Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a very passionate and dedicated Parramatta Eels fan. I am very invested in the sport as a whole and definitely delve deep in all the issues surrounding the players, teams and the game. This issue however, is one that I have purposely avoided. I know that it is a huge issue and definitely affects everyone involved with the club but I don't feel a need to discuss it so much. Every single time I log onto any form of social media I see something new on the matter. It's unavoidable and frankly, I'm over it. Once an actual punishment has been issued and the case is closed, I will see reasoning in people discussing it like no tomorrow but right now there's actually no point at all. There are far more important things to focus on right now than the salary cap drama from previous years.
The Braids
Sure the Manly Sea Eagles are rocking a few more braided heads but Parramatta are the dark knights on this issue. I honestly believe by finals times they can have every single player on that field with at least 3 braids. Brad Takairangi has the undercut happening, Tepai Moeroa rocks half the head with the rest in his luscious pony tail, Kenny Edwards has blue and gold braided within the hair and Junior Paulo has the itsy bitsy pony tail happening at the bottom of his so already they're top of the comp with creativity and differentiation. Hands down though, the only way Parramatta can take home the braided premiership title is if they get Beau Scott to get some braided extensions onto that bald head. Now that would be a sight.
Corey Norman's "Yeah Nah"s
This is actually such a huge issue that I can not understand why more people aren't focusing on. I think people are overlooking it because it's such a serious matter. Is there a reason why he needs to say "yeah nah" at least 12 times every interview? Where is the clause in his contract that requires it and why do so many other players have the same clause? Is this a new trend that's taking over our society now days? Bets are on. Can Corey Norman go a whole interview without saying "yeah nah" at least once? Odds are against him...
Eels Game Day Playlist
At the beginning of the season the social networking team announced a list of songs that the players had nominated to be played each time they scored a try/kicked a conversion. The only twist on this matter is that they didn't say who selected which song. Ever since that dark day I haven't been able to think, eat or sleep. I need to know who picked which song and why they did it. What if a player never scores a try? Does that mean they never get to hear their beloved theme song belted through the speakers? And what about players who score tries during away games and not at home? I feel so bad for them that they get to miss out on the amazing opportunity to celebrate to their own music selection. This game is too unfair.
No Smiling Allowed
As a bystander at Parramatta games and functions I can easily say that Nathan Peats and Manu Ma'u are two of the most terrifying humans alive. They're lovely guys, do not get me wrong on that at all but sometimes when I'm home alone lost in my thoughts I have to wonder if they have ever smiled. I seriously believe it should be on the bucket list of every single Parramatta fan that they will make one of the two (or even more magical, both) smile. I fear it may be impossible though...
The Kenny Cuddle
I've left the most important matter for last because this matter doesn't just affect Parramatta but it affects the whole NRL. I reached out to Hopoate, Thurston, Tedesco and Moylan to speak on this matter but they all rejected my tweets and Instagram direct messages and I'm only assuming it's because they are still recovering from their incidents and aren't quite yet prepared to talk about it. Each of these poor souls encountered the ferocious Kenny Edwards and his bear hugs during pivotal moments of their games causing total chaos amongst Parramatta fans. How does he pick his victims? Does he stalk his victims like a predator or does he attack at random? But the most important question I have to ask is, just how embarrassed are the players after they realise that they were his victim?
These are the matters that I wish the media and society would focus on more rather than focusing on such irrelevant and unimportant matters like the salary cap. What does a club have to do to get some attention from the media these days?
VG out. *mic drop*
Disclaimer: Although I'm known for my passion for the eels, I'm actually more known for my sarcasm and smart-ass attitude. Sorry if you thought you were actually going to get some logical display of intelligence towards the matter. Also, I have actually encountered both Peats and Ma'u smiling and it was life changing. Brought a tear to my eye.
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Sunday, 28 June 2015
PLAYER FATIGUE SOLUTION
There has been an on-going discussion surrounding the fatigue of NRL players throughout the season, particularly those who happen to play representative football. Even more lately than of past, people are questioning and asking for a solution and for some reason no one can come up with an easy solution that leaves everyone more happy than angry. Now, my father and I often find ourselves at games cheering in the blue and gold army for Parramatta and you could definitely say we are very passionate fans of the sport as a whole and want the best for everyone involved. More than often we end up sitting at home watching different games or NRL shows on Channel Nine of Fox Sports. With our passionate personalities we always get into rowdy discussions over issues within the game and sometimes we agree and sometimes we don't but with this issue we are absolute advocates for this solution: stand alone State of Origin weekends.
Now I am very aware that this isn't a new suggestion for the NRL at all but I do question how often it has been put into writing and spread around.
At the moment, the NRL handles each season with 26 rounds. Within that however of course, each team gets their 2 byes so that brings it down to 24 playing games. As well as this though, there is always the rep round with the games such as the Aus/NZ game and City/Country so considering the majority of players don't actually play that round that brings us to 23 playing games. If the NRL chose to make the State of Origin games played on stand alone weekends we would have the majority of players only playing 20 total games. Now hear me out NRL fans, I've tallied up 3 major reasons why I believe that this is the best option for coaches, players and ultimately fans.
