I WAS LUCKY enough to be chosen as Melbourne CEO for the day last Sunday, for the match against the Sydney Swans at the MCG. I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to see first-hand what goes on behind the scenes on game day.

 

We started out by following Cameron Schwab to a ‘Red and Blue’ function where fans asked questions about the move to AAMI Park to whether the Demon will make a return.

 

From there, we headed to the coterie function with another quick speech by Cameron to the players’ families. Then it was off to ‘Before the Bounce’.

 

We had a great insight into the workings of the midfield. This included a short video, highlighting a meeting during the week headed up by Scott West.

 

Pressure was stressed as important against a side like Sydney, as it would prevent them from strangling us, as they’ve done so many times over the years. Scott then joined us for a quick view on how we would tackle Sydney on the day.

 

Almost game time, we headed down to the rooms where the team was echoing the enthusiasm of the growing crowd. I was lucky enough to meet a hero of mine in Jim Stynes and see the boys out onto the ground. We headed out down the race behind Jim where a wave of applause followed him as he headed to the bench for the game. Then it was up to the media box.

 

We met Matt Burgan up in the box and watched the start of the game where some brilliance by Brad Green & co up forward gave us the starts we had been missing for a few games.

 

A brilliant first half by the Demons had the Swans reeling. We then went down to the rooms for a very privileged view of the rooms at half time. It was great to see how focused the players were coming in and showed no signs in letting up on a hapless Sydney side.

 

We were rejoined by Cameron and headed to the Members Stand to watch the second half.

 

A great view from the Members Stand was the perfect spot to watch a relentless Melbourne kick yet another eight goals in the third term and claim a 73-point win.

 

There was a great buzz in the rooms after the game. It was the first time I was in there post-match for the song.

 

It was great to experience the passion that is currently very evident at the Demons. While we’ve had a few years down the bottom of the ladder, there are good signs I saw on Sunday, which the average punter doesn’t get to see sitting in Bay 13.

 

I think the passion that we as fans are currently showing well and truly flows through behind the scenes as well. Debt Demolition is a good example, as we were able to raise another $22,000 on game day.

 

Melbourne is in great shape and I couldn’t be prouder to be a fan. As our playing group gets more experienced and consistent we’re going to be the envy of all other football fans.

 

I want to send a massive thanks to everyone who made Sunday one of the best days I’ve ever had. Also, a huge thanks to Cameron Schwab for letting me, William and Liam see behind the scenes of the team we love.