Ok - we just lost to North Melbourne by 32 points. A disaster? Not quite. But it was a mighty big step back to an almost perfect first half of the season for new coach, Brenton Sanderson.
As the bye rounds came to a close last weekend and Black Caviar made it 22 wins from 22 starts, the Adelaide Football Club hit a major roadblock. In a game that was supposed to be an expected win (minus our recent Melbourne hoodoo), the boys looked lethargic and beyond tired as the Kangaroos powered to victory.
Although, we seemed to muster the start of what looked like an impossible comeback in the third quarter - kicking five goals to three - it was certainly not our day and one quarter of football was enough.
This got me reminiscing about the last tough couple of years as a Victorian member. Averaging six games in Melbourne and possibly a trip down to Geelong (if you’re prepared to stand up) in the last few years makes me realise that I miss football all too much over the summer. Among these six games, 99 times out of 100 you are the minority and until recently, we had not won a game in Melbourne since Round 22, 2009.
Having now lived here for more than nine years, I am used to the football banter that comes with being an interstate supporter - especially one from South Australia.
Now that I am older, this hits deep. You quickly learn to find more reasons to hate the Victorian teams (I now despise Collingwood more than Port Adelaide) and I believe you stand prouder and taller to say you are a true, passionate Adelaide Crows supporter.
For what it’s worth, a game of AFL will always have a winner and a loser. If you happen to lose as an interstate supporter, what happens next is not very appetising. The walk out of the stadium, the walk to the train station, that long train ride home and then … that following day of work.
Amongst one-eyed Victorians, the Adelaide Crows will never be a serious finals contender. At the end of the day though, they are probably right. To be that last man standing on that last day in September, you need to defeat the second best team in the competition at the all mighty MCG. At this stage of season 2012 - I just can’t see that happening.
As we power into the second half of the season, we have two games left as Victorian Members - one down at Geelong and our second last game at the ‘G against the struggling Demons.
Realistically, I should be singing ‘We’re the Pride of South Australia’ at least once more and hopefully it will be my warm-up to sing it again in September.
The boys however, should be singing the song at least eight more times in preparation for a successful September. This could potentially ensure a ‘Minor Premiers’ finish and two guaranteed home finals.
As an interstate supporter, this does not bother me one little bit. I will allow our success to do the talking without me having to lift a finger. Come September 29 though, bring on a victory and these Victorians won’t hear the end of me.
Joel Smith is the official Adelaide Crows commentator on http://app.playup.com. Follow him on Twitter @PlayUp_AdelCrow
