By 'Citrus' Bob Utber
I live in beautiful Mildura. I don’t particularly like going to Melbourne at any time, but in late June, when travel was still allowed and games were still being played at the MCG, without crowds, I made the trip. I was going to see Carlton v Essendon and my beloved Geelong play Melbourne. I was keen to actually attend some football – which I was only able to do because I have AFL Accreditation via a Media Pass.
When I was in my early 70s (ten years ago!), I decided to become a freelance writer and also a curator of art exhibitions in country centres. I write about footy for various publications, including www.footyalmanac.com.au and talk about footy on the local ABC in The Sunraysia. Because I don’t have immediate deadlines, I don’t have to tap out a story during the game. So I don’t need a desk. Instead, I am able to observe games, take a few notes, enjoy the contest (and even barrack), and then write my story over the following days.
The scene at the MCG that weekend of Round 4 was reminiscent of the post-apocalyptic 1959 movie On the Beach. Neville Shute, the English author who had settled in Australia, wrote about the end of life itself. He should have been at the MCG for this weekend Round 4. The world ended with everybody crashing their cars on the racetrack and Phillip Island. A spectacular finish.
The most memorable aspect of my weekend, and of the two pretty mediocre games, was walking through the empty Reserve on the way to the Ron Casey Media Centre. It was quite bizarre. It gave me a rather eerie feeling but I found myself reflecting on all I’d seen over the years.
I recalled the 1989 Grand Final - what a game! The Centenary Test. Geelong’s victory over Port Adelaide in 2007 to name just a few outstanding events on the hallowed turf.
As a young bloke I was lucky to be there when Betty Cuthbert took out the 100 metres and Vladimir Kuts won one of his events in 1956. Ah! The memories.
I am glad I came this weekend because it did allow me to reflect on what the `G means to members and the general public as well.
The hallowed turf looked magnificent over the weekend. I could not remember when I have seen it looking so good in the middle of winter. Very little traffic!
I did meet a couple of people whom I knew well: the two “Nicks” who have been match day staff members for donkey’s years. It was great to see them as they have always been so personable and we did have a good chat. What else could you do?
I did enjoy the game even though there was nobody there, and the footy didn’t reach any great heights. It gave me the chance to reflect on the past and you don’t need company for that when you are surrounded by history and your own memories.
I’m looking forward to getting back some time – as we all are.
