BomberMcVeigh's Big Day Out

By BomberMcVeigh
It’s funny how some things just happen unexpectedly.

Yesterday I had things to do in the morning that meant that my son (PhcMe33) and I would have to catch the 11:30 train from Ballarat to the game. This was going to make us late for the North Melbourne Chairman’s Club lunch. Fortunately, my business partner and his wife (both North supporters) had saved our entrees.

I must admit, travelling to the football in a suit makes you really stand out on the train, but once in the Limelight Room, you fit right in. Football royalty everywhere!

We missed the James Brayshaw speech, but managed to hear the last of James Hird’s and Glenn Archer’s views about the Archer-Hird medal. Not too much to report on this other than Hirdy wasn’t missing football until it started again this year, and he observed that the game seemed to be so fast when you watch as a spectator – something he took for granted on the field.

Both Archer and Hird were presented with an Archer-Hird medal for their collection of other medals.

As they went off for their on field commitments, the MC announced that someone in the room was going to be selected to join Bruce McAveney, Rohan Connolly, Jason Dunstall, and Mike Sheahan to vote on the Archer-Hird medal. I remarked to my business partner that that was a great idea and he said “It could be anybody – it could be you”.

Imagine my surprise when they read my name out!

I had to go on to the stage and it went something like this:

MC: “Obviously a Bomber’s man BMcV?”

BMcV: “Yep” (Methinks – Genius could see my 70’s Bomber cufflinks and 80’s Bomber tie – dead set give away) “I was just saying to my table that I’d really like to win the honour of voting for the Archer-Hird, and then I heard my name!”

MC: “What will you be looking for in the Archer-Hird medallist today?”

BMcV: “I’ll be looking not for the player who gets the most stats, but for the player who epitomises the way that both Hird and Archer played the game – with courage. Oh, and they’re both great blokes to boot.”

MC: “Well good luck!” followed by crowd applause.

A nice young girl from NMFC (Fiona) came over and explained the process, and told me to have my votes in at the 15 minute mark of the last quarter.

At this stage, I’d had a couple of glasses of Shiraz and a couple of beers, but decided to cut my intake for at least the first half, lest I forget who was any good. Felt a little weird to have my name read over the Telstra Dome PA!

Sitting amongst a bunch of North supporters, they were taking great delight in pointing out who was getting most of the footy in the first quarter. We obviously came back in the second quarter but from where I was sitting, there was no clear cut winner at half time. I was, after all, trying to be impartial.

I decided to get the popular opinion from the hoi polloi at the men’s urinal, but was met with “the bloody umpires are BOG so far!” I was also getting “Geez, I don’t envy your job today mate.” This was turning out badly.

Time for a couple more drinks, party pies, and sausage rolls to clear the mind and then inspiration struck – who would you turn to in this situation? The man himself, James Hird!

BMcV: “Excuse me James, I’ve been asked to vote for your medal and I am having a bit of trouble at the moment. What’s your take on the game so far?”

JH: “Well I reckon Mark McVeigh’s looking pretty good at the moment. Keep an eye on him”

BMcV: “Geez, thanks James. Do you mind if my son and I get our photo taken with you? “

JH: “Not at all”

Snap.

BMcV: “Thanks again James!”

Nothing like sharing time with an Essendon great to get you inspired!

Fortunately, the second half played right into my hands. Not one North player even looked like getting a vote from me so I only had to concentrate on the blokes I knew. I could kick back, have a few beers, and enjoy the show! At the 15 minute mark of the last quarter, I dutifully filled out my Nomination Form, placed it in the “Private and Confidential” envelope, and gave it to Fiona – mission accomplished.

Who did I vote for? Well it was private and confidential, but you may get some idea from my Nobby votes.

Won’t forget Round 1 2008 for a while!

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Posted 25 March 08 in News