Universal Love Most Exciting/Happiest Time as a Geelong Supporter

[Zouz Kitty]

2007 finals series and the night & next few days after the flag for mine.
Some great times in the 90's too. Always exciting during GF week, running out on the ground when Gaz would get his 100th for the year etc.
Fave players over the years,
1.Scarlett
2. Equal Gazsnr/Buddha
3. Chappy/Corey
4. Any of Couch,Hinkley, LilGaz, Lingy

2007 was sensational! Yes, great Finals + flogging Port made the 44 year drought so much sweeter!

Premierships are meaningless to me because they’re just a stat at the end of the day. Sure they’re nice but to me they’re just the cherry on top. I’d sacrifice one for 10 years in the top 4 straight (membership numbers rise = higher chance of profit = guaranteed chance of stadium expansion = finals at home). Like in soccer I don’t care if Chelsea takes home the title annually I just want them in the top 4 and I’m content. I prefer individual days so in 2011 when we flogged Melbourne by nearly 200 points.

No, cannot agree with you about the GFs, but I applaud your sentiment.

When we have a good lead in games, then take the foot off the accelerator, allowing the oppo team back into the game, I always think of that Melbourne game! Why don't we keep going, keep kicking goals? Even change the positions a bit to let the backs kick some goals or Kittens experience playing in different positions. It was always a huge thrill when Enright, Mackie or Corey kicked a goal, the players would go berserk with their goal celebrations lol Changing positions came from Harry, who, when playing forward kicked goals + was fantastic. He was interviewed about it + said that he knew what the oppo backs would do, so he countered them. So give the players some time playing in opposite positions.

 

[James1970]

EFA

Imagine what it would have been like if BF was around at at the start of 1991.

Easily the most tumultuous period I've ever lived through - the utter despair, the weeks of anger, the pure relief and joy of seeing the Number 5 back where he belonged.

Makes the recent Ablett Jr. saga pale in comparison.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Premierships aside, mine would be 30th July, 2011.

Geelong VFL 31.6.192 d. Casey 10.4.64
Geelong AFL 37.11.233 d. Melbourne 7.5.47

Got to the ground about halfway through the first quarter of the VFL game when we already had 4 goals on the board, so saw first hand 64 of the 68 goals we kicked that day.

"Witches hats"

"Training run"

"Masterclass"

Some of the descriptions of that Melbourne game from commentators.

It has been a pretty fun ride since round 6 2007.

Watching the Dynasty rise over the years + then taking off in 2007 was amazing. While I've followed Geelong since 1967, I've not seen anything like it! I remember being in the lift after the 11GF + saying it was the first GF I'd been to + a 10yo boy said, it's my third I've been too! Phenomenal!

1/4 time of the 2007 Grand Final. I cried like a teenage girl at Justin Bieber concert
Got to get on the turps within Simon Black & Johnathon Brown at a Centre Sqaure function post game.
Still got the scotch and tear stained ticket in a frame in my study

WOW!!! That is incredible!!! Great memory MrB!

When Bomber Thompson ate that sandwich, hands down.

That was priceless! I knew then we'd won. Then at the 11GF when I asked my friend why the Colliewobble fans were leaving + he said because they'd lost, but only when I saw that Chris Scott fist pump did I realise we really had won!

I love the grandfinals - all of them. I’m a noticeably happier person going into work with a smug smile when we get up the weekend prior.

However I love seeing the kids, tragically this is usually when we are losing. I’ll never forget seeing a young Ablett and Chapman in the early 2000’s tearing it up at Forward, having opposition supporters just look at each other in disbelief. The glimpses Johnson teased us with in the earliest part of his career. That young kid with mop hair cut running off the backline installing confusion if he was a midfielder or defender. Not to mention some of my all time favourites Enright and Corey blossom into Mr Consistents.

Late 2010 seeing Menzal, Christensen and Duncan was also a great sight. Watching Menzal year apart Collingwood is something I’ll never forget. Likewise seeing little Bundy Christensen getting contested possessions with such a light frame was so refreshing as the changing of the guard was imminent (I still miss that kid).

