’Couldn’t believe my luck’: A happy note for a Cats fan who met an AFL star despite a finals loss
Gary Ablett Jnr made the night of a Cats fan despite a crushing ending to a tense preliminary final for supporters across the city.
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A long time Cats fan was all smiles at the end of the Geelong and Brisbane preliminary final, despite her team going down in the final minutes of the game.
Bronwyn Briggs could not believe her luck when she decided to go to the Sporting Globe in Geelong on Saturday night and met Gary Ablett Jnr.
She said despite the result it was one of the best days of her life.
The Cats lost to Brisbane by 10 points after a hotly contested final quarter.
The Sporting Globe was alive with cheering and angry exclamations as goals were kicked by both teams.
Ms Briggs said she was a die hard Geelong supporter, having lived in Geelong many years ago and now living in Kyabram.
She, with her partner Andrew were helping their daughter move house in Geelong and said she had recommended the Sporting Globe as the place to go to watch the footy because there were “TVs everywhere”.
“I am 55, I have been a Geelong supporter since I was nine and I watched his father play so could not believe my luck when Gary Ablett Jnr was in the room,” she said.
“It’s bittersweet to have lost but this was one of the best days of my life.
“He is the nicest, most humble man I have ever met.”
Ms Briggs said it was almost a perfect night.
“To be honest Brisbane scored two goals they probably shouldn’t have but overall it has been a great finals series,” she said.
“I am proud as a Cats supporter and I thought they all played very well.”
Corio resident John Couzens is a Brisbane supporter and was cheering loudly once the final siren went.
He said he did love getting to watch Geelong lose and would possibly try to get tickets to the Grand Final against Sydney on Saturday.
Earlier:
Cats fans are feeling hopeful as the preliminary final between Geelong and Brisbane begins at the MCG in Melbourne.
Gary Ablett Jnr joined patrons at the Sporting Globe in Geelong ahead of the game and was intently watching the first half with fans.
As the atmosphere was equal parts excited and nervous Ablett was socialising and playing pool in the hour before the first bounce.
Jordy May was decked out in her Geelong jersey in support while she was working at the popular venue on Saturday night.
The 22-year-old, whose favourite player is Tom Stewart, said while she was nervous she was feeling confident the Cats would take the win and progress to next week’s final against Sydney Swans.
Her dad Elton said he was “extremely nervous” but also had faith in his team.
Seven year old Lilly was also dressed in her Geelong jersey while enjoying the atmosphere with her parents.
She said she was 100 per cent sure Geelong would win against the Lions.
Simone Newell, was at the Sporting Globe with her friend Ben Hetherington who was bravely donning a Brisbane scarf, the only one in sight.
She said she ranked her confidence 9.5 out of 10 that Geelong would win.
“I am so nervous but I think we are going to do it,” she said.
Sarah Nolan was hopeful while Nick Platt was nervous and their confidence ranked at 8 and 8.5 out of 10 respectively heading into the first quarter.
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Originally published as ’Couldn’t believe my luck’: A happy note for a Cats fan who met an AFL star despite a finals loss
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