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The past fortnight has seen the great meltdown in the NSW State of Origin camp, Dave Warner tarnishing our cricket team and Stephen Milne being stood down by the St Kilda Football Club in the AFL.
However, there was something else grabbing headlines this week, for all the right reasons. It was our very own Socceroos qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio.
I was one of the fortunate 80,000 spectators to be inside ANZ Stadium at the end of full time on Tuesday night. Making the pilgrimage up to Sydney from Melbourne via Wollongong was nothing more than our team deserved.
The atmosphere much like that of the ever so famous night against Uruguay was electric.
The week before at Etihad Stadium you could see that there is something special about this group, they had strict focus on what was at hand. They collectively spoke about feeling confident in camp and understanding the task and expectation that was before them.
In front of 45,000 fans in Melbourne this team came out and beat Jordan 4-0 in a clinical performance.
There were no wild celebrations, no pub crawls, and no ‘selfies’ or vodka cruisers.
This group is something else, they are humble, focused and devoted to their fans. The build up to both games involved visits to schools and other community centres and numerous media appearances.
On both accounts Socceroos captain Lucas Neill made a passionate plea to the fans to show up, and we did, in our droves.
Once qualification was secured he sent a letter of thanks out to the fans via leading Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph. This was after he publicly thanked the fans in the press conferences through the various media outlets.
ANZ Stadium was electric, but most of you know the outcome of the game and there are enough reports on the game itself. However I will add that Holger did make the substitution of a lifetime with Joshua Kennedy, but you all know that.
With Peter Allen’s classic ‘I Go to Rio,’ firmly in our hearts and minds, my colleagues and I decided to celebrate at The Star Casino in Sydney.
This is where our trip from Melbourne became an unforgettable experience.
While sitting down for a few quiet celebratory drinks in the public bar, we noticed a crowd gathering around the bar. Suddenly an influx of Socceroos had entered the bar area and this is where their humility shone.
Nearly every member of the squad was there, and they were mingling with the public as if they were lifetime friends with them.
We were able to have photos with them, chat with them, and they were even happy to sign autographs for a few opportunists with a permanent marker in a casino.
There were no evictions, no intoxicated individuals, and no fights. In fact the only thing that was present was some normal guys having a good time.
The night moved into the early hours of Wednesday morning, and my colleagues and I were ready for bed.
This wasn’t an option for the Socceroos who had a commitment to show up to the general public at The Customs House in Sydney’s CBD.
When going there for lunch on Wednesday, we were in no shock to see them all there, committing themselves once again to the public. A gesture which goes a long way and this is why the fans show up in their droves.
NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley best summed up this group with the following statement, “These guys set a fantastic example for young and not so young people around the country to get involved in the great game of football.”
Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill, Mark Bresciano and the rest of that golden generation have always put the fans forward, this tradition is being handed down, as all these fresh Socceroos are also willing to put the public first.
This will be a trip that as a diehard Socceroo fan that I will never forget.
Not only was the game full of drama, but I met the group bound for Rio.
All my predispositions that they were nice guys can be confirmed. These are genuine role models for our children; they are a truly inspiring group.
Until then, it’s off to Rio!
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