Team Loyalty

[Dirko]

Started following Carlton when Steve Kernahan went over there in 86.

The Crows nor Port have ever given me a good enough reason to switch.

Could say Carlton haven't done anything to keep you either!

I've seen them win the 95 flag & remember the 87 flag well. That alone is more then most Geelong, St Kilda, Bulldogs, Freo, Sydney, Port, Richmond & Melbourne fans could remember....

[MatteeG]

Watched an episode of "The Winners" (with Drew Morphett I reckon) in 1981 aged 5. Hawks won match of the day, so have followed them ever since. Never underestimate the appeal of a winner to young kids...

Me and a bunch of mates got season tickets to the crows while we were still in high school (1993) as they were going cheap, but went more to see all the side's stars than anything. Lost interest as soon as it became reserved seating in 1994, so it was a fleeting exercise.

Which may be another topic- what does everyone think of reserved seating. I think it just encourages everyone to get there 15 mins before the game and actually makes travel worse. I much preferred where it was free for all in the outer, those who wanted the fence got there 4 hours before the game, those that didnt care got there at bounce time.

Just putting it out there...

[Rik E Boy]

Like many others I didn't care too much for the VFL and I went to Redlegs matches regularly as a teenager and beyond. If pressed to name a VFL side I would nominate battlers such as St Kilda, or the Red and the Blue of Melbourne or Geelong simply because they weren't in Melbourne and somehow 'more South Australian'.

The VFL did a very smart thing in 1987 when they started showing VFL matches on TV. The competition suddenly became a lot more relevant and I started to see this bloke called Gary Ablett do things I had never before seen on a football field. To this day he remains the best player I have ever seen.

And so I became a Geelong fan and for many years that wasn't a lot of fun. In the eighties we'd play OK during the minor round and get knocked off in Round 22 and just miss the finals yet again. During the Blight era we looked like a million dollars at times but didn't end up with the chocolates.

Meanwhile, the Adelaide Crows took over the media and my hatred for this rebadged Glenelg was strong from the start and grew steadily as a team that I believed didn't hold a candle to the teams we got flogged by in four grand finals somehow won back to back premierships. The Finals series of 1997 is something that sticks in my craw (or should I say Crow) to this day.

It was even worse when bloody Port won the flag in the year that the Redlegs collected the wooden spoon but these days the Cats rarely lose a game, both Ports blow and the Crows are absolute plodders. It was most amusing as well that when we finally won a flag an SAFOOTY poster (who has since vanished into the wilderness) accused me of being a 'pop up Geelong' fan ha ha.

LOYALTY PAYS. GO THE CATS.

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

Started following Carlton when Steve Kernahan went over there in 86.

The Crows nor Port have ever given me a good enough reason to switch.

Could say Carlton haven't done anything to keep you either!

I've seen them win the 95 flag & remember the 87 flag well. That alone is more then most Geelong, St Kilda, Bulldogs, Freo, Sydney, Port, Richmond & Melbourne fans could remember....

How fortunate it is you have such a good memory....you'll need it!

regards,

REB

[Voice]

Hopefully we get to beat Port by 119pts in a gf one day also

[Booney]

I had more than a passing interest in the form of Hawthorn during the late 80's early 90's ( much to REB's delight ) and when Port Adelaide were granted a license it appeared as though I would have a tough choice to make, but indeed it was easy.

Being a third generation Wharfie ( yep, both of my Grand Fathers worked on Ketches in the Port ) there was no choice to be made.I am very much Port Adelaide. I still take some interest in Hawthorn and as long as they are not beating the Power I am happy to see them go well.

Just a pity I couldn't use 08 to rub salt into REB's wound as he knows full well where my heart lies, and for that fact my head now aswell, I now live in Alberton.

[Gingernuts]

Meanwhile, the Adelaide Crows took over the media and my hatred for this rebadged Glenelg was strong from the start and grew steadily as a team that I believed didn't hold a candle to the teams we got flogged by in four grand finals somehow won back to back premierships. The Finals series of 1997 is something that sticks in my craw (or should I say Crow) to this day.

