Big day draws the crowd

By Peter Sweeney
IT WAS the biggest day in the year of the Casey Cardinia Football Netball League last Saturday… and the crowds came from here, there and everywhere to Berwick’s Edwin Flack Reserve for the 2011 grand finals.
The gates opened at 7.30am – and there were people already waiting to get in.
“I have no doubt the size of the crowd here today speaks of the importance of local football and netball in this community and surrounding district,” Steven Reaper, chief executive officer of the Victorian Country Football League, remarked.
“This is the day cherished by players, coaches, umpires, administrators and football fans – from the young to the old.
“It is the day you dream about while running pre-season sprints, or while you lie awake at night thinking of how you can make things better at your club.
“This day has been the focus of every Thursday night dinner and team selection since April and of every kilometre on the road to away venues.
“It may be the moment you have waited decades for in support of your beloved local team.”
And the day was the biggest of the big – especially for the competing clubs.
Their supporters – and those from other clubs – rolled up to take in the final day of the season.
Some would leave for home hours later happy, many others not – but still sharing pride in their mates and their teams.
In the Cranbourne section of the Casey Cardinia Chronicle, there was a story titled, Now or Never for Eagles.
How prophetic it turned out to be. The Eagles broke a long drought to win the flag – and complete the season undefeated.
They conquered reigning premier Narre Warren.
The two clubs also kicked off the football program, with their reserves clashing. And there was not a point to separate the sides at the final siren, extra time having to be played to decide a winner.
Up on the netball courts, Beaconsfield won three of the six premierships.
However, as one hardened footy fan said “everybody here today is a winner”.
“It’s a great day for football, netball and the local community.”
The big crowd appeared to echo such.