Eager MCC members join Grand Final queue

JOY Marchant is lining up to watch her 73rd AFL grand final — and she’s been queuing since late Wednesday night to make sure she doesn’t miss out on a good seat.

JOY Marchant is lining up to watch her 73rd grand final — and she’s been queuing since late Wednesday night to make sure she doesn’t miss out on a good seat.

The 89-year-old and her son Gary, 65, have a well practised routine of packing their camp chairs and supplies and arriving early at the MCC members gate.

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Gary Marchant outside the MCG. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Joy Marchant lining up last year. Picture: Nicole Garmston

She has only missed one Grand Final since 1945 — when she gave birth to twin girls in 1958.

Gary has been to every Grand Final since 1960.

Neither of the teams they support are playing this Saturday — Joy follows Geelong and Gary Melbourne — but they say it’s become an enjoyable tradition attending each year.

“It’s a long picnic,” Mrs Marchant said.

“We treat it as a mini holiday,” she said. “We meet so many people that come every year, it’s like a reunion.”

The mother and son were second and third in the queue.

Ahead of them was Collingwood diehard Alan Boland, 67, who got to the gate at 7am Wednesday.

“I’ve had a lot of people walking past saying ‘what are you doing here’?”

“It’s a small pain for a long gain.”

The retired postman said he hoped his beloved Magpies would deliver a premiership.

“I’ve slept out for 15 Collingwood grand finals, I’ve seen two wins and two draws and 11 losses sadly.

“This is going to be the third win hopefully.”

Collingwood supporter Alan Boland is the first in line at the MCG, after arriving at 7am Wednesday morning. Picture: Nicole Garmston