Qualifying

September in Melbourne is all about the AFL Footy Finals, and I was so excited and nervous all at once to be going to the match last Friday night. Having finished at the top of the ladder at the end of the Home and Away season, my Hawks faced Collingwood in the First Qualifying Final.

We all gathered at Beer Deluxe for a pre-match drink to calm the nerves of a big match, before walking along Birrarung Marr to the MCG. I love this walk, and then the view of the city on the walk back!

A cold and rainy night, we found our seats in the lower level of the Great Southern Stand. A run to the bar for ciders, which we have discovered are the only decent full strength drink available, before we donned ponchos and then stood for the national anthem. Is there anything quite like a packed 'G cheering at the end of Advance Australia Fair!??!

The match was tough and spiteful for the first three quarters, and a real wrestle both on the scoreboard and within the goal square in front of us.

But much to our joy, the Hawks kicked on in the final quarter to assert our place in the Finals and secure a week off this coming weekend. The display by Buddy impressed me the most, with his four goals, so many goal assists, and his ability to keep focused and maintain his poise under relentless pressure.

It was so nice to be there with two of my sisters, and Mum and Heath of course. But extra special for the siblings to be together again at the footy. Oh, how I've missed it!