Local Richmond fans rejoice
RICHMOND’S droughtbreaking Grand Final win gripped Geelong as diehard Tigers supporters savoured the moment.
Tigers fans partied like it was 1980 all over again as Richmond secured its first premiership in almost four decades with a win over Adelaide.
Publicans said their hotels and bars were awash with a sea of black and yellow as Geelong’s footy fanatics rallied behind the underdog.
Cats fan Craig Huntly said he lost his voice while “screaming his lungs out” for Richmond during the match.
“I really got swept up in the emotion. The atmosphere was unlike any other, and they absolutely deserved the win,” Mr Huntly said.
Hotels across the Geelong region were packed with black and yellow scarfs as the Tiger army celebrated the victory over the Crows.
The Edge’s venue supervisor Laura Johnson estimated business jumped 25 to 30 per cent on Grand Final night compared with other weekends.
“We were very busy and everyone was in such good spirits after the game — considering all the Tigers fans,” Ms Johnson said.
Diehard Tigers fan Jarrod Maynard puffed away on a celebratory cigar to mark his first premiership victory.
“Words cannot describe how bloody great this is. I had the cigar with me all day. I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to light it up,” Mr Maynard said.
But the jubilation was not universal. Also at the function was Adelaide’s Lucy Houghton.
The South Australian was wearing an Adelaide scarf for the big day and said it would take time to come to terms with her team’s failure.
“I’m just devastated — things were going so well all season,” Ms Houghton said.