Red, blue... and amber

BRENDON Garland is digging deep to prove his love for the mighty Dees.

The licensee of North Hobart’s Waggon and Horses, right, and the younger brother of veteran Melbourne defender Colin, inset, is shouting the drinks on Saturday until the first goal is kicked between the Demons and North Melbourne across the river at Blundstone Arena.

“Hopefully it won’t take long, but

knowing my luck it will be the first scoreless quarter in a while,” Garland said.

“And anyone who brings a [match] ticket back after the game gets a free drink on entry.

“But hopefully everyone gets to the game and supports Melbourne as much as North Melbourne.”

Garland has followed his brother’s career closely over the years. From Colin’s start in 2006, when he was drafted from North Hobart, and all 141 games, it’s been a labour of love.

With the Dees now sitting in seventh, there is light at the end of the tunnel, but they have not beaten the Kangaroos since 2006.

“I’ve always been a Melbourne supporter,” Garland said.

“The amount of times I’ve shouted the bar when Melbourne has got up is just ridiculous.

“I love the club. There is a connection with my brother obviously but there is a feeling with the family when they are involved with the club, you feel almost remorse for them when they lose.

“I’ve been in the clubrooms when they have had consecutive defeats and batted from pillar to post publicly, these guys don’t go there to play a bad game, they go to give it their all.

“Now they are at that point where they are a good club and they are showing it.

“You want them to keep doing that so they can get some success on the field because they deserve it.”

The amount of times I’ve shouted the bar when Melbourne has got up is just ridiculous