Hehehe, was it a mark or wasn't it?? That one's a debate for the ages. Then again you could say that if Geelong were good enough they would have been well in front and that call wouldn't have mattered.

And then the '98 finals series when we got hammered by Melbourne in the first round after finishing 5th, but due to the system of the day still got a second chance and the rest is history. That was particularly satisfying at the time given REB was in my ear daily chanting the mantra "The Cows are sh1t, they won't do anything". For the record I actually believed you REB, didn't think we had a snowball's chance in hell of pulling that one off!

As for team loyalty, I'm a Gen X/Yer so pretty much don't know a football world without the Crows in it. I have a soft spot for Geelong thanks to REB's influence, but have always been and will always be a Crows man.

[Il Duce]

I started following Essendon casue of Greg Anderson playing there at the time. The Crows came in a year or two later and Anderson came back. I didnt jump on the Crows bandwagon though cause Wanganeen had gone across to Essendon and being a Port boy (I live in Ottoway) I was also upset from what I understood at the time of how the crows were formed and I couldn't stand there coach or half there players. In 1996 when it was announced that Port were getting a afl team, I was wanting to make them my second team and when they came into the afl for the first 2 season's I would of said the power were my second team. However when the power sacked Jack Cahill and the way it happend it was when I stop liking the power, then over the next few seasons the way things happen between sections of there supporters, myself and when I found out how much my beloved magpies where in trouble because of the power made me hate everything the power stands for. I would say I may of had a second team but I've always been a Bomber.

[Jase]

Watched an episode of "The Winners" (with Drew Morphett I reckon) in 1981 aged 5. Hawks won match of the day, so have followed them ever since. Never underestimate the appeal of a winner to young kids...

Me and a bunch of mates got season tickets to the crows while we were still in high school (1993) as they were going cheap, but went more to see all the side's stars than anything. Lost interest as soon as it became reserved seating in 1994, so it was a fleeting exercise.

...

Mate, you have pretty much stated the exact same story as me with regards to the Crows...however I was a Carlton fan as Stephen Kernahan used to be my favourite player back in the day...When I was much much younger, I used to go for Glenelg because they were Tigers never went to a game as we were a soccer family...so Sticks was my favourite player...however my mate and his dad started taking me to Doggies games every week in about '87 so they became the only team for me...I will probably get smashed for that, but I was only a kid...

Anyway, I too was a season ticket holder for the crows in '92 and '93 just to watch the SA lads play and gave the ticket up when the reserved seating came in...

But always supported the Blues when they played the Crows...

[Rik E Boy]

Meanwhile, the Adelaide Crows took over the media and my hatred for this rebadged Glenelg was strong from the start and grew steadily as a team that I believed didn't hold a candle to the teams we got flogged by in four grand finals somehow won back to back premierships. The Finals series of 1997 is something that sticks in my craw (or should I say Crow) to this day.

Hehehe, was it a mark or wasn't it?? That one's a debate for the ages. Then again you could say that if Geelong were good enough they would have been well in front and that call wouldn't have mattered.

And then the '98 finals series when we got hammered by Melbourne in the first round after finishing 5th, but due to the system of the day still got a second chance and the rest is history. That was particularly satisfying at the time given REB was in my ear daily chanting the mantra "The Cows are sh1t, they won't do anything". For the record I actually believed you REB, didn't think we had a snowball's chance in hell of pulling that one off!

As for team loyalty, I'm a Gen X/Yer so pretty much don't know a football world without the Crows in it. I have a soft spot for Geelong thanks to REB's influence, but have always been and will always be a Crows man.

Geelong's reward for finishing second in 97 was to play against North at night followed by an away trip to a side that finished below us on the ladder. Play that game in Melbourne and the non-decison becomes a non-event. It was long time before the Cats could win in Adelaide or for the Crows to beat the Cats in Geelong.

Adelaide's reward for missing the top four and getting belted was eventually a premiership. Darn those Rooboys for kicking those points!

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

I had more than a passing interest in the form of Hawthorn during the late 80's early 90's ( much to REB's delight ) and when Port Adelaide were granted a license it appeared as though I would have a tough choice to make, but indeed it was easy.

