Full of smiles and elation, thousands of Geelong supporters converged on the Cats’ Kardinia Park home to celebrate their team’s epic victory.
Among them was newly-converted AFL fan and local resident Daniel Tangata, who says the club has impressed him this season and he is committed to supporting the Cats in the future.
Thousands of Geelong supporters flock to Kardinia Park for the Cats’ family day.Credit:Scott McNaughton
“I’ve signed us up to a Geelong family membership for next year,” he said. “I’m a staunch rugby league supporter, so AFL is new to me.”
Victorious Geelong coach Chris Scott thanks the Cats’ legion of fans.Credit:Scott McNaughton
Daniel Tatanga and his daughter at the Geelong Supporters dayCredit:Najma Sambul
“Prior to this [AFL finals series] I was a bit of a bandwagoner,” adds the 38-year-old. “If the Tigers got through [to the grand final] then I’d follow my friends to the Tigers, and if the Swans got through I’ll go with the blood brothers, but [I] haven’t really had a team until we came down here [to Geelong].”
The Cats’ fans, many of them families with small children, enjoyed the sunshine and festivities at the event at the St Mary’s ground in the shadows of GMHBA Stadium as they waited patiently for the Geelong players and coach, Chris Scott, to say a few words.
However, it wasn’t all dawdling until the men of the hour appeared. The Geelong faithful were treated to a replay of the grand final on the big screen while they waited.
Nine-year-old Hayley Arnott and dad Richard, who drove up from Eltham just to take in everything the family day had to offer, were thrilled to be at Kardinia Park.
“On the freeway we saw tonnes of Geelong scarves hanging out of windows and a bumper sticker with ‘Cats 2022 premiership’ on it,” Hayley said.
“We knew all the cars were heading in the same direction,” Richard added.
Although the win over the Swans was a moment to savour, Hayley said it wasn’t exactly the most riveting game. “It was boring, but I was happy about it,” she said.
Hayley Arnott and her dad Richard at the Geelong family day.Credit:Najma Sambul
As for Richard, the relief of a big margin win wasn’t quite enough to settle the anxiety of potentially seeing one of his favourite players retire.
“I’m now in fear of Joel Selwood saying he is done!” Richard said.
“I’m now in fear of Joel Selwood saying he is done!”
Geelong fan Richard Arnott
Elsewhere in the crowd were teenagers Hollie Smith and Ruby Watt who, like many younger Cats fans, were buzzing to finally witness a premiership win.
“This is like a really big deal for me and my family – we are pretty big fans,” said Ruby.
Friends Ruby Watts and Holly Smith celebrate Geelong’s victory at the Supporters day at Kardinia ParkCredit:Najma Sambul
Hollie added: “We haven’t won a grand final in 11 years and it’s amazing seeing everyone so happy, I love it. I’m 14 so I didn’t get to remember and witness a premiership – it’s great to have this win as a memory now.”
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