Why I still care about the Hall Of Fame game

 

Roar Pro

By Geoff Matheson (Wounded Tiger), 7 May 2008 The Crowd is a Roar Pro

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I realise that this game is more the result of design by committee rather than actually standing for something. I also realise that for those outside of Victoria, there is little to excite supporters other than a unity in hatred of Victorians.

I even understand that with some pretty big injury clouds, you can’t be certain that every available player will be out on the ‘G come Saturday night.

But I don’t care.

I’m just thrilled to be seeing the Big V get out there running around. As a Tigers man, I’m hanging out to see Nathan Foley running around with the best this State has to offer. And the thought of Matthew Richardson playing in a side that actually delivers quality football is a beautiful and frightening thought.

It will bring back the pride I remember feeling when (despite being one of the worst teams in the league), Richmond hero Dale Weightman would be out there, mixing it with the best in the league.

As a kid, these games were the closest I got to having a team to cheer for in a grand final, and you always knew that you could watch a State of Origin game with your mates, and all be going for the same team.

Maybe that’s the beautiful thing about this match. The chance for Essendon supporters to cheer on Jonathon Brown, or for Richmond supporters not to need to cry when Richo misses an easy one.

And I reckon (with no genuine evidence to go on), that it’s the kids who will be the real advocates for this game. Who wouldn’t want to be in a crowd where everyone’s going for the same team, and when even if you’re a Melbourne supporter you have a chance to see a really talented side that you can feel passionate about?

Is it a silly little distraction from the deeply serious business that the AFL premiership season has become? Probably.

Am I going to enjoy it anyway? Hell yes.

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