In life there are often circumstances where you witness a person doing something that they know will end badly, and that has never done them any long-term good. And it can be so frustrating when these people go into that same situation, having been hurt in the past, when they expect different results. I am, unfortunately, one of those people.
My affliction is not a drug addiction, nor a tendency to put myself in abusive relationships (although it could almost be an abusive relationship of sorts). No, my affliction is far more foolish than that, I am, dear friends, a Richmond supporter.
Now there was a time, so the legend goes, when there was no shame in being a believer in the yellow and black. 1980, 1974, 1973, these are years that bring a tear to the eye of the faithful at their mere mention, they were the years of our last premierships. The days when the names like Kevin Bartlett, Royce Hart, Bourke, Barrot and Clay were not mere legends, but actual players. Those magical days….
Times have been tough. I was born in 1984. Since that time, the Tigers have made the finals only twice, and have not made a Grand Final. There have been very few occasions when I have gone into a weekend able to believe that we are a certainty to win. It’s been on those occasions when I’ve been proven wrong. Richmond have an uncanny ability to make you believe that things will be different this year, that we really can win games. That we will make the finals. That this year might just be the year. But every year, they hurt you. Every year you scream for them to be good.
This year I should be thankful. The bitter disappointment has kicked in early this year. I didn’t get a chance to really believe, which was good of them. 115 points is a lot to score in a football game. It is even more to get beaten by. The Western Bulldogs, our conquerors, didn’t make the finals last year (although most pundits believe they will give the premiership a decent go). I sat through all of it. I screamed. I yelled. When we kicked the first goal, I almost believed. Just for a moment. I always do, that’s all it takes….
Western Bulldogs 25.17.(167)
def.
Richmond 7.10.(52)