1. LESS PLAYER FATIGUE
This is an obvious one. In one season most players won't play the full total of 24 games but in a hypothetical situation where we do have a player who does play all of their team's games as well as representing their country and state then I can totally understand an issue of player fatigue. You can't blame them for being absolutely exhausted after that. If we made the State of Origin rounds stand alone weekends then there is no possibility of a player backing up after say 2 days and putting their body on the line and risking an injury or the inability of playing to their full potential. If the player is selected for something like State of Origin then it's no surprise to anyone that they're very good and instrumental in their team's success so why wouldn't you want to see them rested up after a war like State of Origin without sacrificing seeing your team play without them just for them to get that rest.
There have been far too many examples of players being forced to sit out of their team's matches after State of Origin due to fatigue and it's just not fair on the player, the rest of the team and the fans. Jarryd Hayne 2014 anyone?
Ultimately, yes, it is the players decision to represent their state but you can't punish the player for wanting to be involved in that sort of opportunity. The NRL promotes the State of Origin as one of the greatest challenges a player can participate in and there are many many players who dream of pulling on the blue or maroon jerseys. There aren't actually too many players who choose to not represent so those who do shouldn't have to feel forced to play only days after that and risking serious injuries. I genuinely question, if players didn't have that short back up after Origin would there be less injuries to those players?
And now, never mind those players who actually do represent, for those players who don't they get a week off which is an opportunity to rest any injuries they have been carrying and rest their bodies. Sounds like a lot less fatigue to me...
2. PARTY AFTER ORIGIN
Now this one is a focus purely on the fans. The game wouldn't be what it is without the fans and it has been proved year after year that the fans love State of Origin. With that said however, every single time Origin roles around you hear of people wishing they could call in sick Thursday morning because they want to celebrate their teams win or "mourn" the loss. If State of Origin took place on a Saturday night this would lower this complaint greatly. I do understand that of course there are people who work weekends but we have to go with majority here. Considering the fact that football will always be played on Saturday nights throughout the whole season, I think we know that it is a good day for the game to be enjoyed.
The crowd attendance of Monday night football games over the last couple of years has also shown that people prefer weekend footy. Now I know that Origin is very different so an exception would be made but I still believe we would receive greater ratings and attendance if we had State of Origin on the weekends.
If the NRL continues to have kick-off moving later and later into the evening they need to find a solution for fans dealing with early morning work or education responsibilities the next day. Either bring kick-off earlier (which would of course only annoy people rushing to make it home) or move the game to a weekend.
3. MORE ANTICIPATION
As someone who genuinely loves the game as a whole rather than just my team, I openly admit that I do not watch every single game in a round. I feel like I'm definitely not alone with this though. As fans, we are absolutely spoiled with the amount of football presented to us in a season. As we head towards game 3 of the 2015 State of Origin series we will have Monday night football from the previous round on the 6th, then Origin on Wednesday the 8th and then straight into the next round of football on Friday the 10th which continues until Monday the 13th. That is a crazy amount of football and only 2 days in a week without football. I find myself not necessarily loosing interest in the game but I am loosing any form of anticipation for football. If people are holding on to their anticipation for the next game of footy to roll around, ratings will go up and the football will be generally enjoyed more.
Let me ask you fans, when your team has the bye don't you enjoy the next time your team does play more because you were forced to wait and the anticipation was greater?
Not that I kept it necessarily brief, but that's my say in the matter, let me know what you all think.
Victoria Garry
Now I am very aware that this isn't a new suggestion for the NRL at all but I do question how often it has been put into writing and spread around.
At the moment, the NRL handles each season with 26 rounds. Within that however of course, each team gets their 2 byes so that brings it down to 24 playing games. As well as this though, there is always the rep round with the games such as the Aus/NZ game and City/Country so considering the majority of players don't actually play that round that brings us to 23 playing games. If the NRL chose to make the State of Origin games played on stand alone weekends we would have the majority of players only playing 20 total games. Now hear me out NRL fans, I've tallied up 3 major reasons why I believe that this is the best option for coaches, players and ultimately fans.
1. LESS PLAYER FATIGUE
This is an obvious one. In one season most players won't play the full total of 24 games but in a hypothetical situation where we do have a player who does play all of their team's games as well as representing their country and state then I can totally understand an issue of player fatigue. You can't blame them for being absolutely exhausted after that. If we made the State of Origin rounds stand alone weekends then there is no possibility of a player backing up after say 2 days and putting their body on the line and risking an injury or the inability of playing to their full potential. If the player is selected for something like State of Origin then it's no surprise to anyone that they're very good and instrumental in their team's success so why wouldn't you want to see them rested up after a war like State of Origin without sacrificing seeing your team play without them just for them to get that rest.
