SUPPORT comes in many colours.
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And, sometimes, it comes over many miles.
For the North Broken Hill Football Club it took a 12-hour bus ride to show their support for former Bulldog turned Albury player Lachlan Tiziani.
In good voice, Tiziani gave them plenty to cheer about with four goals in his reserve side’s grand final win against Wangaratta.
“It’s been an awesome trip to Albury, we’ve loved it,” Anthonay Tidball said.
“Lachie played with us in our premiership last year.”
This year the Bulldogs weren’t quite so fortunate, losing their grand final last week.
“For the boys to travel all that way and support me is just great,” Tiziani said.
“I moved at the start of the year and love it here — the step up in training and footy has been huge.
“A premiership there and now here — it’s an amazing feeling and it can’t get any better.
“I was thinking about the celebrations which is why I probably missed a couple — but when I scored I just pointed to the boys.”
Click play on the video below for a look at both teams' biggest fans. (iPhone users go to video tab in menu)
When it came to colour you couldn’t miss the collection of stuffed tigers tied to the boundary fence.
Belonging to long-time Albury supporters Dalise Scholz, Rhonda Kelly and Judy and Vin Hofmeyer, an Albury life member, there was no mistaking their allegiance.
“I’ve been an Albury supporter 40 something years,” Dalise said.
“We just love footy — when it’s in your blood just can’t get rid of it.”
Her son played for the Tigers and she has five grandchildren that live, where else, but Richmond. And when she’s not barracking for the Tigers in the AFL, she’s cheering on her beloved Albury and her favourite player, Chris Hyde.
“He’s a nice bloke,” Dalise said. “What you see is what you get with him.
“He’s a trier, he’s everywhere, he’s a good talker, he’s a good worker and he’s good for the boys.”
For Rhonda there was never any doubt about the result.
“The Tigers definitely — we’re winners,” she said.
“We’ll go down fighting if we don’t.”
As one young Yarrawonga supporter said as he waved his blue and white flag, it was a grand day for a grand final.
And he wasn’t wrong.
THEY start them young at Yarrawonga.
At eight weeks old, Parks Farrelly is already blue and white through and through.
But it’s little wonder with uncles Craig and Luke Ednie familiar faces in the Pigeons’ line-up.
Mum Amy said the club had always been about family.
“We’ve been involved since dad played for Yarrawonga, 20 or 30 years ago,” she said.
“He played in the (winning) 1989 grand final.
“Pop Charles Runnalls was a former club president and I have two other children running around with a No. 3 (Craig Ednie’s number) on their backs.”
And while Parks no doubt celebrated in his own way, the rest of the Pigeons’ supporters were ready for the game ahead.
“Albury probably have it on paper but I reckon we’re going to have a red-hot crack,” Amy said.
“You can’t underestimate the boys — they’ve very passionate and very proud of the club and of the town.”
Her hat adorned with badges of coaches, players and club presidents past and present, as well as long-time supporter Darryl Lister, Lynne Brear had high hopes for the Pigeons.
“So long as they show their magic, they can do well,” she said.
Lynne started making badges for the club starting with 1989 premiership coach Neil Davis.
And of course Brendan Fevola makes an appearance.
“Fev’s been great for the town and the club,” she said.
“He’s a great ambassador for us and I hope he sticks around for a bit longer.”
Meanwhile, no self-respecting fan goes to a game without cake, according to “Crazy Kay”, Kaelene Welsh, complete with blue and white wig.
“It’s all about the people, the atmosphere, it’s a bit of fun with friends,” she said.
“Andrea (Andy) Jaques always brings her trusty caramel slice and everyone has to have one.”