By Lynda Carroll
It’s often said by football supporters that you need to keep ‘a lid’ on it; be calm, don’t get ahead of yourself, be prepared for the worst.
Such was the muttered theme on Anzac Eve, with many Melbourne supporters huddled into their scarves and with beanies pulled low. When you’re up against the reigning premiers, subterfuge is probably a good first instinct. Not only that, but the weather leading into the game was appalling.
But, as the MCG lit up, we were all in awe and forgetting our weather woes and worries. This is a hugely special occasion, unique in its evening appeal, and with ‘Lest We Forget’ scrolling around the ground, it was a time to remember and treasure. For, as well as the darkness once the light towers faded, there was light. All those phones, connecting in a different way as torches and cameras took over, were little beacons of brilliance and belonging against the shadows of the stands. Silence and the Last Post; a rumble of noise and Reveille, as we readied ourselves for the game. The light, the sound and the ceremony, all connected us to the outside world, to different times and special commemorations.
A particularly touching symbol was the joint banner. Melbourne and Richmond may be teams apart, but when it comes down to it, the game in its entirety is treasured by all involved. As well as paying tribute to the Anzac spirit, the milestones being recognised were impressive, from Nathan Jones at 300 to Dustin Martin at 250 games, and Angus Brayshaw and Daniel Rioli at 100 games apiece. Two Tigers and two Demons; who would be celebrating at game’s end?
The beauty of it was that nobody was really sure. Melbourne has surprised many so far this season, and with a lovely focus on the Anzac tradition of the side during the week, there was no chance of flying under the radar. The Tigers? Three premierships in four seasons. Say no more. But, for those who are historically inclined, the Melbourne content offered during the week was bound to send shivers down the spine regardless. Bayley Fritsch and Ron Barassi Snr, with his son still proudly part of our heritage; Christian Petracca and Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott; Max Gawn and Harold Ball; Kysaiah Pickett and Syd Anderson – the names of those long gone almost formed a shadow team, embraced by the guernsey number equivalents of the modern line up.
Two early goals from Jack Riewoldt saw the Tigers take the initial lead, but it was close – just seven points – heading into the first break. Then the Melbourne of 2021 took charge, with goals to Neal-Bullen, McDonald (two) and Jackson. By half time, the lead was at 17 points. The red and blue buzz was expanding around the ground.
All the statistics and match-ups were in Melbourne’s favour. Hibberd was holding Martin, who would end up with just eight disposals and exiting in the third quarter with concussion. The Demons kicked seven unanswered goals. McDonald finished with three goals, Salem with 39 disposals, closely followed by Petracca with 38 disposals and the ‘Checker’ Hughes Medal as best on ground. The major milestone man – Nathan Jones – finished his 300th game as a much loved part of a winning team. The Tigers – that army of winners – retreated, vanquished by 34 points.
The delight on Jones’ face as he was chaired off the ground before being met by his family was reflected across the ground as the lid slightly eased for all the Melbourne supporters in the 56,000-strong crowd. These are the treats, the results to treasure, especially when considering the tough times that Jones has seen across his career. He is now just the second player in Melbourne’s history to make 300 games, with the other member of that small cohort – another captain in David Neitz – as thrilled as everyone else to see Jones reach the milestone. As Neitz said before the game, handing the No. 2 guernsey – another powerful symbol in itself, redolent of Flower and a lifelong love of club – to Jones, he has played with ‘heart and never-say-die attitude’ throughout his career. This was emulated by the entire side throughout this Anzac Eve clash, with the result that Melbourne now stands at 6 and 0, the best start to a season for the Demons since 1965. While that was ultimately an inglorious addition to the club’s history, the winning start to 2021 is helping to make a grand moment in time.
The message from this game to all supporters is: don’t keep a lid on it. Enjoy every week, every game, every day, every win, and even every loss. From Nathan Jones and David Neitz to ‘Kozzy’ Pickett and Luke Jackson, from newcomers to 300th game players, from lean seasons to finals appearances, we’re all privileged to have front row seats at a remarkable red and blue show.
