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Over the years, I have watched many AFL games and experienced the highs and lows of the great game called Australian Rules football. There are many different people that you meet and hence many different types of supporters. Listed below are some of the supporter types I have encountered over the years, perhaps you fit the characteristics of one (or more) of these groups.
The Stalwart – this type of supporter is easily identifiable. Usually in their advanced years, they are wearing a scarf or other memorabilia from yesteryear. These people have supported the club for their entire life. Nothing comes in between this supporter and their club. These people will always stay until the final siren even if their team is over 10 goals behind.
The Fanatic – this supporter type will dress up in their team’s colours, paint their face, wear wigs and carry flags to game day, all in the hope of getting their team over the line for the win. To say they are passionate is an understatement for they are committed to their team’s success. Their homes like themselves are full of team memorabilia and they are most likely to be a member of the club. In essence, they are the basically the younger (or more juvenile) version of The Stalwart.
The Commentator – this person will provide commentary on the game as it is being played (although without the panache of Dennis Cometti) and much to the pain of those around them. The commentary is always one-sided, which is annoying if you support the opposition. However to put it simply, I am already at the game and I can see what is happening, if I wanted commentary I would have stayed home !!
The Analyst – this person will watch the game and analyse what is happening on the field. Although they are not as annoying as the Commentator, this type will provide some analysis to others if the occasion warrants it. But if watching the game solo, then they will simply sit and watch the game and make mental notes in the process.
The Bogan – this type is almost self explanatory and is usually identifiable through their lack of teeth, unusual hair-styles and tattoos. This type of supporter yells and screams and rarely puts more than two intelligible words together without including at least one expletive. For example: “Kick the F*cking ball, moron” and “What the F*ck were you F*cking thinking D*ckhead?” are common favourites. Bogans are usually given a wide berth by most of the other supporter types.
The Misguided – these people have simply forgotten which game they should be watching. Wearing supporter gear for a team that is different to the match they are attending, they are really noticeable in the crowd. (Although it is understandable if an non-Victorian team is playing in Melbourne
The Joker – there is always one in the crowd and these people usually find something amusing to say to the masses that is much to the chagrin of opposition supporters. An example of this is a West Coast supporter calling St Kilda player Stephen Milne a Therapist (which probably crosses the line once you think about it). Of course like any comedian, the Joker must continually update his material otherwise the masses will find it rather boring.
The Abuser - when things are not going as planned (or hoped) for their team, this person decides to abuse the umpires, the opposition and even their own players in the hope that everything will turn around including their own life. But when you think about it, are they really just venting their own frustration on life in general out at the football game. This type of supporter simply needs to chill out, have a meat pie and a beer (or something stronger) and just enjoy the game !!
