Cats have finals fever
The Mooroopna Cats came up with this ripper (pictured, top right) promoting their links to two AFL grand final players.
Footy art has become a big part of the build-up to the big day and Oddie was particularly taken by the appearance of the bandwagon bus in Perth (pictured, centre).
Oddie thinks more people than the MCG could hold would have hopped on and off the Melbourne bus since the Demons’ last premiership in 1964.
And for Bulldogs fans, what else would you do if you lived in Marcus Ave (pictured, top left)?
Old Demons have long memories
Melbourne and Shepparton United tragic Geoff Dobson remembers sitting in the orchard in Shepparton East beside a crackling radio listening to the 1957 VFL grand final, which resulted in a win for the Demons against Essendon. He’s been on the bandwagon ever since.
“I was probably more tuned into Shepp United at that stage,” he told Oddie.
Some of his family lucky enough to be in Perth will make the game, but Dobbo will be watching on TV with fingers and toes crossed.
“I’m rapt that they have produced the brand of football that will potentially win the game — I’m past the ‘don’t trust them’ phase, but I also respect the Bulldogs.”
Dobbo will be delirious if the Dees get up, and looking forward to his grand final, the unfurling of the flag at the ‘G in round one, 2022.
Beers and cheers no barrier to success
Footy fans loved the spectacle of the Bulldogs having a beer and celebrating their preliminary final win.
Asked about whether he thought it would be a help or hindrance, Dobbo drew on past experience.
“Why wait for the prelim to have a beer after the game?” he said.
“I can remember the days when the team manager at United was the rep for a cigarette company and he would come out at threequarter-time and offer them around.”