It’s often said by football supporters that you need to keep ‘a lid’ on it; be calm, don’t get ahead of yourself, be prepared for the worst.
Such was the muttered theme on Anzac Eve, with many Melbourne supporters huddled into their scarves and with beanies pulled low. When you’re up against the reigning premiers, subterfuge is probably a good first instinct. Not only that, but the weather leading into the game was appalling.
But, as the MCG lit up, we were all in awe and forgetting our weather woes and worries. This is a hugely special occasion, unique in its evening appeal, and with ‘Lest We Forget’ scrolling around the ground, it was a time to remember and treasure. For, as well as the darkness once the light towers faded, there was light. All those phones, connecting in a different way as torches and cameras took over, were little beacons of brilliance and belonging against the shadows of the stands. Silence and the Last Post; a rumble of noise and Reveille, as we readied ourselves for the game. The light, the sound and the ceremony, all connected us to the outside world, to different times and special commemorations.
A particularly touching symbol was the joint banner. Melbourne and Richmond may be teams apart, but when it comes down to it, the game in its entirety is treasured by all involved. As well as paying tribute to the Anzac spirit, the milestones being recognised were impressive, from Nathan Jones at 300 to Dustin Martin at 250 games, and Angus Brayshaw and Daniel Rioli at 100 games apiece. Two Tigers and two Demons; who would be celebrating at game’s end?
The beauty of it was that nobody was really sure. Melbourne has surprised many so far this season, and with a lovely focus on the Anzac tradition of the side during the week, there was no chance of flying under the radar. The Tigers? Three premierships in four seasons. Say no more. But, for those who are historically inclined, the Melbourne content offered during the week was bound to send shivers down the spine regardless. Bayley Fritsch and Ron Barassi Snr, with his son still proudly part of our heritage; Christian Petracca and Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott; Max Gawn and Harold Ball; Kysaiah Pickett and Syd Anderson – the names of those long gone almost formed a shadow team, embraced by the guernsey number equivalents of the modern line up.
Two early goals from Jack Riewoldt saw the Tigers take the initial lead, but it was close – just seven points – heading into the first break. Then the Melbourne of 2021 took charge, with goals to Neal-Bullen, McDonald (two) and Jackson. By half time, the lead was at 17 points. The red and blue buzz was expanding around the ground.
All the statistics and match-ups were in Melbourne’s favour. Hibberd was holding Martin, who would end up with just eight disposals and exiting in the third quarter with concussion. The Demons kicked seven unanswered goals. McDonald finished with three goals, Salem with 39 disposals, closely followed by Petracca with 38 disposals and the ‘Checker’ Hughes Medal as best on ground. The major milestone man – Nathan Jones – finished his 300th game as a much loved part of a winning team. The Tigers – that army of winners – retreated, vanquished by 34 points.
The delight on Jones’ face as he was chaired off the ground before being met by his family was reflected across the ground as the lid slightly eased for all the Melbourne supporters in the 56,000-strong crowd. These are the treats, the results to treasure, especially when considering the tough times that Jones has seen across his career. He is now just the second player in Melbourne’s history to make 300 games, with the other member of that small cohort – another captain in David Neitz – as thrilled as everyone else to see Jones reach the milestone. As Neitz said before the game, handing the No. 2 guernsey – another powerful symbol in itself, redolent of Flower and a lifelong love of club – to Jones, he has played with ‘heart and never-say-die attitude’ throughout his career. This was emulated by the entire side throughout this Anzac Eve clash, with the result that Melbourne now stands at 6 and 0, the best start to a season for the Demons since 1965. While that was ultimately an inglorious addition to the club’s history, the winning start to 2021 is helping to make a grand moment in time.
The message from this game to all supporters is: don’t keep a lid on it. Enjoy every week, every game, every day, every win, and even every loss. From Nathan Jones and David Neitz to ‘Kozzy’ Pickett and Luke Jackson, from newcomers to 300th game players, from lean seasons to finals appearances, we’re all privileged to have front row seats at a remarkable red and blue show.