I’d have to say I was pretty happy this year, probably the most excited I’ve been in a long long time. Stewart was sensational, Parsons just looks like a 200 game wingman to me and Parfitt certainly didn’t disappoint me. I’m hoping we build on this and give young Miers a go in 2018.

Great post Cezz. As I said previously, watching the Dynasty players grow/improve + become champions was a fantastic era. I also like watching the kids. Thought Zuthrie was so composed in Finals. Fingers crossed, we have our next batch of legends incubating. I still fight tears when I think of what Menzel would be now! My fave is Max Rooke, over-coming his hamstring issues + played a blinder in the 09GF - that tackle on Fish Clarke!

I still explode when I think about Ayres forcing GASr's retirement, because he want him to train more! Then when he returned, sheer elation!

 

[Vdubs]

After leaving us for Essendon, and then everything that went on at the Bombers, he is now eating a shit sandwich.

True - $ can't buy everything, and he has a shitlosd of that after his share in the real estate outside Geelong bore fruit.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Imagine what it would have been like if BF was around at at the start of 1991.

Easily the most tumultuous period I've ever lived through - the utter despair, the weeks of anger, the pure relief and joy of seeing the Number 5 back where he belonged.

Makes the recent Ablett Jr. saga pale in comparison.

So many heartbreaking losses, but seeing the late 80s + 90s players was fantastic! Equal to our recent Dynasty? Most of them really do deserve a Premiership. Annoying with the WCE's steroids + the Carlton cheating, infuriating! My two fave games of that era was playing the Tigers at the G + GASr kicking 14 goals. My first game at the MCG + found a seat, it was packed! Everytime GASr kicked a goal, all this stuff rained down, just like at the GF. Finally I realised I was the only Cats supporter sitting in a Bay full of Tigers + they were all throwing rubbish at me

Second fave was GASr booting another 14 goals against the Swans at the SCG! Just über sensational! But felt bad for my Mum, a Swans supporter.

 

[Spazz Cat]

True - $ can't buy everything, and he has a shitlosd of that after his share in the real estate outside Geelong bore fruit.

Yep. The toll of the Essendon saga took a toll on him that's not worth any amount of money.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

True - $ can't buy everything, and he has a shitlosd of that after his share in the real estate outside Geelong bore fruit.

With the advice of Frank Costa? ??? Costa has steered so many players to lucrative investments.

 

[Vdubs]

I still explode when I think about Ayres forcing GASr's retirement, because he want him to train more! Then when he returned, sheer elation!

Not exactly as it occurred, iirc?
GAS tore his ACL, and the powers (not Ayres) decided to try conservative management for a while, due to his massive quads, limited future time-wise, and being a stay at home FF.
The return possibly refers to his premature retirement early 90's while Blight was coach- that was in response to marital financial matters iirc.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Yep. The toll of the Essendon saga took a toll on him that's not worth any amount of money.

Did Bomber pay that $30k fine? Thought I read he refused to pay it ???

 

[Spazz Cat]

Did Bomber pay that $30k fine? Thought I read he refused to pay it ???

Don't think he did. Had nothing to do with being hard up for $ though. He just thought it was stupid.
He actually made a good point. If you don't work in the AFL system your under no legal obligation to pay any fines they hand out.

 

[Deep]

So many heartbreaking losses, but seeing the late 80s + 90s players was fantastic! Equal to our recent Dynasty? Most of them really do deserve a Premiership. Annoying with the WCE's steroids + the Carlton cheating, infuriating! My two fave games of that era was playing the Tigers at the G + GASr kicking 14 goals. My first game at the MCG + found a seat, it was packed! Everytime GASr kicked a goal, all this stuff rained down, just like at the GF. Finally I realised I was the only Cats supporter sitting in a Bay full of Tigers + they were all throwing rubbish at me

Second fave was GASr booting another 14 goals against the Swans at the SCG! Just über sensational! But felt bad for my Mum, a Swans supporter.

So Tigers fans have always been scum then?

 

[catscratchfever]

As far as games I've actually attended, by far my happiest time was the first 15 seconds of the 1989 Grand Final: I watched as Bewsie took the ball from the centre and kicked it down Gazza's throat - as if that wasn't enough, I then looked back to the centre to see Dermie flat on his arse trying to breathe. It doesn't get much better than that!