Being a third generation Wharfie ( yep, both of my Grand Fathers worked on Ketches in the Port ) there was no choice to be made.I am very much Port Adelaide. I still take some interest in Hawthorn and as long as they are not beating the Power I am happy to see them go well.

Just a pity I couldn't use 08 to rub salt into REB's wound as he knows full well where my heart lies, and for that fact my head now aswell, I now live in Alberton.

Wharfies work, yeah right!

Ah you've mellowed Mr Boon. I remember in 97 I didn't see too much of you when Norwood finally got it right against the Pies (Go Chalmers!). But when the Power must have absolutely broken your heart that day against the Cats you sent me a WEG poster.

And during the nineties you said 'we'll have our cup back thanks Max' but last year no phone call to razz me up about the Bradbury Premiership. Either that or you are too much of a tightarse to make an STD call......not that I would have answered LOL.

regards,

REB

[Booney]

I knew you wouldn't have answered.

[JK]

Geelong's reward for finishing second in 97 was to play against North at night followed by an away trip to a side that finished below us on the ladder. Play that game in Melbourne and the non-decison becomes a non-event. It was long time before the Cats could win in Adelaide or for the Crows to beat the Cats in Geelong.

Adelaide's reward for missing the top four and getting belted was eventually a premiership. Darn those Rooboys for kicking those points!

regards,

REB

I reckon that post mirrors the Geelong mentality of the day, of finding every reason/excuse for failure other than their own performance, a mentality that plagued them and interfered with so many legitimate premiership campaigns.

LOL I now gracefully bow out of this discussion and leave biscuits to deal with the wrath of his mate Reberta.

[silicone skyline]

First game of footy I remember seeing was a regular home and away season fixture between Adelaide and Essendon.

Modra played that day.

Hooked Crows fan since.

[Hondo]

Geelong's reward for finishing second in 97 was to play against North at night followed by an away trip to a side that finished below us on the ladder. Play that game in Melbourne and the non-decison becomes a non-event. It was long time before the Cats could win in Adelaide or for the Crows to beat the Cats in Geelong.

Adelaide's reward for missing the top four and getting belted was eventually a premiership. Darn those Rooboys for kicking those points!

regards,

REB

I reckon that post mirrors the Geelong mentality of the day, of finding every reason/excuse for failure other than their own performance, a mentality that plagued them and interfered with so many legitimate premiership campaigns.

LOL I now gracefully bow out of this discussion and leave biscuits to deal with the wrath of his mate Reberta.

Oh well I'll create some more REB wrath As contraversial as that non-mark was, the fact is that if they 2nd ranked side wanted to stake their claim in 1997, they shouldn't have lost to the 7th ranked side in week 1 and then shouldn't have let their second final come down so close to the wire where one decision arguably loses them the game. I know painfully from 2005 & 2006 that you've got to take the opportunities when you finish 1st or 2nd. If you lose in week 1, well you've only got yourself to blame when things get tougher after that.

It was a different finals system back then so, rightly or wrongly, if you finished 4th and won you got home ground rights in week 2. Geelong were one of the few 1st or 2nd ranked teams to lose their first final under that old finals system.

Regarding the 1998 finals, it was very common for the 5th and 6th ranked teams to lose week 1 and still be in the finals in week 2. The Crows "reward" for losing in week 1 was to have to travel interstate 3 times and win to claim the flag. Gotta take your opportunities and we haven't been able to do so since 1998.

[Gingernuts]

Geelong's reward for finishing second in 97 was to play against North at night followed by an away trip to a side that finished below us on the ladder. Play that game in Melbourne and the non-decison becomes a non-event. It was long time before the Cats could win in Adelaide or for the Crows to beat the Cats in Geelong.

Adelaide's reward for missing the top four and getting belted was eventually a premiership. Darn those Rooboys for kicking those points!

regards,

REB

I reckon that post mirrors the Geelong mentality of the day, of finding every reason/excuse for failure other than their own performance, a mentality that plagued them and interfered with so many legitimate premiership campaigns.

