The Grand Final

I didn't get to the pub until well into the second quarter, after chatting with Mum (home from her holiday overseas) and unpacking the shopping.

Plaw (aka Paul) at the till

Mim and Caitlin were floating around, chatting to Mouse, Stewie, Mr Kaine and other regulars. Michael was sitting with Les and a bloke called Charlie, a horse breaker, so I joined them.

Les Kaine, sitting next to photos of him from the 1950s to 1962, when he helped Hawthorn win the Grand Final

It was the first AFL game I'd watched, and it wasn't too bad. There was an even mix of Geelong and Hawthorn supporters throughout the pub, all being noisy. There were a couple of people who weren't pub regulars, we eyed them with suspicion (one of them was drinking Strongbows, say no more).

Michael and Mouse (aka David)

There was a big cheer when Hawthorn beat Geelong with a reasonable margin, and everyone congratulated Les. Beer flowed freely but by six pm I had to get Jemima home before I killed her. Too many late nights, she was just being feral!! Naturally, she didn't want to leave and kicked up a stink.

a pub regular

Dropped the girls off home and went back later for Michael.

And the best part of the day ...... knowing that the football season is officially OVER!