There have been far too many examples of players being forced to sit out of their team's matches after State of Origin due to fatigue and it's just not fair on the player, the rest of the team and the fans. Jarryd Hayne 2014 anyone?
Ultimately, yes, it is the players decision to represent their state but you can't punish the player for wanting to be involved in that sort of opportunity. The NRL promotes the State of Origin as one of the greatest challenges a player can participate in and there are many many players who dream of pulling on the blue or maroon jerseys. There aren't actually too many players who choose to not represent so those who do shouldn't have to feel forced to play only days after that and risking serious injuries. I genuinely question, if players didn't have that short back up after Origin would there be less injuries to those players?
And now, never mind those players who actually do represent, for those players who don't they get a week off which is an opportunity to rest any injuries they have been carrying and rest their bodies. Sounds like a lot less fatigue to me...
2. PARTY AFTER ORIGIN
Now this one is a focus purely on the fans. The game wouldn't be what it is without the fans and it has been proved year after year that the fans love State of Origin. With that said however, every single time Origin roles around you hear of people wishing they could call in sick Thursday morning because they want to celebrate their teams win or "mourn" the loss. If State of Origin took place on a Saturday night this would lower this complaint greatly. I do understand that of course there are people who work weekends but we have to go with majority here. Considering the fact that football will always be played on Saturday nights throughout the whole season, I think we know that it is a good day for the game to be enjoyed.
The crowd attendance of Monday night football games over the last couple of years has also shown that people prefer weekend footy. Now I know that Origin is very different so an exception would be made but I still believe we would receive greater ratings and attendance if we had State of Origin on the weekends.
If the NRL continues to have kick-off moving later and later into the evening they need to find a solution for fans dealing with early morning work or education responsibilities the next day. Either bring kick-off earlier (which would of course only annoy people rushing to make it home) or move the game to a weekend.
3. MORE ANTICIPATION
As someone who genuinely loves the game as a whole rather than just my team, I openly admit that I do not watch every single game in a round. I feel like I'm definitely not alone with this though. As fans, we are absolutely spoiled with the amount of football presented to us in a season. As we head towards game 3 of the 2015 State of Origin series we will have Monday night football from the previous round on the 6th, then Origin on Wednesday the 8th and then straight into the next round of football on Friday the 10th which continues until Monday the 13th. That is a crazy amount of football and only 2 days in a week without football. I find myself not necessarily loosing interest in the game but I am loosing any form of anticipation for football. If people are holding on to their anticipation for the next game of footy to roll around, ratings will go up and the football will be generally enjoyed more.
Let me ask you fans, when your team has the bye don't you enjoy the next time your team does play more because you were forced to wait and the anticipation was greater?
Not that I kept it necessarily brief, but that's my say in the matter, let me know what you all think.
Victoria Garry
Monday, 10 February 2014
Gratitude
About a week and a half ago, I suffered one of my lowest of lows as I found myself unable to shake the horrible dark thoughts in my mind and the overwhelming sorrowful mood that had taken over my body. After I spent what felt like hours crying and talking to two of my closest friends, they settled on a conversation about gratitude and being grateful for what you do have, rather than constantly being resentful of the horrors of your life. When I had finally managed to some what compose myself, I agreed that daily I would send a list of 10 things that I was grateful for to them as a way of showing that I was thinking positively rather than negatively.
We stood in my friends kitchen, clutching at glasses of water as I attempted to send off my first list. 10 things to be grateful for probably doesn't seem that hard to come up with, but when your mind is deafening you with negative thoughts, it appears to be mission impossible. But still, I managed to force out my list.
We stood in my friends kitchen, clutching at glasses of water as I attempted to send off my first list. 10 things to be grateful for probably doesn't seem that hard to come up with, but when your mind is deafening you with negative thoughts, it appears to be mission impossible. But still, I managed to force out my list.
- Living in a home in a good area
- Having a family that exists
- Friends that will help me whenever
- Having clothes to wear
- Having the opportunity to go to uni
- My education
- Having safe food and water to consume
- Medicare allowing me to see a doctor whenever
- Pizza
- Being alive
Ignoring the clear humour of number 9, they commended me for the list and discussed their pride over the fact that I was able to do that but continuously reminded me that it wasn't a one off. I was going to do it every day. And in the moment I nodded my head reassuringly telling them that I would and that it would be no problem. But I was wrong.
When the next day came by and I hadn't sent a message I was sent a cheeky reminder just stating "You grateful this morning Victoria? :)" I was suddenly irritated and felt a sense of anger towards the question as I just kept telling myself that I had nothing to be grateful for and that it was too hard of a task to complete. So my way of resolving this issue, was to send out a sarcastic response. It seemed harmless in my eyes, but he saw past it.
