It’s funny, when I was watching this game as with all the other games, I somehow still feel like we could lose at anytime. Like any sort of lead isn’t enough to clinch it for us. I guess this timid nature comes from years of having games pulled away from us. From the team putting in a great effort for one or two quarters, but not being able to hold on. Even looking back to my blogs from last season, there were many games we were winning at times, but just couldn’t get over the line. I think that has been a major change this year, and while it might take some getting used to by me and perhaps other supporters, our boys are beginning to know how to win. After each quarter I tried not to get my hopes up. Just keep the pressure up boys, I wished. Don’t take your foot off the pedal. My worries were based on nothing, as it turned out. We ran away 62 point winners.
The belief the boys are starting to have in themselves is evident. Even though we were previously 3-5 before this, compared to premiership favourites Hawthorn’s 5-3, we went in with our heads held high and got the job done. I don’t think there was ever a time we weren’t in front. Before the game, Alistair Clarkson told Triple M that he believed Richmond was due to claim a big scalp. Ironically, that scalp turned out to be his teams. The fact that many commentators are talking finals now for the Tigers, even though we are still 12th on the ladder just shows how everyone is beginning to recognise that we are up and about.
While some people are suggesting it’s arrogant and silly to get ahead of ourselves, I don’t see the harm in getting excited about where we are going. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there’s a winning feeling down at Tigerland. I am certainly hoping for a top eight finish this year. I think it’s a realistic goal. We tiger supporters have had precious little to gloat about over the past years, and if we want to get excited after seeing our boys smash Hawthorn by 62 points (the biggest margin in all the time Dimma has coached us), then we should. I’m on board the ‘Tiger train’, as I’ve seen some fans calling it, and I hope many of you are too. I understand the importance of thinking one game at a time, but I feel like its okay to be excited too.
This week’s game is shaping up to be a real cracker. Saint Kilda has been looking dangerous at times, although they are only one win above us. Its Jack Riewoldt’s 100th game, and there’s a possibility that Nick Riewoldt will kick his 500th goal according to my Saints supporter friends. I personally hope Rance or whoever plays on him prevents this. With the Tigers about to reach 50,000 members and achieving record crowds at the games this year, the Tiger army is looking as loud and large as they ever have. I look forward to seeing you all at Etihad, and hopefully having the chance to belt out our song at the end of the game together.
Go Tigers, Meg.
Follow me on Twitter @megkip
