GRAND final week is my favourite time of the year.
In a lot of ways I enjoy the build-up more than the actual day.
It starts on the Monday night with the SFNL best-and-fairest count and culminates on the Saturday with the match.
Just walking down the street or into the local coffee shop, everyone wants to have a chat about the game.
It creates a real carnival atmosphere and, in many ways, lifts the spirits of everyone.
This year’s big day shapes as one of the best for years.
It’s the new kids on the block, Ouyen United, who are looking to create history in A and B grade netball and under-18 footy.
The Kangas have never had a netball or junior footy side in the grand final and with their senior and reserve grade football teams not making the four this year, the Kangas army have thrown all their support behind these three sides.
No club in the competition has a bigger supporter base than the Kangas and it was on show for all to see last weekend when the netball girls took on South Mildura in the preliminary final.
Co-coach Kyra Nathan described the support as like “having an eighth player”.
Supporters play a huge role in team success and also add to the atmosphere.
We often forget that the people watching from the sidelines are just as important as the players – in many ways.
They are the ones who make these days what they are.
But as supporters we also need to be mindful of the role we play in making the day a success.
With a huge crowd expected today at City Oval, it is inevitable there will be queues at the bars and food outlets.
This is something that can’t be avoided when you bring together so many people in the one spot.
As supporters we need to realise the people working these booths are doing their best.
Let’s not whinge or abuse anyone about a bit of a wait for a pie or cold beer, let’s embrace the fact we are the lucky ones who get to watch the game.
Getting frustrated and angry doesn’t achieve anything.
It isn’t the person in the booth’s fault you have to wait.
They are trying their best and we should greet them with the same courtesy and respect we would expect if it was us.
The grand final is a great day, embrace it for what it is, and if it takes you five or even 10 minutes longer to get served than a normal Saturday, think about how lucky you are to be at and experiencing such a wonderful day.