- My comfy blankets which I have cocooned myself in all morning
- The ability to have a hot shower
- My hair straightener to tame my mane
- IMessage
- Videos of Novak Djokovic that I had never seen before
- The banana that I just ate
- Being able to contact someone almost immediately
- The health of my immediate family
- The NRL season starting back up in 31 days
- Electricity
- The health of my immediate family
- Electricity
- The ability to have a hot shower
- Being able to contact someone almost immediately
- Not living in a third world country
- Feeling safe within my household and neighbourhood
- The encouragement of my family and friends to pursue my dreams
- Having multiple different people to go to during bad times
- The development of medication that assures me during times I'm sick
- Being able to contact my family overseas easily
The next day I didn't need a reminder. I had a very humbling day and I was definitely brought back down to reality, so willingly in my time, I was able to quickly send away my list.
- A functioning body that allows me to live my life easily
- The chance to have experienced two different cultures as well as the opportunity to experience more in the future
- The unbelievable diversity among the world that has allowed me to determine the way I want and should live
- Random acts of kindness that remind me that there is good in the world
- The world of music, film and television that takes me to a whole new world that I can use as an escape
- The music and television industry that continuously keeps inspiring me
- The ability to freely speak my mind
- Small acts of affection
- Growth through bad times and having your growth acknowledged
- Having a sister which prevents the concept of being an only child
After that day, I got quite busy. I was doing well emotionally and mentally so maybe I felt I didn't need to be grateful anymore. That gratitude was only suited for those that were emotionally unstable. But really, gratitude is what humbles and surfaces every single person on this earth. No person is too good to be grateful. And no one has no reason to be grateful. There is always a reason.
That is why, despite my many days of not sending a list, I was still so easily able to write up this list after he sent me a simple message stating "Gratefulness is the key to life."
- Feeling comfortable with someone enough to express yourself fully and have no awkward silences or anything
- Having the ability to learn new things no matter how late in life it may seem
- Realising someone you just met and you share a similar interest
- That first laugh after you've been crying
- Coming home to find my dog running to the door to greet me
- Reminiscing about old memories that you hadn't thought about in ages
- Waking up feeling refreshed
- Discovering new locations
- Catching up with friends you hadn't seen in a long time and nothing being different
- Having someone change your doubts about something
Through the days I have been constantly reminded that gratitude is what helps keep you alive. Tonight, I discovered it myself. When you really care, it won't be that hard to realise too. So that is why now, I question you. If someone asked you to list 10 things you were truly, life savingly grateful for, could you do it?
Friday, 13 September 2013
Open Training Session
Last week, before the team packed up for their bus trip to Newcastle for the final game of the year the club organised an open training session for the fans. While it was an early start for me and it was the day of the election, I knew I couldn't miss this opportunity. I always love seeing the boys as much as possible and I knew this would be my final time seeing the players for the year, especially those departing players. I wanted an opportunity to say goodbye and thank you so I wasn't going to allow myself to miss this.
Emma and I met up at Parramatta and made our way through giant lines of people waiting to vote at the town hall and instead sat down in the sun stricken Parramatta Stadium. Looking around at the stands it really hit me just how much people had given up on the team. The barely packed stands really saddened me and I couldn't help but imagine that the players wouldn't be able but to take note of the lack of fans for the day. This made me feel even more assured that I will never give up on this team that I have seriously grown to love and adore. And I always see it as their loss. They don't come to the events so that means I get easier photo opportunities and chances to mingle with the players. And I did do just that.
After watching the players train in the unbelievable heat, and sharing a few laughs with Emma about the training exercises they were required to do and just how the players approach those, we moved over to the side of the field waiting with the other fans to be let onto the field to get up close and personal with the boys. I have to take a moment to applaud the fact that this was the most well organised fan event I have been to since I've been a supporter of the team. Occasionally, I have had my moments where I've felt disappointed because I only got to get a few photos or signatures because the players abruptly would leave. But this time all the players were so willing and patient with the fans. I was able to get photos with just about everyone that I wanted, and even had a little chat with both Darcy and Luke.
One thing I have to take from this whole day, and this ended up causing a commotion on twitter and different social networking sites, was that Jarryd Hayne was the best he's been in a long time. Now I do have to note that it's interesting that people will acknowledge the days in which he is and isn't good to be around because I think a lot of people have come to realise the type of player that he is. I will always be a Jarryd Hayne fan. I'm one of the biggest ones out there for goodness sake, I idolised the guy at one stage. While it may appear that I have "moved on" as some word it, I will always consider him an inspiration. He's still an idol in my eyes, but there is no denying that he is strongly misunderstood. I wish I could broadcast to everyone that he isn't the arrogant, rude person that they have believed him to be. There have been occasions that I have seen him and he isn't a happy, bubbly person that he can be. With this, he's human. I applaud those players that can put on a fake persona around fans when they deep down are hurting, but unfortunately Jarryd can't do that. Why should anyone judge him for that though? Cast your mind back to 2009. As eels fans just the mention of that year brings a smile to our faces and instantly visions of Jarryd "simply dancing" appear in our minds. At this stage, let us remember that he was at the young age of just 21. Imagine being thrown into the spotlight and instant football fame at just 21. Always in these situations I have to throw the cliche line of, put yourself in their shoes. Instead of belittling him for those times that he's just wearing his heart on his sleeves, learn to appreciate and treasure those moments where he is taking hundreds of photos and signing hundreds of autographs all while wearing a smile. I give the guy full credit because despite those times in which he has only choked out a couple of words to me and I felt say disappointed, I still wasn't empty handed. He rarely leaves fans with nothing so quit asking for everything.
