Ever since we lost the 2008 prelim, I've found it difficult to get into the AFL Grand Final as anything but an interested neutral.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Grand Final. I love the build up, I love the match, I love the aftermath.
But anything not involving the Bulldogs? I've never bought into the notion of picking a team to barrack for on the day.
This year is different.
I'll be devastated if Brisbane don't win.
Not because I dislike Collingwood. I don't actually dislike Collingwood. I'm normally completely indifferent to them. And I actually like Craig McRae and what he's getting out of his team. They were minor premiers for a reason.
I want Brisbane to win because I like Chris Fagan. He's living proof that the attitude that some in the industry hold towards those who've "never played the have at the highest level" is horseshit.
I want Brisbane to win because Daniel Rich deserves to go out with a celebration, even if he doesn't play. If anyone deserves a "Bob Murphy" moment it's Daniel Rich.
I want Brisbane to win because this might be Neale Daniher's last Grand Final. We don't know how long he has left. We do know the unbridled joy it would bring him to see his nephew have a premiership medal draped around his neck.
I want Brisbane to win because, with a few exceptions, anyone who has served our club well continues to have my best wishes. Josh Dunkley is a Building premiership hero. I'd be genuinely happy to see him be a Lions premiership hero.
I want Brisbane to win because Charlie Cameron is one of my favourite non-Bulldogs.
So, for one day only, I'm allowing myself to have a "second team".
Go the Lions.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Grand Final. I love the build up, I love the match, I love the aftermath.
But anything not involving the Bulldogs? I've never bought into the notion of picking a team to barrack for on the day.
This year is different.
I'll be devastated if Brisbane don't win.
Not because I dislike Collingwood. I don't actually dislike Collingwood. I'm normally completely indifferent to them. And I actually like Craig McRae and what he's getting out of his team. They were minor premiers for a reason.
I want Brisbane to win because I like Chris Fagan. He's living proof that the attitude that some in the industry hold towards those who've "never played the have at the highest level" is horseshit.
I want Brisbane to win because Daniel Rich deserves to go out with a celebration, even if he doesn't play. If anyone deserves a "Bob Murphy" moment it's Daniel Rich.
I want Brisbane to win because this might be Neale Daniher's last Grand Final. We don't know how long he has left. We do know the unbridled joy it would bring him to see his nephew have a premiership medal draped around his neck.
I want Brisbane to win because, with a few exceptions, anyone who has served our club well continues to have my best wishes. Josh Dunkley is a Building premiership hero. I'd be genuinely happy to see him be a Lions premiership hero.
I want Brisbane to win because Charlie Cameron is one of my favourite non-Bulldogs.
So, for one day only, I'm allowing myself to have a "second team".
Go the Lions.
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