Myrtleford Saints on the charge

July 30, 2005 ·  

This entry is copied from my Campaign Diary, because I thought it was of general interest:

I went to the football in Myrtleford today and saw the Saints pummel North Albury. Living in Porepunkah it’s considered a little odd that I follow Myrtleford, rather than Bright. I have an interest in Bright football, but not to the same extent.

I attribute this to my three years as editor of the Myrtleford Times. It was hard to escape the all-pervading influence of football in that town, unless you’re a soccer person! I also think it’s great for the Alpine Shire that we have a team in the Ovens and Murray League, arguably the premier country competition in Australia.

I served two years on the Myrtleford board. My duties were writing match reports, writing the weekly Critic column and recording stats on game day. I enjoyed the hype leading up to our grand final appearance in 2002.

I retired from the board after that year and didn’t see many games in 2003-04 when the club struggled. Today was the third game I’ve seen this year.

It’s good to go along and not have any official responsibility. You see things in a different light.

There was a fair crowd considering that North Albury doesn’t have many travelling supporters. In the first quarter I sat with a group of thirds players and their girlfriends. Funny to hear the talk of sex and booze from the younger generation!

With Myrtleford well on top I moved towards their scoring end in the second quarter. I was able to observe the handful of despairing Hopper fans. It makes one feel warm inside to see a formerly strong rival on its knees!

Back to the town end in the third quarter I sat beside a group of older men. I swear they hardly saw a kick or handball. They were more intent on drinking beer and nattering in Italian. Fantastic. Where else in Australia can you experience that? Juliet said later they were probably there to escape their wives!

I also noticed a group on the hill burning a fire in a metal drum to keep warm!

The ground hasn’t changed much and still looks a bit shabby. At least the surface is better than it was in 2002.

I’m going to give council a bit of praise here. The road around the ground and the carpark have been sealed. I wrote an application for this four years ago. Good to see it happen.

I sense that council now recognises the need to maintain and improve recreational assets and facilities. The investment in sporting grounds at Bright and Mt Beauty, in addition to Myrtleford, is evidence of this.

Some additional comments not in the campaign blog: Myrtleford was very impressive. I think we can go all the way this year if injuries don’t cripple key players.

I liked the emphasis on voice. Coach Hodgson stressed the need for on-ground communications and the players responded. The skill level is high.

The ruck division is very strong. We also have a wealth of 6ft utility type players who can hold any position.

I think we lack a yard of pace, but this won’t be an issue if the ball is in our possession. Go Saints!

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