Overall, the day was a great success in my eyes. Even so I found myself uncharacteristically saying things to players or people that not long ago I would've been too shy to do. I even managed to introduce myself to the media staff for the eels and a group of us got a photo with them. Who even does that? I do apparently.
It was so great to see the boys for one last time this year and bid farewell to a forgettable year and look towards the future. Never have I been to an eels organised event that has left me feeling let down and this was definitely no exception. There is always something that happens that will be sure to keep a smile on my face all day and cause me to tweet up a storm telling everyone what had happened - even if it appears to be insignificant in their eyes. Here's hoping for more memories with the team that I love next season. Until then, I do wish the boys a restful off season but a forceful preseason.
Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra for 2014!
- Victoria
Emma and I met up at Parramatta and made our way through giant lines of people waiting to vote at the town hall and instead sat down in the sun stricken Parramatta Stadium. Looking around at the stands it really hit me just how much people had given up on the team. The barely packed stands really saddened me and I couldn't help but imagine that the players wouldn't be able but to take note of the lack of fans for the day. This made me feel even more assured that I will never give up on this team that I have seriously grown to love and adore. And I always see it as their loss. They don't come to the events so that means I get easier photo opportunities and chances to mingle with the players. And I did do just that.
After watching the players train in the unbelievable heat, and sharing a few laughs with Emma about the training exercises they were required to do and just how the players approach those, we moved over to the side of the field waiting with the other fans to be let onto the field to get up close and personal with the boys. I have to take a moment to applaud the fact that this was the most well organised fan event I have been to since I've been a supporter of the team. Occasionally, I have had my moments where I've felt disappointed because I only got to get a few photos or signatures because the players abruptly would leave. But this time all the players were so willing and patient with the fans. I was able to get photos with just about everyone that I wanted, and even had a little chat with both Darcy and Luke.
One thing I have to take from this whole day, and this ended up causing a commotion on twitter and different social networking sites, was that Jarryd Hayne was the best he's been in a long time. Now I do have to note that it's interesting that people will acknowledge the days in which he is and isn't good to be around because I think a lot of people have come to realise the type of player that he is. I will always be a Jarryd Hayne fan. I'm one of the biggest ones out there for goodness sake, I idolised the guy at one stage. While it may appear that I have "moved on" as some word it, I will always consider him an inspiration. He's still an idol in my eyes, but there is no denying that he is strongly misunderstood. I wish I could broadcast to everyone that he isn't the arrogant, rude person that they have believed him to be. There have been occasions that I have seen him and he isn't a happy, bubbly person that he can be. With this, he's human. I applaud those players that can put on a fake persona around fans when they deep down are hurting, but unfortunately Jarryd can't do that. Why should anyone judge him for that though? Cast your mind back to 2009. As eels fans just the mention of that year brings a smile to our faces and instantly visions of Jarryd "simply dancing" appear in our minds. At this stage, let us remember that he was at the young age of just 21. Imagine being thrown into the spotlight and instant football fame at just 21. Always in these situations I have to throw the cliche line of, put yourself in their shoes. Instead of belittling him for those times that he's just wearing his heart on his sleeves, learn to appreciate and treasure those moments where he is taking hundreds of photos and signing hundreds of autographs all while wearing a smile. I give the guy full credit because despite those times in which he has only choked out a couple of words to me and I felt say disappointed, I still wasn't empty handed. He rarely leaves fans with nothing so quit asking for everything.
Overall, the day was a great success in my eyes. Even so I found myself uncharacteristically saying things to players or people that not long ago I would've been too shy to do. I even managed to introduce myself to the media staff for the eels and a group of us got a photo with them. Who even does that? I do apparently.
It was so great to see the boys for one last time this year and bid farewell to a forgettable year and look towards the future. Never have I been to an eels organised event that has left me feeling let down and this was definitely no exception. There is always something that happens that will be sure to keep a smile on my face all day and cause me to tweet up a storm telling everyone what had happened - even if it appears to be insignificant in their eyes. Here's hoping for more memories with the team that I love next season. Until then, I do wish the boys a restful off season but a forceful preseason.
Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra for 2014!
