Essendon Bombers vs Geelong Cats

My first live game of AFL (Aussie Rules football) at the Telstra Dome, was a cracking night out. A local derby, with Geelong topping the ladder and Essendon on a good run themselves. 52,000 people packed a sold out stadium. I had a great seat just 8 rows back from the turf.

The omens for Essendon weren't good though as Geelong have won 4 of the last 5 matches between the two, and Geelong have been winning games by over 50 points recently. But Essendon were boosted by the return of a star player after cancer treatment, and another legend was celebrating his 250th game, so it was party time for the home fans (of which I had become one as I bought a Bombers scarf!).

The first 2 quarters were a tight affair, but during the 2nd quarter Essendon lost their star in his 250th game to a pulled hamstring, then the defence man lost his head and gave away a stupid goal. That was a turning point and Geelong gradually got the upper hand and then ran away with it in the last quarter to win by 50 points. A thrashing. I was not Essendon's new lucky mascot!

It was good fun, a brilliant atmosphere with friendly rivalry amongst the Bomber & Cats fans I was sitting with.

AFL