It will go down in history as the competing teams floated up the Yarra as part of the pre-game festivities. It was hilarious but not an idea that needs repeating as it left participants and fans bemused. | OPINION by petryan agerealfooty AFLGF
Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful idea. That started on the Yarra River, a grand final parade with 50 players on a barge. The coaches sat in tiny ships, and the skippers brave and sure. Nearby were millionaires, a couple at least in their shiny seats, hoping not to run ashore with mascots aboard. They headed off on a half-hour tour, yep, a half-hour tour.
There had been trepidation with Gill ’s idea before the players left on the barge with Geelong’s Zach Tuohy - who is from Ireland - using his trademark humour to describe what he thought about jumping on a boat the day before the biggest game of his career.“I am not much of a pirate, I am basically made of lead so if I go overboard I am in strife,” Tuohy said. “Water is not for me. I’m generally much more at home on the golf course.
The nervousness about the event such that sources said the Cats’ players had been asked to fill out waivers on the bus before hitting the water in case the grand final parade turned intoOff the barges and boats went up the Yarra from Swan Street towards the city where crowds were lining the banks waiting for a calamity up close .