LOL I now gracefully bow out of this discussion and leave biscuits to deal with the wrath of his mate Reberta.

Oh well I'll create some more REB wrath As contraversial as that non-mark was, the fact is that if they 2nd ranked side wanted to stake their claim in 1997, they shouldn't have lost to the 7th ranked side in week 1 and then shouldn't have let their second final come down so close to the wire where one decision arguably loses them the game. I know painfully from 2005 & 2006 that you've got to take the opportunities when you finish 1st or 2nd. If you lose in week 1, well you've only got yourself to blame when things get tougher after that.

It was a different finals system back then so, rightly or wrongly, if you finished 4th and won you got home ground rights in week 2. Geelong were one of the few 1st or 2nd ranked teams to lose their first final under that old finals system.

Regarding the 1998 finals, it was very common for the 5th and 6th ranked teams to lose week 1 and still be in the finals in week 2. The Crows "reward" for losing in week 1 was to have to travel interstate 3 times and win to claim the flag. Gotta take your opportunities and we haven't been able to do so since 1998.

Damn it men, HOLD YOUR FIRE! YOU'LL KILL US ALL!!

REB's a bit like the Incredible Hulk - you won't like him when he's angry!

[Q.]

Collingwood is in the blood. My Dad's parent's were members and used to take him to Vic Park all the time. He never thrust footy upon me though, it was the 1990 Premiership that was the clincher and is my first ever memory of football (I still have newspaper clippings as well). The following year I joined up to the school footy team, unbeknownst to mum and dad, and was a 'Pies lad for life.

[Rik E Boy]

Geelong's reward for finishing second in 97 was to play against North at night followed by an away trip to a side that finished below us on the ladder. Play that game in Melbourne and the non-decison becomes a non-event. It was long time before the Cats could win in Adelaide or for the Crows to beat the Cats in Geelong.

Adelaide's reward for missing the top four and getting belted was eventually a premiership. Darn those Rooboys for kicking those points!

regards,

REB

I reckon that post mirrors the Geelong mentality of the day, of finding every reason/excuse for failure other than their own performance, a mentality that plagued them and interfered with so many legitimate premiership campaigns.

LOL I now gracefully bow out of this discussion and leave biscuits to deal with the wrath of his mate Reberta.

Oh well I'll create some more REB wrath As contraversial as that non-mark was, the fact is that if they 2nd ranked side wanted to stake their claim in 1997, they shouldn't have lost to the 7th ranked side in week 1 and then shouldn't have let their second final come down so close to the wire where one decision arguably loses them the game. I know painfully from 2005 & 2006 that you've got to take the opportunities when you finish 1st or 2nd. If you lose in week 1, well you've only got yourself to blame when things get tougher after that.

It was a different finals system back then so, rightly or wrongly, if you finished 4th and won you got home ground rights in week 2. Geelong were one of the few 1st or 2nd ranked teams to lose their first final under that old finals system.

Regarding the 1998 finals, it was very common for the 5th and 6th ranked teams to lose week 1 and still be in the finals in week 2. The Crows "reward" for losing in week 1 was to have to travel interstate 3 times and win to claim the flag. Gotta take your opportunities and we haven't been able to do so since 1998.

North Melbourne in the 90's at night = 'a 7th ranked side'?? I'd be intesterested also to find out how many hours of endless canvassing and inside information you gathered to accurately predict Geelong's mentality as well. That one's about as accurate as the 'Crowbots' comment aimed at Adelaide by ignorant Victorians a few years back.

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

Damn it men, HOLD YOUR FIRE! YOU'LL KILL US ALL!!

REB's a bit like the Incredible Hulk - you won't like him when he's angry!

HOMER MAD!!



regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

Collingwood is in the blood. My Dad's parent's were members and used to take him to Vic Park all the time. He never thrust footy upon me though, it was the 1990 Premiership that was the clincher and is my first ever memory of football (I still have newspaper clippings as well). The following year I joined up to the school footy team, unbeknownst to mum and dad, and was a 'Pies lad for life.

Get a transfusion.

regards,

REB