- Victoria
 |
| Darcy Lussick - only I would complain to him about being hot in jeans oh man |
 |
| Jarryd Hayne - cause everyone needs a selfie with the man |
 |
| Luke Kelly - no one was going to him, like why?! |
 |
| Mitchell Allgood - seriously sweetest guy! |
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| Reni Maitua - gonna miss him! :'( |
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| Semi Radradra - nicest guy out! |
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| "you tweet a lot" |
Round 25 - Eels vs Dragons
I know it seems a little pointless to update my blog with a post about a game that happened a few weeks ago, but I can't ignore the fact that it was Parra's last win for the year and it was the final game at Parramatta Stadium - the stadium that ended up holding all 5 of the wins for the year. I'm not going to fixate on anything too greatly because the season is over and since that game so much more has happened, including the thrashing by the knights the week later. In a quick summary though, I have to give full credit to the boys for fighting through that game. It proved to be a tricky game that they definitely had to fight for but they pulled through and at the end of the day they got the 2 points and gave fans a reason to smile for a couple of days.
I was genuinely happy purely for the fact that the departing players had a chance to enjoy the experience of a Parrramatta Stadium home game just one last time due to the brilliant decision to move the venue from ANZ. It's always a bummer to leave the stadium that all fans have grown to love knowing that the next time we'll be there with a buzzing crowd echoing the "Parra!" chant and a sea of blue and gold colours across the stands will be March next year. It would've been much more enjoyable to be able to say that this game was the final game of the season, but I'll settle with a win for the final Parramatta home game instead.
Despite everything that has and will continue to happen this season, I hope to see all the amazing blue and gold army faithfuls at Parramatta Stadium next year for what we can only pray will be a better season.
Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra!
- Victoria
I was genuinely happy purely for the fact that the departing players had a chance to enjoy the experience of a Parrramatta Stadium home game just one last time due to the brilliant decision to move the venue from ANZ. It's always a bummer to leave the stadium that all fans have grown to love knowing that the next time we'll be there with a buzzing crowd echoing the "Parra!" chant and a sea of blue and gold colours across the stands will be March next year. It would've been much more enjoyable to be able to say that this game was the final game of the season, but I'll settle with a win for the final Parramatta home game instead.
Despite everything that has and will continue to happen this season, I hope to see all the amazing blue and gold army faithfuls at Parramatta Stadium next year for what we can only pray will be a better season.
Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra!
- Victoria
 |
| back in my moon boot days *sigh* |
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Round 22 - Eels vs Tigers
I have honestly missed the feeling of waking up the night after my team won, but this morning I finally got to experience that feeling all again and let me tell you, it's the most incredible feeling. Before I go into any detail about the game I just want to say that I know it was one win. Even with the win last night I know they're still last place and they still have only won 4 games. I know it was a very messy win and a win against a 15th place team in disarray but despite everything, I'm still going to enjoy this win as much as I possibly want. I think every single blue and gold army member deserves the chance to smile this weekend because we haven't had much to smile about all year yet so many people still stay true to their team and make their way to the different venues to cheer on a last place team. The fans deserved that win just as much as the actual team.
Unfortunately though, the day couldn't all be good. During my 3 hour break at uni I found myself sitting in the waiting room of Balmain Hospital with a potentially dislocated shoulder. This then of course led me to drug myself up on pain killers, bare the horrible look of an arm sling and make my way to the game despite it all. Really, this didn't have much of an affect on me for enjoying the game, though it did definitely make seeing the boys afterwards a little interesting. After 80 minutes of cheering with one arm and clapping on my knee rather than with both hands, I walked away from the stands very happy.
Where can I honestly begin with Jarryd Hayne? He didn't have an absolutely spectacular game, yet he was all anyone could speak about afterwards. There's reasoning for that too. Everyone around him seemed to look so much more confident and dedicated. Last night's game, more than any, just proved how much of a leader Jarryd is and just how much he honestly lifts the team. I never want to be a person to say that the eels are a one man team, because ultimately it's bullshit. They aren't a one man team, though they are dependent on one man. The statistics of games won without Hayne is actually unbelievable and a little sickening but unfortunately we have to deal with it. Last night was reassuring in the sense that they broke a horrible, embarrassing loosing streak but I'm more looking forward to the next weeks now. Let's see if they can wrap up a couple more wins and avoid that dreaded, horrible wooden spoon now that Hayne is fit and back - hopefully at five eighth too.
Rather than just focusing on Hayne, I have to express my congratulations to the whole team. There were some silly errors, showing true form for the eels, but ultimately it was a heart felt performance. They never gave up and that is all I have ever asked for as a fan. I want to be able to walk away from a game, despite the score, knowing that my team tried and did everything they possible could have in order to win. And last night I got what I wanted.
Continuing with the positive outcomes, I hung around after the game again hoping to see the boys. This time, we had to wait quite some time but I was able to hang with a few amazing girls I had met through twitter or instagram and we shared different stories about our favourite players which definitely made time pass. Through this, I realised just how much the eels have helped me meet new people and make new friends. I'm so grateful for all the amazing people I've met through the NRL and I seriously hope I continue to meet incredible fans like I have this year. To anyone that has possibly seen me at games or fan days but haven't wanted to say hey, please do. It really means so much to me and I promise, I'll be happy to meet you and so glad that you did approach me.
