Town turns yellow and black

Richmond fans Shane and River, 6, outside their Gembrook house. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS 219357_07

By Mitchell Clarke

Not even a grand final in isolation could dampen the spirits of the local Yellow and Black army.

In what’s been dubbed the most “unprecedented” grand final on record, locked down footy fanatics across the Shire watched Richmond defeat Geelong from the comfort of home.

A thrilled Tiger trio – Shane with kids River, 6, and Tex, 3. 219357_01

The day was always going to be different due to the fact traditional barbecues and beers with friends and family were limited to just one household.

And for many, the day did lose its natural feel.

Pakenham man Brendan Short is all smiles after the big win. 219443_06

Self-confessed Tiger tragic Brendan Short, who in any normal year would be cheering on his boys at the G, watched the game from his Pakenham garage – which could be better described as a Richmond refuge.

“You can’t head down to Punt Road, so I didn’t really do that much, I just had a couple of beers after the game,” he laughed.

The Wilby family from Kooweerup enjoyed their grand final celebrations.

“I have re-watched the game a couple of times though, and I tuned in to the club Brownlow on Monday night which was good.”

Inspired by his late mother Kath, who was a devoted Tiger, Brendan had no choice but to follow her lead.

Like many long suffering supporters, Mr Short, who is a 32 year member, is still pinching himself at the club’s recent success.

Brendan Short”s garage is decked out entirely yellow and black. 219443_09

“I’ve seen some bad, bad times, so I never thought I’d get to see a time like this,” he explained.

“When I could afford to buy a membership, I used to go every week but we were hopeless, so I just sat there and watched Gary Ablett Snr kick 10.”

A huge sigh of relief after the game from Mia and Kane, with father Ryan Wilby.

Now, he’s just making the most of the good times.

“Richmond supporters have copped heaps over the years, so I’m just enjoying it while it lasts,” he said.

Hayley, 9, and Bonnie, 5, couldn”t wipe the smiles off their face before the match.

For State Gembrook MP – and devoted Geelong fan – Brad Battin, the day was “s**house”.

“I love being with my family but Grand Final Day is about people, it’s about getting together with friends whether it’s your team or not, and we’ve been doing it forever,” he said.

“As far as football goes, I’m Geelong through and through, so ten minutes after the game, I was back on board.”

But not even a lockdown could dampen the spirits of Tiger fans, like the Bugal family, who painted their fence yellow and black.

Richmond fans Shane and River, 6, outside their Gembrook house. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS 219357_07
Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood took his colours to Parliament.

“It was a bit different not being there this year, but was still great to spend the day with the family with plenty to eat and drink and cheering the win like we were there,” dad Shane said.