Brisbane is a beautiful city. It's crazy - at least it is for a country girl like me - but it's beautiful. Over the weekend, I had such a great time. Matt and I spent a lot of well deserved time together, despite my being there on business while shooting Sarah and Nathanael's wedding - which I just adored every minute of. Sarah is a very close friend of mine; to photograph her special day was an honour, a privilege and a treasure. The day after, Matt and I spent our time together. The day started quietly. Warm, soft morning light was trickling through the pleated chiffon drapes in our hotel room. I had a good feeling about today. We went, walking, adventuring, cafe dining, and waiting for the Brisbane Lions vs. Richmond Tigers AFL match to start at the Gabba.
We were thrilled to find that the cafe we had been recommended to dine in named "Milk" was themed with yellow and black colours. It was good to feel safe at home. Naturally, with tonight being our game, we wore our Tigers guernseys out through the city. From among those walking the sidewalks with us, we could easily spot Lions supporters. They would generally glare at us, eye us warily, and/or make some suitable remark such as "you're brave". But you know, that was wonderful to hear. It's nice to be brave some days. I wish I could be that brave more often. I wasn't afraid of anything. I was invincible. In a small city world against me, I could hold my head high with pride and say to myself "they're right - I'm brave".
As we crossed the bridge on our way to Wooloongabba, I caught a glimpse of our beautiful temple. Not long now - just 4 months and I'll be there with Matt.
Once we arrived at Wooloongabba, we decided to wait around the Gabba grounds, until our hotel would allow us to check in. We sat on the benches and watched the Lions promo staff set up their displays and banners in the front lawns. We giggled just a little. We knew we were going to win. After sitting and watching for a while, we heard Gloria Jeans across the street calling our name, and off we went for iced chocolates. Unfortunately, we then went to check in at the Gabba Serviced Apartments, only to find out they had completely screwed up our booking, and booked us in for the night before, instead of that night. And, of course, now they had no reservations, and kicked us out on the street.
But, we are "Tiger Tuff", and it was no biggie.
But, we are "Tiger Tuff", and it was no biggie.
On to the Tigers pre-game event we walked! Some 20 minute walk down the street, we found the Lord Stanley Hotel, and filed in, peeking around corners looking for signs of our fellow team supporters. Everywhere we looked, there was a flash of yellow and black. Now that felt like home.
Finally, the gates opened, and I bolted for the fence. Right behind the goal square, smack bang in the middle of the posts. It was only 6pm, and the game didn't start until 7.40pm, so we enjoyed watching a good hour of watching our Tigers warming up. Kicking towards the posts - our posts - then running over to us to collect their ball. We begged Matt White for a smile - which he willingly, but coyly presented. Dustin Martin was oblivious to all sound apart from whatever he had playing over his iPod, before he took out his earbuds and began footwork warmups alongside Cotchin. Cotchin - what a people person he is. He was just loving the attention. Jack Riewoldt took a few kicks. Matt and I were beside ourselves.
My only regret was not having a better camera kit with me with a longer lens.
Being Richmond Tiger fanatics, we of course had the night of our lives, screaming, shouting, abusing, banging, voices breaking, jumping, arms flailing and basking in the glory of the Tiger army, and our favourite players as they smiled, laughed, interacted, played and won for and with us. Matt even wore a mullet wig to support his favourite, Ivan Maric.
We both wore Dustin Martin neck tattoos we drew on with permanent marker before the game. And I lined my eyes to look like tiger eyes. I lost my voice, and it's still sore 2 days later. My palms are still bruised and tender from slamming them against the fence boards. But I am still so happy. And as if the night itself, the win, and the atmosphere wasn't magical enough, there were a few magical moments I caught on camera.
While the Tigers were warming up, I shouted loving words towards Jack Riewoldt - who was barely 2 meters away. He suddenly blushed, and a shy but broad smile spread across his face as he lowered his head to the ground.
I made Jack Riewoldt smile.
And in some small way, he now knows how he makes the Tigers feel, every time he takes a mark, takes a specky, kicks a goal. We love our Jack, and he makes us smile.
Dustin Martin came by after the end of the game, and high-fived everyone along our fence - I can't believe I actually touched him. He is so quiet. Shy. Reserved.
Focused. No distractions.
He also gave a signed ball to a young girl. She was thrilled. I was so happy for her - I took a photo of her with her new treasure and emailed it to her. And then, she let me have a photo with it too!!
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