I would imagine the answer would be reasonably simple for anyone who does not support Collingwood, but which team would be the worst to follow?
While those non-Magpies would possibly opt for the black and whites for the reason of never wanting to be a part of that army, but from an exasperation viewpoint, from a frustration side of things, which team would be the most painful to be a fan of?
For most of us, the reality is we don’t have a choice. We are born into a family of Pie lovers, or Swan supporters, or Demon devotees, and if you don’t like that team, then you may be asked to find another family.
For others, the decision is usually made during childhood, and the team you select is your team for a lifetime, through good and bad, joy and despair, heartbreak and adulation.
At the moment, for some footy fans, there is a lot less good, joy, and adulation than bad, despair and heartbreak.
Still as a fan you stick solid, regardless of how painful it may be. So which band of fans are suffering the most at the moment?
Is it Kangaroos fans? Heartbreak followed by heartbreak followed by … you get the picture.
Last week the shattering one-point choke against Adelaide, a loss which now accompanies losses of two points to West Coast, three points to Hawthorn, and four points to Geelong.
But, while it is presently gut-wrenching I’m sure, North have been in the finals six times since the turn of the century, and won their last flag only back in 1999.
What about being a St Kilda fan? They haven’t celebrated a flag win since the only one in the club’s history back in 1966, but they are used to long dry spells as it took 70 years to win that first one.
And now it seems the latest Saints’ premiership window, which had been slowly closing, has been slammed shut as the side sits among the also-rans near the bottom of the ladder.
This comes after the worst kind of disappointment in 2009, and then even worse in 2010.
Sure the Saints fans had the high of making a grand final, but to firstly lose by a small margin to Geelong in 2009, then to come as close as possible without winning in 2010’s draw, only to be thumped by Collingwood in the replay.
Coming so close then to now be back in the pack … is that worse than following a team that is constantly a disappointment?
Like say Melbourne?
The Demons are … well it’s hard to describe exactly how they are at present without using profanities. Let’s just say, they are pretty bad at the moment.
Just five wins in their past 31 games, just one win in nine matches this season and that was against new boys GWS Giants. The Demons’ average losing margin in 2013 is 12 goals.
They have won 12 premierships, but the last did come way back in 1964, seven years before current coach Mark Neeld was born.
Still, all current team members were alive when the Dees last reached a grand final, losing to the Bombers in 2000, and they have been in the finals four times since.
What about being a Footscray/Western Bulldogs supporter? Theirs is the longest current drought in AFL history, now standing at 58 seasons since they won their only flag back in 1954. And in that time, just one grand final appearance and that was way, way back in 1961.
And those fans know about the heartbreak of near misses. Preliminary finalists – one win away from the Big Dance – in 2008 and again in 2009 and once more in 2010. But nothing.
That premiership window is now nailed shut, but their fans are at least smiling this week with last weekend’s win – only their second in the past 20 matches – over St Kilda.
Or perhaps it is toughest being a fan of the Tigers?
So often threatening to be ‘the big improver’ at the start of numerous seasons, yet consistently disappointing those making the predictions. Again this year they were tipped to be the major movers.
Three wins to start the year, followed by three losses. Two more wins from the past three to sit them just outside the eight, but clearly a way to go to be among the real contenders.
They did win a flag in 1980, and then made the grand final in 1982, but in the 30 years since, only twice have Richmond been back to the finals.
But back to the original question, and which fan would you not want to be at the moment?
None of the aforementioned fans have enjoyed too much joy in recent times, but that’s what being a footy fan is all about.
Riding out those hard times, no matter how torturous they seem, to make the good times even sweeter … as long as the good times do eventually arrive.
Just remember that old saying during those tough times: “Tis better to have cheered and lost, than never to have cheered at all.”
Ben smith
Guest
Bulldogs- so many heartbreaking prelim final losses.
Don\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t Know
Guest
Perhaps you are jealous look I hate them to the bone but I respect them I never want to admit They are a good club And you something I always wish swans are better than wce
Skewsee
Guest
Oh My heart goes out to St Kilda fans. Not just because they narrowly missed. Prems but the club seems so at sea at a Corp and executive level. Community organizations deserve better and St's need a change surly? Why can't they fix this - who won't let go of powerI wonder & who will save em - for their fans?
DD
Guest
St.Kilda. I grew up watching Robert Harvey weave gold around the ground unrivalled for years and became devoted to the club. I's have to say after watching us rise from Bottom of the ladder, to the top, and to miss out time and time again - we are undoubtedly the most disappointing team of all time. Why not Footscray FC? because they havn't gotten to enough finals to disappoint their fans enough.
