Always Pies

by MATT CAMPBELL
TO wake up on Saturday morning with the sniff of September air was magnificent. To have the Pies still in the hunt was even better. It was a hectic morning before the big game but I managed to get along to the Vaucluse which, I was reliably informed, serves the best chicken parmas in Richmond - a mantle to which all competing pubs aspire. My gastronomic source knew his stuff and the meal was inhaled between a few quiet ones and plenty of conversation about the upcoming game. My seat happened to be very close to where I sat for the 1990 GF which was an immediately pleasing omen - City end, Southern Stand, bottom deck, on 50.

As suspected last week, Adelaide was not an issue. Although not without a couple of concerns, the Pies steamrolled the pretenders from across the border in a solid display. McLeod and Ricciuto's early form was a bit of a concern but it was only a matter of time before one of their ankles gave way. It should be remembered though, the flood-gates had already opened by that stage.

O'Bree's smother and gathering of the contested ball early in the piece set the tone for an attacking afternoon from the Pies. Wakelin was superb in defence and Plain-Wrap Presti once again did his job. McKee continued to embarrass Richmond with another fine effort in the ruck. Fraser's game was possibly his best all year and his two opening goals nearly brought the house down. Buckley's second half was quite good as he found some touch just in time for the Big One.

Lockyer's form has been a bit off the boil but his tackle of a rampaging Ricciuto caused the ball to spill free to Freeborn for an important goal in the third. Speaking of the third term, did anyone notice Rocca's goal? All the superlatives have been used and with good reason - it was magnificent. Rupert the Monkey-Boy's running goal from 50 was another outstanding effort and once this third term domination was complete, we were never in trouble.

My voice took a few days to recover and I'm not sure whether this was from cheering for the Pies, screaming at Brett Boofhead Allen or repeatedly yelling "you're a dog Ayres" at the final siren. Either way, it has recovered sufficiently to have a crack again.

While my ballot hopes were dashed I have managed to grab a ticket. I did have to resort to posing as a Brisbane supporter and joined their queue under false pretences. While this was most unsavoury, I believe I had to resort to anything to get a ticket. (It should noted that my 90GF ticket was sourced through a Fitzroy member - another good omen). It was very hard to keep quiet as my neighbours in the queue were discussing three-in-a-row. I look forward to their faces when I greet them on Saturday with my Pies member's cap worn proudly. The quandary is whether to wear the 2002 cap or go for tradition with the original 2000 cap. Perhaps I should just paint my face and be done with it.

The final training session was a highlight with thousands there to spur the boys on. I knew I was back in the heartland of Victorian Football when a dodgy character had some $10 scarves to sell out of a crusty old bag. Although I didn't check closely, I am quite sure they were AFL approved. If this wasn't evidence enough, five minutes later another chap passed by opening up a bag with a discreet query of "clock-radios? $10 for a clock-radio?" Even though I trust my Collingwood brothers implicitly, my wallet containing the GF ticket was still kept pretty close at hand.

Clokey leading the group out to a standing ovation was great to see, although big David on the Footy Show last night had a touch of the Ugly Parent Syndrome. They should never have been on and it did no-one any favours. Anyway, back to training. There was a bit of concern when Tarrant left the track after about 10 minutes but all fears were allayed when he returned minutes later and continued to amble around at his usual quarter pace. Rocca's hanger over Peter Moore carrying the speccie-bag nearly blew the roof off the Ryder Stand, although I suspect a strong wind might also have the same effect as it has seen better days.

The session ended with a lap to huge applause. I stood there and took in Vic Park one more time - perhaps the last time. Never again will I be ankle deep in urine or have to tolerate seeing Gubby Allen's name on the Sherrin stand roof. Legend my arse. Brisbane mongrel who kicked across goal I say. All supporters started filing out of the ground with the same air of excitement and anticipation. "Two sleeps to go", they were saying to kids (and a few excitable husbands). I took it all in and rejoiced that I have always been a Collingwood supporter and always will be.

Let's get stuck into 'em.

Go Pies !!!!

The coach

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