. She is still researching for an updated MFC history, which she is writing alongside her duties for the MFC Past and Present Players’ and Officials’ Association, and is currently working part-time as an MCC Collections Cataloguer.
Hawthorn v Melbourne, at the MCG; twelve months ago it was an impossible dream. Now, while it’s still not quite the same – smaller crowds, queues where you don’t quite expect them, QR codes, uncertain ticketing arrangements, hand sanitiser by the gallon – there’s a sense that every game is like waking up on Christmas Day as a kid and getting the best present ever. If you’re a Melbourne supporter, that’s happening whenever you look at the ladder at the moment. Who’d have thought it?
That, of course, brings to mind the Hawthorn supporter spotted wearing a scarf of gold tinsel. For much of the game, there is no doubt that he would have been sparkling and positively effervescent. Melbourne supporters, however, might have been feeling the trepidation of a close contest with the Hawks, even after a month of victories to start the 2021 season.
While it wasn’t completely back to the rituals and rhythms of pre-2020, the comfort of being at the MCG, the familiarity of the sound of the crowd, the joy of looking at groups of people - even the nerves of a 1.5 start - were all worthwhile. Narrow margins are delicious agony to any supporter’s spirit, and this was a classic example. For the chance of emerging with a hard fought victory, we will willingly suffer.
At half time, it was two points to Hawthorn. Canvassing the crowd attending the MCC Library for signs of wisdom, a firm opinion came from a red and blue clad gentleman. ‘They’ll win by 35 points!’, he announced with an air of assurance, undoubtedly lent weight by his impeccable scarf and suit. Laughter ensued, mostly from Hawthorn supporters, who were extremely chipper, even to the extent that the pompoms on their beanies were bobbing in unison. Meanwhile, the queue waiting to get into the Frank Grey Smith Bar swayed as cheerfully argumentative discussions about the close game buzzed. It’s not quite as it was, but that noise was welcome. You could almost feel the MCG’s framework relax in contentment. Her people have returned.
Fortunately, the confident gentleman was decidedly, definitely and delightfully wrong. Petracca quickly flicked the second half in Melbourne’s favour with the first goal and seizure of the lead. While inaccuracy was still a feature, the momentum slowly switched to the Demons. As the commentary is going at the moment, the team has an embarrassment of riches, and some of those were making themselves increasingly well known as the game went on. With Max Gawn kicking a goal from outside 50 metres, to the previously unsung Ed Langdon building on a great start to the season with three goals; from McDonald with two goals and ten marks to the final quarter barnstorming effort that took the game by the scruff of the neck: this was the signal for the wave of sound that has been absent for so long. The Grand Old Flag was about to fly.
That final quarter, replete with eight Melbourne goals, seemingly impossible after Moore kicked an early one for the Hawks, was apt compensation for all the agonising beforehand. In some ways, it was very Melbourne; seven goals and some tough going in the first three quarters, then storming home with eight goals – each one all the more delightful to see – in the last.
Melbourne supporters knew they were in a good place when the arguments started flowing as to the desired final margin. The consensus was that 50 points would be a good even amount, and so it landed. This was a happy day for the Demons, with Hawthorn not so much a happy team. However, the post-game gathering put a different spin on matters. Sam Frost and Clayton Oliver exchanged grins and chat after antagonising each other during the game, while both teams mingled for after-match presentations. It’s good to be here, it’s amazing to win, and now we ready ourselves for the huge Anzac Weekend, complete with milestone games and commemoration. That is a treasure that seemed beyond reach just short months ago.
The MCG – she has her people back again. And we – we fortunate few, here in this little corner of the world – we have her, too.
Lynda Carroll is happy to have people back at the MCG, and to be at the MCC Library again on match days. She is still researching for an updated MFC history, which she is writing alongside her duties for the MFC Past and Present Players’ and Officials’ Association, and is currently working part-time as an MCC Collections Cataloguer.