I was one of those outside trying to get into the leagues club after coming from the game.
Was so disappointed that we were turned away even with our season tickets and grand final tickets.
I was told by Peter Peters a couple of weeks earlier that he would personally let me in if it came to a problem but of course he was nowhere to be found and I sat outside with the thousands of other Manly fans and just clapped them into the club. By the way I did take his promise with a grain of salt.
From that day I always think how bad it is that the season ticket supporter who puts all their money into the club are the very supporters the club turns its back on when the celebrations are to be had.
I drove back to Liverpool with a smile on my face but really wanted to be inside cheering them on.
2011 was the same story although I didn’t even bother trying to get in. They brought the team back to Brookie and we cheered them from the Jane Try Stand, and I got to high five most of the team at the ground on their lap of honour. I loved that.
I think if we make it to the grand final again, I’d still go to the ground. The after match celebrations would be great but you’d only see them briefly on the way in. The atmosphere at the ground is hard to match.
I hope I have a choice to make in the coming years.