An old photo, but contextually perfect. Photo: Rachel Hofton
I’ve been a member of the Richmond football club since 2002. I would’ve been seven. I’m now eighteen. Since then, I’ve gone to -on average- eighteen games of AFL each season. Out of a possible 261 wins across that period of time, Richmond have won 95 games. For all you who shade away at the sign of maths (I don’t blame you), that’s roughly 36%. It’s fair to say I am experienced in taking a loss on the chin. I’ve been through enough. But I’m still here, week in week out supporting my team. We’ve been through a lot, me and Richmond. I still love it. Through that period, Richmond has managed to boast strong membership numbers and attendance records almost every week. There’s a lot of love for Richmond, it takes a bit to really get it out though. This article from the Herald Sun (#1 Credible news source in the world) sums it up perfectly.
THERE’S a “frequently asked questions” page on Richmond’s website about how to access finals tickets.
It looks fresh – which isn’t surprising given the last time the Tigers were in the finals, just 42 per cent of Australians had internet access.
If I had to sum up the article, these two lines do it well. This highlights two key issues.
- The world is an entirely different place since 2001 when Richmond last made the finals. So much has changed. The fact that only 42% of Australian’s had internet then is frightening, I’m pretty sure it’s about 70% now. 30% more of the population are now connected to the rest of the world and can communicate with anyone, anywhere with a few clicks and taps. This ties in beautifully with the idea of speculating the future and why design fiction is a credible practice. How many people would’ve foreseen the need to have a FAQ on how to book finals tickets online in 2001?
- The experience. Getting sick of me reeling this one off in every blog post? Has it hit home how important experience is yet? I took a friend (Carlton follower) to see Richmond play earlier in the year. He said to me after the game that he was legitimately considering becoming a Richmond member because of what he experienced at the game. The atmosphere. The crowd. The extra things that the football club endorse and exercise. For example, when the team runs out they’ve been lining the causeway with war drums (my simple man’s term for some giant oriental drum) and beating them to increase the adrenaline of the players and the crowd. The sheer ferocity of the crowd and cheer squad when the team plays well is incredible. It’s a beautiful experience. Coming home from a win makes my weekend so much better.
I’m going to the MCG today to watch Richmond vs. Carlton. There’s only two more games after this one, but if things wall to plan – maybe – just maybe, there might be a chance of even a top four berth for Richmond. Let’s not get carried away though. I’m trying to keep the lid down for as long as possible. But who am I kidding, I think it’s about time to open it. The haters in the AFL facebook page comments can bugger off. I’m excited, I’m proud. Let’s win some football.