 

[catscratchfever]

So Tigers fans have always been scum then?

Yes.

Only Essendon supporters are more arrogant.

 

[catscratchfever]

Not exactly as it occurred, iirc?
GAS tore his ACL, and the powers (not Ayres) decided to try conservative management for a while, due to his massive quads, limited future time-wise, and being a stay at home FF.
The return possibly refers to his premature retirement early 90's while Blight was coach- that was in response to marital financial matters iirc.

How does a player with a torn ACL play out the game while kicking (IIRC) 8 goals? Something has always smelled fishy to me about how he was handled... Ablett kicked 80+ goals in his final season, not a bad return by anybody's standards... Gary Ayres has been there when three different clubs have looked down the barrel: Essendon, Geelong (he deserted GFC when it seemed that perhaps it most needed him - but it was a blessing in disguise) and Adelaide. I would never let him put a single toe in Kardinia Park ever again.

 

[Goggin Our Best]

I thought without doubt -when the siren rang in 09 GF

Tim Lane for the entire 2nd half went on and on and on ( and he was right ) - that if Geel dont win this - then all for the games they have won 07/09 - dominating the comp - and they have only got 1 flag to show for it - a bit like Ess in early 2000

Thus once the 09 flag was won - i thought 2 flags is pretty good for that 3 years of excellance

Then 11 was the iceing on the cake - 2 reasons - a 3rd flag in the era - and also redemption for being absolutely flogged in the 2010 PF

2013 if it had prevailed - would have been the cherry on the top - you could have got up on your great white horse and quietly ridden off into the sunset

 

[you pick one]

Standing on the steps of the town hall in 1963 when the team arrived back with the premiership cup after over running the Hawks in the last quarter.

 

[David the Cat]

Certainly the Grand Finals.....89, 07,09,11 in particular....but watching GAS goes close. He was just awesome to watch.

Took my sons to watch him at the SCG...I think he kicked a lazy 13 (?)....he was so good that day that even the Swans supporters were laughing at his abilities and just saying "too good"...

Have to mention the build up to the Hawkins after the siren goal v Hawthorn.....the Duncan pass to SJ...SJ's 45 metre non-preferred bullet to Joel whose hands were sooo strong.......the hard lead and grab by Hawkins .........and the finish...... literally bought a tear to my eye.

It was magic. So here it is (love the call by the ABC caller...full of emotion.)







Oh......maybe it was this.....how good is it to follow the Cats!

 

[BotsMaster]

Have to mention the build up to the Hawkins after the siren goal v Hawthorn.....the Duncan pass to SJ...SJ's 45 metre non-preferred bullet to Joel whose hands were sooo strong.......the hard lead and grab by Hawkins .........and the finish...... literally bought a tear to my eye.

Certainly brought tears to Sewell's eyes on AFL 360 that week.
(Seriously if anyone has that footage could you please post it)

 

[Vdubs]

How does a player with a torn ACL play out the game while kicking (IIRC) 8 goals? Something has always smelled fishy to me about how he was handled... Ablett kicked 80+ goals in his final season, not a bad return by anybody's standards... Gary Ayres has been there when three different clubs have looked down the barrel: Essendon, Geelong (he deserted GFC when it seemed that perhaps it most needed him - but it was a blessing in disguise) and Adelaide. I would never let him put a single toe in Kardinia Park ever again.

He didn't. He injured his knee in a VFL game (booted 7 goals) and was in the VFL because of a dodgy preseason and failure to prove his fitness.
I think after failing conservative treatment (including a diagnostic arthroscope) in early April 97, he went on to get it fixed around June 97. That delayed his return. He retired in the 97 finals series. Take Ayres out of that equation at least. I went to his last game- a dismal performance by him and the team in a Qual final v NM in 1996.

