Forgotten Pride

When it comes to footy
you have to choose a side
there’s no straddling the boundary fence
and ya can’t go for the umpires!

Now if you don’t see things in black and white
then you better run and hide
when faced by a magpie
you have to stand your black and gold ground
shout out loud and proud
‘Carn the Tigers!’

you have to ignore the digs
like ‘how many premierships have you won?’
and guaranteed Grand Final losses

still, who can forget McDermott
mining possessions at the bottom of the pack
giving nuggety handballs to prospecting wingers
and the cry of “Kernahan!” from KG,
as he pulled in another screamer,
the tribal belonging as the team did their victory lap,
Seymour Hill carried on their shoulders,
the feeling of elation as the siren went
and the flag was finally ours

and not a wharfie to be seen!

now, with the A replacing V
there is a new nationalism to be embraced
new enemies that must be faced

to smash Victorian football imperialism
you must once again choose sides,
as destiny cannot be denied

now that I no longer care
my taste for opium long gone
I'm one of those who remain outside
removed from the fervour

able to see the human skill
but unable to understand the pride
can't embrace this commercial game
if it ever was that different,
it's just not the same