Workmates and weekend rivals
Gwmwater workmates Andrew Rose and Craig Turvey are usually working together, but they will have opposing views when Melbourne and Western Bulldogs play each other in the AFL grand final in Perth on Saturday.
Andrew is a keen Melbourne supporter and Craig a Bulldogs fan, both having formed allegiances for their respective clubs as children.
Andrew said he changed from Hawthorn to Melbourne at the end of 1963, just in time to celebrate the Demons’ 1964 and last flag. “I changed because Ron Barassi lived around the corner. I remember the grand final like it was yesterday – sitting on the front verandah with my dad, with the Bakelite radio,” he said.
“Melbourne won by four points. I jumped off the deck and kicked the footy down the hill, screaming and carrying on.
“I remember Neil Crompton in the last couple of minutes kicking the one and only goal of his career. And that won the game.”
Craig said his mum’s uncle was a vice-president of the Bulldogs and when he was young he would go into the rooms alongside players such as Gary Dempsey and Ray Huppatz.
“I’ve been a Doggies supporter ever since. Like 2016, things have panned out well for us – we’ve had a rest, we’re match-hardened and I’m hoping the Dees might be a little soft,” he said.
“Melbourne will be the sentimental favourites but hopefully we will crash that party.”