 

[catscratchfever]

He didn't. He injured his knee in a VFL game (booted 7 goals) and was in the VFL because of a dodgy preseason and failure to prove his fitness.
I think after failing conservative treatment (including a diagnostic arthroscope) in early April 97, he went on to get it fixed around June 97. That delayed his return. He retired in the 97 finals series. Take Ayres out of that equation at least. I went to his last game- a dismal performance by him and the team in a Qual final v NM in 1996.

Yes, I know it happened in a reserves match... Yes, his last game was dismal - I remember he came off at the end with black bags under his eyes... Maybe one late night too many and then some... But he still kicked a reasonable tally in his last season.

My dislike of Ayres knows no bounds - I don't know any supporters that have nice things to say about him.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Don't think he did. Had nothing to do with being hard up for $ though. He just thought it was stupid.
He actually made a good point. If you don't work in the AFL system your under no legal obligation to pay any fines they hand out.

Wasn't it ASADA that fined him? ???

 

[Zouz Kitty]

So Tigers fans have always been scum then?

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Certainly the Grand Finals.....89, 07,09,11 in particular....but watching GAS goes close. He was just awesome to watch.

Took my sons to watch him at the SCG...I think he kicked a lazy 13 (?)....he was so good that day that even the Swans supporters were laughing at his abilities and just saying "too good"...

GASr kicked 14 that day, I was there with my Mum, a Swans supporter. Probably one of the best games he played, along with his 14 goals against Richmond.





^^^ In case you don't believe me again

Do you remember the mark GAS took that day, with one finger? A total freak!

Have to mention the build up to the Hawkins after the siren goal v Hawthorn.....the Duncan pass to SJ...SJ's 45 metre non-preferred bullet to Joel whose hands were sooo strong.......the hard lead and grab by Hawkins .........and the finish...... literally bought a tear to my eye.

It was magic. So here it is (love the call by the ABC caller...full of emotion.)

Oh the elation of 'The Moment' - has to be right up there with all time sensational wins!

Then we had to endure the possibility of a Hawthorn 'Moment' - goal after the siren

2016 2QF -



Especially beating Hawthorn + then, the Bulldogs putting the nail in their coffin for 2016.

Oh......maybe it was this.....how good is it to follow the Cats!

The legendary Scarlo 'Toe Poke' - wasn't it another amazing 'Moment'?

Also love the way Rooke kicked the final goal, so his mates at the Casterton pub would get a free shout lol

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Certainly the Grand Finals.....89, 07,09,11 in particular....but watching GAS goes close. He was just awesome to watch.

Took my sons to watch him at the SCG...I think he kicked a lazy 13 (?)....he was so good that day that even the Swans supporters were laughing at his abilities and just saying "too good"...

Have to mention the build up to the Hawkins after the siren goal v Hawthorn.....the Duncan pass to SJ...SJ's 45 metre non-preferred bullet to Joel whose hands were sooo strong.......the hard lead and grab by Hawkins .........and the finish...... literally bought a tear to my eye.

It was magic. So here it is (love the call by the ABC caller...full of emotion.)







Oh......maybe it was this.....how good is it to follow the Cats!

Super post David

 

[Vdubs]

GASr kicked 14 that day, I was there with my Mum, a Swans supporter. Probably one of the best games he played, along with his 14 goals against Richmond.

View attachment 449456

View attachment 449454

^^^ In case you don't believe me again

Do you remember the mark GAS took that day, with one finger? A total freak!



Oh the elation of 'The Moment' - has to be right up there with all time sensational wins!

Then we had to endure the possibility of a Hawthorn 'Moment' - goal after the siren

2016 2QF -



Especially beating Hawthorn + then, the Bulldogs putting the nail in their coffin for 2016.

View attachment 449460




The legendary Scarlo 'Toe Poke' - wasn't it another amazing 'Moment'?

Also love the way Rooke kicked the final goal, so his mates at the Casterton pub would get a free shout lol

His 14-7 v Bombers was memorable too; a player kicks 14 and team loses!!
Sheedy said he just wanted them to kick more than Ablett.
He was so good.
We have certainly been spoiled by magical moments, games, players., none > GAS. He had so many incredible moments that I am sure he started to get judged too harshly if his goals/marks were not super exciting.

I particularly loved that Sandy Roberts moment- "What more can you say?"