Football United
Roar Pro
What a ridiculous comment, they are both completely different. The demands of the SAS recruitment and training program is absolutely nothing like the requirements of a professional footballer of any code.
Football United
Roar Pro
shafted by business men? Portsmouth is the team you are thinking off. FA Cup winners to League 2 in 5 years.
Football United
Roar Pro
This, people who complain about being average in the EPL have rocks for brains. Imagine being a Bury or Oldham fan, who while must be commended for sticking to their local side, are constantly in obscurity in the lower leagues next to Manchester United and Manchester City.
joker
Guest
Please Kaga,afl players being in the SAS your kidding,they are the softest of all the major sports.
Martyn50
Roar Rookie
Well said. Once soccer teams start to crumble in an area they move unlike Australian football clubs who stay put for the long haul. How many soccer clubs have failed in recent years? Plenty
Martyn50
Roar Rookie
It does. Article says AFL
Martyn50
Roar Rookie
Crows no history. 2 flags and many prelim finals.
Chairman Kaga
Guest
So by order of yourself or by whom, the AFL must leave western Sydney? My apologies, I did not realise it was under despotic rule there. Noticed Allen, you seem to be quite against the concept of having an AFL club based in the west. You do realise that without that club a lot of people will be out of a job? You have 44 odd players, coaching staff, attendants, casual staff for match days, the guys who paint the lines, mow the turf, car parking attendants etc.. etc.. Your okay with putting them out on the street? They are unique jobs that never existed before this move by the league. Shouldn't we applaud job creation? Particularly in this day and age of job cuts, offshoring and massive change in the workplace. On top of this, the Giants have created a sporting academy to develop players from an early age. These guys might not have the ability, inclination or physical attributes to be able to play your rugby league or soccer. It is a different build of person required for the job. Stand next to an AFL player, then compare that to a soccer or rugby league guy. To play AFL you must be tall and lean with great endurance. In soccer as an example a lot of the game is spend going at slow pace or walking. In rugby league very short bursts of pace and you just do not cover that large a distance. AFL players must be able to run 20 km an afternoon. You need commando style endurance. Respect that man, these guys could make it in the SAS. I know I couldn't do it. It is for different people Allen. Chill out, AFL is not going anywhere. Embrace it, we have very few unique things to this country, it is one of them.
Pork
Guest
The Pies - not only are we continual bridesmaids but everyone loves it when we lose - or disgrace ourslves - and gleefully rub it in - especially the Carlton filth. It just makes our siege mentality stronger though. But being under siege is the pits.
Bruce Lee
Guest
Easily Fremantle. They have even started the beginning of a season as premiership favs and not even made the 8. No shortage of their supporters making excuses for them either year after year. Honorable mention to Richmond also
fishes
Guest
Well if it's not limited to AFL then I would say there's not much joy being a Cronulla fan, I have been a fan my whole life and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy :)
Allan
Guest
You're acting like you (AFL) actually has a say in the matter, like its your choice to stay in Western Sydney.
Daza
Guest
Its hard being a Doggie Fan.. but when we win the flag and yes it will happen one day you will all wish you supported us..as we will have the Biggest Party ever..
ciudadmarron
Guest
this presupposes that every fan wants or even has a glimmer of hope or expectation about making it to the premier league. most fans of lower league football enjoy it for what it is - winning premierships is not the be all and end all. even relegation means a chance of winning a league the next year quite often and the cup provides the opportunity for a giant-killing; more than that, supporting a football team can be about more than just winning. in the English league system the clubs that I feel sorry for are the ones that have been shafted by businessmen and sent to the doldrums. west ham, Brentford, Tranmere, stockport - none of these fit that particular bill. in the afl it's Fitzroy that matches that sort of description I suppose, and south as well although the hardy loyal supporters there finally have had their reward now that the swans realised they needed that support and started acknowledging it. Of the current clubs... I suppose its the dees really but I can't have sympathy... perhaps Footscray.
Mattg
Guest
Bulldogs. Never really embarrassing like some teams get at times but also seemingly no real chance of winning a premiership. They'd be like supporting one of those premier league soccer teams like Aston Villa who always finish kind of respectably mid-table somewhere. You'd have to get really excited about occasionally knocking off a top team because that's about as good as its ever going to get.
Chairman Kaga
Guest
When was the last time an AFL expansion club "failed" and had to be moved on? The AFL is a not for profit, it will stay no matter what. It'll still be there after an asteroid smashes the place. The AFL would be there clearing up the rubble. It's going nowhere, we STAY!