After the big graduation night, Friday was spent very quietly until it was time to travel through the mizzle into the city for drinks and dinner before the Blues-Cats game at the stadium-named-after-a-different-sponsor-every-couple-of-years. Metro Trains' new customer service policy was evident at Flinders Street station, where the driver not only announced which platform we were approaching but advised that the train would be forming an Epping service travelling via Southern Cross and the city loop. Brilliant! It's only taken several decades for the transport authorities to work out that such announcements may actually be helpful for people wanting to continue their journey beyond Flinders Street to Southern Cross or loop stations. But I digress.
Next stop was the Exchange Hotel for a schooner, then on to Bergerac for a cheese omelette (sorry, Omelette au fromage). I've been to Bergerac several times and always ask for an omelette as there is basically nothing vegetarian on the menu. It is always absolutely delicious and served with a salad and a smile from the gorgeous waiters.
Off to the stadium to secure a spot in standing room just in time for the bounce. Geelong was looking a bit shaky at quarter time, so we changed sides, stopping by the Locker Room for refreshment on the way to a new spot on the Dockside wing. At half time things were not much improved in terms of the on-field performance from the Cats, so we retraced our steps to the Locker Room and settled into some nice comfy seats for the third quarter.
At three quarter time it was time to sample some real live action again. Due to some understandable confusion about which end of the ground was which, we found some seats in the Carlton cheer squad on level one behind the goals. By this time it was obvious that the mighty Cats were going to hold on for the win, but for some reason our unexpected infiltration into the posh seats, our cheering and Geelong regalia proved objectionable to some of our neighbours.
It was great to see Wojo being chaired off the ground to celebrate his 200th game; to sing the song; and then walk with the crowds through the construction site to Southern Cross for the train journey home. Being a Geelong supporter is finally worth the years of pain and disappointment, and we will continue to celebrate it for as long as we can.
