When I'm standing on the hill at Leichardt I've been known to scream abuse at referees and oposition players, then realise I'm standing next to a family with young children. I think a few kids have gone home with an expanded vocabulary and some awkward questions.
The most offence I've caused has actually been over a game that may or may not happen. My girlfriend and I are getting married in September this year, Saturday the 20th to be exact. Now that's week 2 of the finals, so it's going to be a tense day for someone's team, if not ours. Knowing how excited boys get around that time of the year, we've decided to have the wedding earlier in the day, so people don't have to stress during the ceremony. If the Tigers are playing in a semi that day, then we'll be able to follow the match after lunch. Obviously that won't be the main focus of the day, but we're going to be having a picnic in the park for the reception, and maybe have ABC grandstand on the radio for those wanting to listen. We want a pretty relaxed informal day surrounded by our friends.
I'm certainly not going to leave my own wedding to go to the game, but my stepmum has it in her head that I'm showing utter contempt for my bride to be by even trying to schedule around finals season. I was on the receiving end of a huge rant a couple of weeks ago, and my fiance is now seriously pissed off with my stepmum for what she sees as unwelcome interference and I'm having to make the apologies, even though I was the one being yelled at.
My very supportive bride understands that my head is never on task during a match, regardless of whether I'm watching it or not. If there's a game on, I'm going to be stressed about it. I don't want that during our wedding.