May 27, 2003

WHY DO THEY HATE US?

John Quiggin sends a note:

I was watching a current affairs segment on the poor showing the Victorian AFL clubs have made so far this season. They interviewed interstate fans including a little girl (maybe 6) supporter of the Lions (I think). They asked her who she most liked to see beaten, and she named Collingwood.

Asked why, she thought for a moment and said with a beatific smile: "Because ... I hate them".

I can’t remember the journalist responsible, but in the ‘70s one infamous match report began like this:

”Write something nice about Collingwood,” a toothless hag hissed at me as I arrived for yesterday’s game at Victoria Park.

Talk about your root causes. I’ve known nothing but hatred and spite my entire life. Now the haters are even trying to steal our spiritual heritage.

Posted by Tim Blair at May 27, 2003 01:44 AM
Comments

Stop yer whinging.

Posted by: Scott Wickstein at May 27, 2003 at 02:09 AM

Mind you, get stuck into those Port scum on Friday night.

Posted by: Scott Wickstein at May 27, 2003 at 02:30 AM

Tim! Tim! Tim! Six out of eight Interstate. I love it.

Posted by: aussieoldfart at May 27, 2003 at 03:31 AM

As a Carlton supporter, I think that little girl from Brisbane shows great intelligence - I'm sure she's top of her class.

It's probably a genetic thing. In the same way that recognising snakes are dangerous is an excellent survival trait, recognising that Collingwood and its supporters are a lower form of life quickly marks you out as one of the species' elites - destined for a rich and rewarding life (with a superior selection of mating opportunities). Like attracts like, and over the generations the most intelligent and attractive people become those who hate Collingwood the most.

Posted by: Mark at May 27, 2003 at 01:15 PM

Tim, you should be proud of your black-and-white heroes. They, like Carlton, Manly, Illawara (back in the Good Ol' Days), the American Olympic basketball team, and of course any Poms involved in any sporting event, provide a valuable resource to the community.

I mean, how else will we decide who to barrack for when two teams we're not interested in go head-to-head? As my uncle used to respond to queries about his favourite rugby league teams: "I like Canberra, and of course whoever's playing Manly!"

Posted by: mark at May 28, 2003 at 03:21 AM

It simply reinforces that the Magpies are the envy of the nation. More hatred is simply an indication of our overwhelming superiority. We are what they all want to be. However it is too bad for them that WE'RE COLLINGWOOD AND THEY'RE NOT!

Posted by: Driver at May 28, 2003 at 11:37 PM

It would be nice if "fat Eddie" could stick to the truth.

Tradition? Port is 22 years older than Collingwood and much, much richer in tradition, pride, heritage. You Vics are just too parochial to see it.

Flags? Step down to Alberton where they have walls of silverware, including Champion of Australia trophies. Where's yours?

Port v Collingwood record? Port have won an average of 57% since joining the AFL. Collingwood 41%

Standing? Port have finished higher than Collingwood after the minor rounds EVERY SEASON since they joined the AFL.

Many or us Crows fans will be at Football Park tonight because we don't appreciate being slagged at along with Port and the SANFL. You won't see any extra cash, though, because the SANFL was smart enough to allow us to buy season tickets where the money goes to OUR club, and not yours.

Posted by: Scarlet at May 30, 2003 at 10:58 AM