Put up and shut up

by LES EVERETT Fremantle Herald

UNDER different circumstances last Sunday's events at Subiaco Oval would have been viewed as a joyous celebration of WA football. It had almost everything.

And like all good things in life, it had its ups and downs.

I got there early for the A grade amateurs game between CBC and North Fremantle, it was most impressive. CBC won pretty comfortably but the standard was good, players went for the ball, they hit hard and fairly and they ran the game out despite the energetic spirit in which it was played.

The tribute to CBC Fremantle sporting identities was dignified and thought provoking. Seeing South Fremantle golden era players Gerry Bahen, Tony Parentich, Des Reed and Barry White brought to mind a wonderful time in Fremantle football.

After the parade came some of the downs.

Two happened before the AFL game.

One was an ad on the big screen. A Dockers player invited us to have a few beers after the game. He was going to have a few too. Now fair's fair fellas - you're highly paid athletes, you're in the worst performing team in the AFL and your fans are hurting - now is not the time to let us know what party boys you are. Let's have a beer at the end of the season when we've clawed back some credibility.

Next came the Cats and Dockers and two spruikers with microphones. One of them told us with glee that Garry Hocking wasn't playing for Geelong - one more reason why the Dockers would win their first game of the season. Great motivation for those Cats who were playing. There are plenty of rules about footy - one is never to focus on who isn't playing for the opposition, only who is - like Adam Houlihan for instance.

Then came the first half. Then is was over.

Half time was fantastic. There were kids everywhere. Little ones playing grid games, slightly bigger ones playing little league and high schoolers launching the Channel Seven Cup. More than 100 kids out on the ground playing footy.

Unfortunately the spruikers came back with an idiotic and loud piece of "fun" which involved others yelling into the microphones. Now I reckon the Fremantle Football Club deserves credit for what it presents on match day, apart from the small matter of the team performances, but I do have a word of advice for the pre-match and half time spruikers.

Just bloody shut up!

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