7
I went to a rugby game on the week end. Our local - supposedly deleted team - was playing one of the non-deleted teams. It was significant as the opposition had a bunch of previously deleted players back on home soil.
Because the weather was inclement, we got there early to make sure we had a dry spot to watch that evenings drama unfold. The big screens around the stadium were showing a live feed of a test match where a touring Ireland team was taking on a team representing the body responsible for our deletion. I found my self supporting the plucky Irish. They were really making a game of it. My buddies and I were chatting about this among our selves.
This was when a bloke standing in the row in front of us turned around and took me to task. When he ask why I was supporting Ireland in this game I explained that our national body had left a very bad taste in my mouth and my interest in the national side, one I use to be incredibly proud of - had ebbed.
"Aww you poor thing. Get over it you fucken dick head" was his reply.
I'm never offended by people displaying their character so effectively. So I just shrugged and went back to watching the big screen.
"If you're not supporting Australia you may as Well support the Melbourne Rebels as well ya' dick head".
Scoring a straw man and an ad hominem attack so close together did make me feel sort of special. But after I was a dick head a few more times, we got bored of him and moved. Which was actually a good idea as we found our selves in a better spot for viewing the big screen.
The next morning I found my self pondering this "dick head" thing. Where exactly did my allegiance lie? coming up with an order of importance was actually pretty easy when I gave it some thought. At the top of the list is rugby. The game I fell in love with in my late 20s. A died in the rusty iron, West Aussie AFL fan, running off with a sexier girl. If you respect the game of rugby and play it well? I like you.
Go Ireland..
Next is my state and it's deleted home team. They may not have a league to play in any more. But I'm still totally behind them. I even know the names of the players they went and found to replace the deleted ones! I wear my Blue, gold and black jumper and membership badge proudly.
Then - and only then - does Australia get a look in. I use to be so proud of the blokes who wear the gold jumpers and represent our nation. Now my feelings to them can only be described as hollow. I'm also pretty sure that Australian rugby will never be all that it could, while it is being administered the way it has been for the last decade or so. So how does it even deserve my support at the moment? I'm much more blue than gold right now.
But I feel I owe my angry detractor some thanks. Without his prodding I may have not actually taken the time to analyze my feelings about my home state vs my country.
..and don't ask me about GST share.