CATS FANS HIT ROAD
ENEMY TERRITORY HOLDS NO FEARS FOR DIEHARDS
A CONVOY of diehard Cats is are leading the charge into enemy territory for tonight’s blockbuster preliminary final against Adelaide.
The GMHBA Cats Convoy, with five buses full of fans, will leave Simonds Stadium at 6.30am and is set to arrive in Adelaide at 3.30pm.
But many diehard fans, such as David Flanders, from Belmont, are making their way to Adelaide Oval under their own steam.
Mr Flanders has the years of Geelong’s past three premiership wins inked on his arm and hopes he can make an addition to his impressive tattoo collection this month.
He has been to Adelaide for footy matches and is not too worried about marching into “enemy territory” while wearing his Cats colours.
“I bought my tickets late, so I’m probably going to be sitting alone among a bunch of Crows supporters,” Mr Flanders said. “I have a good feeling that we’ll do really well and I’m sure we’ll shut them up after we kick our first goal.
“If we win then we’ll be sure to go down to the pub and have a few drinks while watching the replay . . . but if we lose then we’ll still be at the pub.”
Sandra Dendle, from Freshwater Creek, is also making the eight-hour drive to Adelaide. Ms Dendle attended Geelong’s Grand Final matches in 1951 and 1952 and said she’s “basically been a fan from birth”.
“I’ve been to Adelaide before for a few weddings but I’m there more for footy matches,” she said. “I’m fine with the fact that we’re going into enemy territory and I’m not worried about any conflict . . . yet.”
Val Wilson is another fan who will drive.
“It’s a long trip but it’s well worth it,” Ms Wilson said.
“I’ve been wearing my Cats scarf around Drysdale all week and getting a lot of great comments, but I don’t think it will be the same over there. I’m looking forward to the drive back, celebrating a big win.”
Airlines have ramped up prices for MelbourneAdelaide flights today.
Return packages were listed about $800 — a hike from flights on Wednesday and yesterday, which were hundreds of dollars less.
Highton’s Dane Hunter said the “exorbitant” airline prices forced him to opt for a road trip.
“There’s no way I was going to miss it — but I wasn’t paying those prices,” Mr Hunter said.
“I’m saving about $300 just by jumping on the bus.”
He claims he will give Crows fans a run for their money in the “rowdiness department”.
“They’re usually a bit wild, but we’ll show them how it is done,” he said.
“We’re the ones who will leave the Adelaide Oval with our scarfs flying out the windows.”