The double edged sword

Wine of the Week
Pepper Tree Wines 2007 Strandlines Grand Reserve Cabernet Shiraz (Hunter Valley) - I am a big fan of Pepper Tree Wines and the Strandlines doesn't disappoint. Very smooth and great drinking. Probably should have kept it for a little while longer but cellaring isn't a strong point for Trish or myself. http://www.peppertreewines.com.au

One week...one post and I have already missed my weekly deadline. Apologies for those who have been waiting with baited breath for my next post (HA!) My wife suggests that it is the consumption of red that caused my memory loss in not meeting my weekly deadline. To be truthful, the couch and the Dragons v Roosters game may have also had something to do with that. 

Seriously though, thank you to those who have spent the time to (a) read and (b) share some kind words. Much appreciated - especially considering that the first spray was down a political bent and one that not everyone would support or agree with. Time will tell who the country will select and it seems to fluctuate from day to day as to who will win. Dreams are being bouyed and destroyed on a daily basis. The same can be said for the other focus of the nation...footy!

See, no matter what the code - AFL or NRL - we are in the final rounds approaching the finals. Supporters are looking at the table, analysing the upcoming fixtures and seeing if there is any chance of being there for the end of season action. Where the phrase "mathematical chance" is uttered with such convinction. Clutching at that intangible that all supporters are after...hope.

Ask any follower of any team in any code and hope is both a blessing and a curse. A double edged sword and something that for all bar the supporters of one team each year, ends in tears.

Take my team for example...the St George-Illawarra Dragons. The big red V. http://www.dragons.com.au The Dragons have not won a premiership since 1979 and the Illawarra Steelers didn't win a premiership up to the time when the joint venture was created. Suffice to say, it has been a long time between drinks. 

That said, there have been times when the champagne has been put on ice only to feel the bitter taste of defeat. 

1985. 1992. 1993. 1996. 1999. 2005. All of which have left indelible and painful memories which can only be erased with premiership glory. 

Even last year, the Dragons finished Minor Premiers only to get bundled out of the finals after two games. And it wasn't the cries of "chokers" that hurt the most. It is the fact that you ride the wave of hope that your team gives you all year...then get dumped in a sea of disappointment.

So I can hear those who don't follow football or are not interested in sport ask the question, why do you do it? Why do you put yourself through such torment, such anguish, such angst?

The reason is simple - when the season starts you think of just one thing...

To be there on Grand Final day...

To see your team run on to the field for the biggest day of the season... 

To ride the emotional rollercoaster that is the Grand Final and emerge victorious... 

To see your Captain lift the trophy as you cheer and scream out the club song as the team starts their lap of honour...

To go back to the club and celebrate with the players and supporters alike all night and toast the Premiers as the sun rises on a new day.

That is the dream all supporters have every year and if your team falls short, then you sulk for a week once the season is over, complain how you were robbed in the last game and count the weeks left until the new season begins - so you can dream all over again.

And that, dear friends is the beauty of football.

PS: And I still maintain that was a forward pass in 1985.