It was so amazing to see the boys after a win because they were all smiling so much and genuinely looked happy. Someone that wasn't so happy though was their security who continued to hurry them along and scold them for staying to talk or take photos. While it was aggravating, having Darcy say to Emma and I "Just ignore him, who cares." was so amazing because it proved that he wanted to stay and talk and take photos. He was so happy to see us, and legitimately seemed concerned when he asked what had happened to my arm and expressed how worried he was about hurting me during the photo. I told him about what had happened and when I said that it had happened that day he looked so shocked and shaking his head in disbelief he told me how he thought I was such a loyal fan and how appreciative he was. This moment of them all, was the most amazing. Being acknowledged is something that I think any fan every really wants and it was awesome to have Darcy acknowledge my love for the team and willingness to go to as many games as possible.
I also got the chance to have a little chat with Luke Kelly and let him know I thought he had been playing well and he mutually asked what had happened to my arm and gave me credit for hanging in there for the game too. While leaving too, Emma and I ended up walking with Mitchell Allgood and Darcy to the leagues club because that's where we were getting picked up and I managed to choke out a little joke about how we promised we weren't following them and they both respectfully laughed. During this time I also said a quick hello to Jarryd and Reni and shared a simple "good game tonight!" which they both replied to very nicely. To top the whole night off, Darcy liked my photo on Instagram and backed it up by following me. Now I've gotta make sure to stay sane on there! (hey, chuck me a follow on Insta too: victoriagarry)
Overall, amazing night and can't wait to make my way to ANZ in a couple of weeks to see the boys take on the Dragons after two weeks on the road. Fingers crossed for some more whole-hearted performances by the boys.
Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra!
- Victoria
Unfortunately though, the day couldn't all be good. During my 3 hour break at uni I found myself sitting in the waiting room of Balmain Hospital with a potentially dislocated shoulder. This then of course led me to drug myself up on pain killers, bare the horrible look of an arm sling and make my way to the game despite it all. Really, this didn't have much of an affect on me for enjoying the game, though it did definitely make seeing the boys afterwards a little interesting. After 80 minutes of cheering with one arm and clapping on my knee rather than with both hands, I walked away from the stands very happy.
Where can I honestly begin with Jarryd Hayne? He didn't have an absolutely spectacular game, yet he was all anyone could speak about afterwards. There's reasoning for that too. Everyone around him seemed to look so much more confident and dedicated. Last night's game, more than any, just proved how much of a leader Jarryd is and just how much he honestly lifts the team. I never want to be a person to say that the eels are a one man team, because ultimately it's bullshit. They aren't a one man team, though they are dependent on one man. The statistics of games won without Hayne is actually unbelievable and a little sickening but unfortunately we have to deal with it. Last night was reassuring in the sense that they broke a horrible, embarrassing loosing streak but I'm more looking forward to the next weeks now. Let's see if they can wrap up a couple more wins and avoid that dreaded, horrible wooden spoon now that Hayne is fit and back - hopefully at five eighth too.
Rather than just focusing on Hayne, I have to express my congratulations to the whole team. There were some silly errors, showing true form for the eels, but ultimately it was a heart felt performance. They never gave up and that is all I have ever asked for as a fan. I want to be able to walk away from a game, despite the score, knowing that my team tried and did everything they possible could have in order to win. And last night I got what I wanted.
Continuing with the positive outcomes, I hung around after the game again hoping to see the boys. This time, we had to wait quite some time but I was able to hang with a few amazing girls I had met through twitter or instagram and we shared different stories about our favourite players which definitely made time pass. Through this, I realised just how much the eels have helped me meet new people and make new friends. I'm so grateful for all the amazing people I've met through the NRL and I seriously hope I continue to meet incredible fans like I have this year. To anyone that has possibly seen me at games or fan days but haven't wanted to say hey, please do. It really means so much to me and I promise, I'll be happy to meet you and so glad that you did approach me.
It was so amazing to see the boys after a win because they were all smiling so much and genuinely looked happy. Someone that wasn't so happy though was their security who continued to hurry them along and scold them for staying to talk or take photos. While it was aggravating, having Darcy say to Emma and I "Just ignore him, who cares." was so amazing because it proved that he wanted to stay and talk and take photos. He was so happy to see us, and legitimately seemed concerned when he asked what had happened to my arm and expressed how worried he was about hurting me during the photo. I told him about what had happened and when I said that it had happened that day he looked so shocked and shaking his head in disbelief he told me how he thought I was such a loyal fan and how appreciative he was. This moment of them all, was the most amazing. Being acknowledged is something that I think any fan every really wants and it was awesome to have Darcy acknowledge my love for the team and willingness to go to as many games as possible.
