September in Melbourne means a few things: Melbourne returns to a luscious green from the steely grey of winter, mist hovers over the Yarra as rowers return and amble through the twists and turns, the Spring Racing Carnival begins and most importantly, it's AFL finals time.
There are I hear, some people in Victoria who don't care about AFL, but for the rest of the state, where upon meeting someone the second question out of your mouth is "who do you go for?" it's the best time of the year. Heartbeats quicken, palms go clammy, your voice goes hoarse from yelling. You make friends with complete strangers from the strong bond that is the love of your football team. If your team has made it into the top eight, the next four weeks of your life are going to be thrilling.
Of course, with the ecstasy comes the heartache and as each final is played, one team must leave and not return until the next year. 2010 saw the top four sides make it to the preliminary finals. What everyone thought would be 1 versus 2, has in fact become 1 versus 3. Collingwood and St Kilda will meet for a 1966 Grand Final re-match, one that this blogger hopes will have a different ending.
In 1966 St Kilda beat Collingwood by a point to win their only flag to date. St Kilda is hungry for a win, especially after Geelong deprived them of Grand Final glory last year, but the Magpie army is strong and has just as big an appetite.
All eyes will be on the MCG come Saturday and the ground will be a sea of black, white and I suppose some red. For those who love the game, it's bittersweet-we get to witness the two best teams of 2010 fight it out for the cup, but it also signifies the end of the home and away season, and no more football until the pre-season next March. For those who don't love the game (we have heard you exist) high-fives and "thank god that's over" can be heard. Perhaps move to New South Wales or Queensland?
