WIN, LOSE OR DRAW - NO DEFECTIONS ALLOWED, EVER

Footy fever reaches its highest pitch on the morrow - The Grand Final (Aussie Rules).

Today there was a parade for Geelong and St. Kilda in the rain - lots of fans turned out despite the inclement conditions. St. Kilda have had a towering season and Geelong kicked Collingwood out of the finals last weekend in scary style - we looked like little boys next to their hairy grit. That said, Gary Ablett doesn't have a hair on his head and quite rightly took the Brownlow medal home on Monday eve.

You might be asking, who the hell cares? A lot of Aussies feel the same, but if you've got the footy bug, Winter (particularly in Melbourne) is much more enjoyable. If your team is winning mind you. Don't even talk about the depression that hits if you lose, particularly if you get pulverised which Collingwood has quite a bit. Though we were always a wild card. All the Macdonalds left the MCG half way through the final quarter last Saturday evening, (and we NEVER leave a game early), as it was quite clear our whipping was causing us all excessive pain.

In the words of my new friend Roachie, who coaches with the Hawks, "You're born into a footy team. Win, lose or draw, you stick with 'em." St. Kilda fans have been loyal since their last flag in 1966. Something tells me they deserve it tomorrow, but it's lucky number 3 Grannies in a row for the Cats - having lost the last two. Both teams will be dogged tomorrow.

Anyway the Grand Final (the Grannie!) will see barbies firing up and eskies filled all over Australia. Beers will be opened from an early hour. Two mighty Victorian teams will awaken to a Clash of the Titans. They have both led the whole season and were undefeated half way through - until they played each other, and St. Kilda just scraped a victory. It will hopefully be a great battle, worthy of them both.

'Nuff said.

I've finally booked all my tickets to head off around the world again - the other way this time. I'm boarding a jet plane in a few short weeks and cannot wait to get back out amongst it. It's been a fabulous return to Oz the past 6 months, but it's time I reconnect having been almost a year since I left London for India. I cannot believe that time has flown by. It's been pretty damn incredible I must say. Bring on Summer though, I forgot that Melbourne winters could be pretty harsh. But thankfully somewhat shortlived.

I say that when it's been pissing down with hideous big, fat rain the past few days mercilessly. It's great for our reservoirs after the droughts, but everyone is antsy for Spring and the racing carnival is just around the corner. Sadly I'll miss all the pastels and hats. Champagne and chicken and avocado sandwiches abound us all I remember of past carnivals.

Gotta run to Hamish's work party - XYZ Studios have a new home in South Melb and we're christening it tonight.

Toodles.
Lxxx