I also got the chance to have a little chat with Luke Kelly and let him know I thought he had been playing well and he mutually asked what had happened to my arm and gave me credit for hanging in there for the game too. While leaving too, Emma and I ended up walking with Mitchell Allgood and Darcy to the leagues club because that's where we were getting picked up and I managed to choke out a little joke about how we promised we weren't following them and they both respectfully laughed. During this time I also said a quick hello to Jarryd and Reni and shared a simple "good game tonight!" which they both replied to very nicely. To top the whole night off, Darcy liked my photo on Instagram and backed it up by following me. Now I've gotta make sure to stay sane on there! (hey, chuck me a follow on Insta too: victoriagarry)
Overall, amazing night and can't wait to make my way to ANZ in a couple of weeks to see the boys take on the Dragons after two weeks on the road. Fingers crossed for some more whole-hearted performances by the boys.
Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra!
- Victoria
 |
| awkward sling photos aw |
Saturday, 3 August 2013
Round 21 - Eels vs Sea Eagles
Hey strangers! I know I've been a little absent, and I missed out on a blog post for the bulldogs game last weekend...not that there was really too much to blog about with that game. A quick little explanation just to let you all know that the reason I was absent was because I went back to uni and I've been a little full on with work already, so I do apologise! But it was so good to get a break from my intense uni schedule for a night out at Parra stadium for the match against Manly.
This game has actually been greatly anticipated all year because my footy buddy, Emma, is a major Sea Eagles fan and this night was hopefully going to be the night she finally met her favourite player Kieran Foran. And just to top off an amazing win for her boys, she did indeed get to meet Mr Foran as well as many other Eagles players. It was so amazing to see her with her boys considering the countless times she has accompanied me to different Eels games and events. Next step is getting her an awesome encounter with Kieran, like I've had with Darcy. Soon they'll be best friends...I just know it.
I'm not going to go into great detail about the actual game, because you all know how I feel. And if you're a Parramatta fan yourself, you definitely know exactly how I feel. There's no point repeating myself every single week. Same old "there were good signs but ultimately we beat ourselves" sort of scenario. Once again, the only real absolutely amazing thing to come out of that game was Darcy Lussick's performance. While the team continues to do horribly, he's continuing to get better and better. Those 2 hits on Brenton Lawrence and then Justin Horo in the one set just showed how much effort Darcy puts into his football and how he'll try his heart out and ass off no matter what the score line is. I will say that I am gutted that they lost, especially by the amount that they did, purely because of him. Did they really have to get absolutely killed by his old team twice? Not fun stuff.
Ultimately, like always, I still had an awesome night out at the game and had so many laughs and took plenty of crazy photos. We of course saw Darcy afterwards and it was pretty hard to handle because he was so obviously gutted. Despite the fact that he most likely didn't really feel up to interacting too much, he still stuck around with us, which this time involved Jacinta finally, and had a quick chat and took some photos. It's funny to note that a dejected and hurting Darcy is still more fan friendly that a large majority of most players. We got a funny photo with him, and it's one of my favourite photos ever now especially because he decided to turn and look at me while pulling a face during the photo and I couldn't control myself from laughing which you can notice in the photo. Everything besides the score line of the game was just great last night. Another amazing eels experience well enjoyed.
Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra!
- Victoria
This game has actually been greatly anticipated all year because my footy buddy, Emma, is a major Sea Eagles fan and this night was hopefully going to be the night she finally met her favourite player Kieran Foran. And just to top off an amazing win for her boys, she did indeed get to meet Mr Foran as well as many other Eagles players. It was so amazing to see her with her boys considering the countless times she has accompanied me to different Eels games and events. Next step is getting her an awesome encounter with Kieran, like I've had with Darcy. Soon they'll be best friends...I just know it.
 |
| cute couple or what |
I'm not going to go into great detail about the actual game, because you all know how I feel. And if you're a Parramatta fan yourself, you definitely know exactly how I feel. There's no point repeating myself every single week. Same old "there were good signs but ultimately we beat ourselves" sort of scenario. Once again, the only real absolutely amazing thing to come out of that game was Darcy Lussick's performance. While the team continues to do horribly, he's continuing to get better and better. Those 2 hits on Brenton Lawrence and then Justin Horo in the one set just showed how much effort Darcy puts into his football and how he'll try his heart out and ass off no matter what the score line is. I will say that I am gutted that they lost, especially by the amount that they did, purely because of him. Did they really have to get absolutely killed by his old team twice? Not fun stuff.
Ultimately, like always, I still had an awesome night out at the game and had so many laughs and took plenty of crazy photos. We of course saw Darcy afterwards and it was pretty hard to handle because he was so obviously gutted. Despite the fact that he most likely didn't really feel up to interacting too much, he still stuck around with us, which this time involved Jacinta finally, and had a quick chat and took some photos. It's funny to note that a dejected and hurting Darcy is still more fan friendly that a large majority of most players. We got a funny photo with him, and it's one of my favourite photos ever now especially because he decided to turn and look at me while pulling a face during the photo and I couldn't control myself from laughing which you can notice in the photo. Everything besides the score line of the game was just great last night. Another amazing eels experience well enjoyed.
Happy reading! Stay well, and go Parra!
- Victoria
 |
| Kristelle decided to be a Parra fan for a night, aw |
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| the three best friends ever? |
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