Footy codes unite on Aussie rules’ big day
Eleanor Wilson |
Rival politicians and AFL royalty have rubbed shoulders to kick off one of the biggest days on the nation’s sporting calendar.
However it was a star from another code who earned the loudest applause.
Champagne flowed and spirits were high in spite of a grey skies and unrelenting drizzle in Melbourne on Saturday, as 1200 guests marked North Melbourne’s milestone 60th AFL Grand Final Breakfast.
A star-studded line-up of politicians, premiership players and coaches, and AFL executives shared insights and jokes aplenty with the footy faithful at Melbourne Convention Centre.
But it was NRL forward Jai Arrow, struck down by Motor Neuron Disease, who garnered a minutes-long standing ovation.
North Melbourne club president Sonja Hood drew a comparison between the 30-year-old’s MND advocacy and that of late AFL great Neale Daniher, who died in May from the degenerative disease.
“Sport gives us a common language and a common goal,” Dr Hood told those gathered.
“It’s the very essence of community and reflects the very best of humanity.”
The brekkie’s trademark sledgings flowed during the curtain-raiser event.
In keeping, Anthony Albanese was labelled un-Australian by North’s president for a second year running after the prime minister missed the occasion while returning from the US.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor marked his debut appearance at an AFL Grand Final by piling on the jabs.
“Albo just can’t be trusted with melons, or with Kylie, but thank God (Deputy Prime Minister) Richard Marles is here to save the day,” Mr Taylor said of Mr Albanese’s recent media blunders.
Beside Mr Marles, Victorian Premier Ben Carroll and opposition leader Jess Wilson put politics aside to enjoy the breakfast.
They were joined by cabinet colleagues including Brad Battin, David Southwick, Steve Dimopoulos and Anthony Carbines.
Also on stage were the AFL’s chairman and CEO Craig Drummond and Andrew Dillon, chief operating officer Tom Harley, general manager Laura Kane, former Fremantle AFLW star Kirby Bentley and Brisbane and Fremantle club presidents Andrew Wellington and Chris Sutherland.
Dr Hood congratulated the VIPs on surviving the breakfast’s tradition of roasting guests as they walked down the blue carpet.
“You only have a voiceover to deal with on your way in, and no actual missiles,” she joked in reference to Hawthorn fans’ sour reaction to last week’s preliminary final loss.
Fremantle’s former number 1 ticket holder Rove McManus kept energies high to the delight of the Dockers-dominant crowd, who were loud and proud ahead of the sell-out final against Brisbane Lions.
Brisbane club president Andrew Wellington conceded it had been a “tumultuous week” for the side’s star midfielder Lachie Neale, who narrowly eluded suspension after gut punching Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan during last week’s preliminary final.
A chorus of boos erupted as Collingwood coach Craig McRae jested that he couldn’t wait to see Neale, who is expected to join the Pies next season, win the coveted Norm Smith medal.
Premiership players Tom Hawkins and Jordan Lewis both hedged their bets on Fremantle to secure their first premiership.
Norm Smith medallist and Brisbane legend Simon Black backed his Lions to anchor a third-straight win.
AAP