As a sports fan I try to remain objective as often as I can. However, there is one facet of fandom no true follower can avoid – inflated and abundant optimism.
I am a fan of the Adelaide Crows, and unlike many people who choose to cheer for other teams, I carry a genuine belief that the Crows can reach the top next season… or at least the season after that.
I genuinely believe it. Why? Well partly because it’s nice to dream of such things, and partly because sports fans are better off being “glass half full” kind of people.
At the end of every unsuccessful season there are just two uplifting words you want to hear: “next year”.
Now some might think there is not much to base my optimistic outlook on; there is no denying the Crows fell hard in 2013 – from a preliminary final in 2012 to eleventh place.
As a result many lost belief in the potential they possess.
But they are wrong, and I am right.
So let me tell you what’s going to happen.
In 2014 Taylor Walker will win the Coleman and Dangerfield will take home the Brownlow.
The move to Adelaide Oval will ignite football fans across the city, and they’ll pack 45,000+ into every game.
Brad Crouch will surpass his stellar debut season, play 22 games, averaging 30 touches and a goal.
Johnston and Lynch will show why the Swans and Saints valued them at picks 12 and 13 in 2008.
Andy Otten will control the run from halfback, rotate forward for a few goals, and find himself an All Australian.
These are just a few things I believe will happen. And trust me, I could go on.
But at this point I arrive at a difficult crossroad, where I feel I must attempt to reel in my optimism to a point that partially resembles reality.
For me this is somewhat like having a marlin on the end of your line while being strictly opposed to game fishing; the whole process feels unwelcome and you know you won’t enjoy what your effort reaps anyway.
So instead I set my optimism free, because the offseason is the time to let your hope for next season run wild.
Now, like all objective observers of sport, I am aware of arguments and realities that oppose my optimism.
I am aware of everything that could go wrong to the same extent that I hope everything goes right.
But there is more than enough time to curse and moan and throw your hat on the ground when next season rolls round.
So for the next few months let’s bask in our own pure fan driven belief for how good, how incredible, how phenomenal next season could be.
Because there is nothing to discredit hope until next season rolls round.
Now when 2014 does arrive, I know I’ll be proven wrong…but in true optimist style, I can’t help but feel I might actually be right.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Adelaide's Taylor Walker has thrown his support behind a 'captain's call' in order to prevent umpiring blunders, which the Crows have been on the…
The Channel 9 commentator believes if anyone got a free kick it should have been Essendon for in the back not to Adelaide for…
Controversy has erupted following Essendon's thrilling three-point victory over Adelaide, with an umpire under fire for his decision to not award the Crows a…
Over the next few days, all discussion of Essendon's three-point win over Adelaide will likely centre on the decision, in the final seconds of…
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
