Winning the Premiership is the ultimate AFL joy for supporters. But along with that biggest thrill, there are little things to savour. 

For me, it is this. I'm old enough to remember football in the late 60s onwards and in those days, like so many others I supported Melbourne and anyone who was playing Collingwood. Given we were so awful then, the best to be hoped for was an annual dose of Colliwobbles as Collingwood regularly made finals, and often Grand Finals, only to fail at the end. In my lifetime (born between the 57 and 58 seasons), and before this season, both Melbourne and Collingwood had won three Premierships. The little thing that pleases me most with the 2021 win is overtaking the number of Premierships won by Collingwood in that time.  

What little thing has added to your enjoyment of this new Grand Old Flag?

My little thing is not having the post-footy season blues. Usually this time of year I’m busily looking into the sides of our cricket team and whoever is touring and gearing up for the forthcoming season. I’ll still be doing that this year, but I’m not in any hurry since I’m still basking in the overwhelming joy of a DEES PREMIERSHIP!!! 🏆❤️💙

I'm enjoying watching the season games on Kayo, and cringing at the (Ch 7) commentators who come out with exactly the same stuff week after week. 

Given their apparent laziness, I wonder how they're going to handle the "same old Melbourne" next season.

To see these years listed is counter to every intuition I have. 
Kinda alternative reality. 
Supporter since 1965

For me it will be hanging up my own framed Herald Sun premiership poster on the wall. I've been working from home since 2018, and the whole time above my desk there has been the 2017 Tigers poster hanging over me, put there by my missus. When the framed version of the 2021 poster arrives, it will take its place next to the Tigers one and I can't wait to have my own poster sitting proudly next to the filthy 2017 one.

This too 

And this - no longer an asterisk for 1958

Growing up only ever saw smug Tiger/Hawk copy

The words "it's coming home" from our captain will resonate with me until they close the lid.

Also, when I hear or see “Premiers sign Saints Midfielder” I think who is going to West Coast or Hawthorn now. 
 

When US President changes or PM, takes me a while to adjust, too
 

Relief.

Gratitude.

And with modern media there are so many ways to relive the moment.

1 hour ago, radar said:

This too 

Thank you for my new phone wallpaper! I already had the Cup but without the engraving. It’s infinitely more beautiful with WON BY MELBOURNE on it. ❤️💙

Twenty years ago I thought I had plenty of time to see a Premiership. However, in recent years I was beginning to think that it would not happen in my lifetime and that I would not have the joy of sharing the experience with my adult boys. And the thought that their loyalty and enjoyment may be extinguished. 

At the start of the game I remember thinking, if not this year, when ? 

It is ridiculous to place so much importance on footy. It defies logic because it is so emotional. 

However, what a difference the win has made to my mood. It has reinforced in my mind that we should always maintain faith and hope, and, even expectation. To think that miracles do happen (but not the kind that our PM believes in). 

To never again to have to put up with hearing and reading all the derogatory comments about something you love. To not have to suffer the looks of pity and the words “long suffering Demon supporters”. To watch and read of the joy of the players, the coach, club officials and all the other Demon supporters. 

Can it be that important? You betcha! The win and post match celebrations are to be savoured and never forgotten. 

A dream come true for all of us. A feeling that all that agony, heartache and disappointment has been for a reason. It has made the joy of winning that much more significant and meaningful. 

Thank you Melbourne Football Club. 

For me it's seeing Melbourne engraved on the cup

This year I haven't even given one iota of thought to trading or draft picks.

11 minutes ago, hemingway said:

Twenty years ago I thought I had plenty of time to see a Premiership. However, in recent years I was beginning to think that it would not happen in my lifetime and that I would not have the joy of sharing the experience with my adult boys. And the thought that their loyalty and enjoyment may be extinguished. 

At the start of the game I remember thinking, if not this year, when ? 

It is ridiculous to place so much importance on footy. It defies logic because it is so emotional. 

However, what a difference the win has made to my mood. It has reinforced in my mind that we should always maintain faith and hope, and, even expectation. To think that miracles do happen (but not the kind that our PM believes in). 

To never again to have to put up with hearing and reading all the derogatory comments about something you love. To not have to suffer the looks of pity and the words “long suffering Demon supporters”. To watch and read of the joy of the players, the coach, club officials and all the other Demon supporters. 

Can it be that important? You betcha! The win and post match celebrations are to be savoured and never forgotten. 

A dream come true for all of us. A feeling that all that agony, heartache and disappointment has been for a reason. It has made the joy of winning that much more significant and meaningful. 

Thank you Melbourne Football Club. 

“Max Gawn, Melbourne’s last Premiership captain”

 

Hopefully next

Having heard my whole life my dad relaying every moment of the last quarter of the 64 GF, it was waking up on GF morning and unexpectedly having the thought from Hamilton filling my head:

 

They'll tell the story of tonight

 

And now they are, and so am I.

Not being asked "when was your last premiership?" any time soon.

30 minutes ago, mauriesy said:

This year I haven't even given one iota of thought to trading or draft picks.

Like you mauriesy I would be looking at the list, who stays who goes who can we get in to help improve the side. This year I am thinking let the FD sort that stuff out let’s enjoy every minute of this 2021 Grand Final.💕❤️💙

2 hours ago, In Harmes Way said:

I'm enjoying watching the season games on Kayo, and cringing at the (Ch 7) commentators who come out with exactly the same stuff week after week. 

Given their apparent laziness, I wonder how they're going to handle the "same old Melbourne" next season.

I keep saying this, but they really are the worst commentary team I have ever heard.

BT with his made up words and constant need to tell the "points difference" at the height of his call, and Brayshaw and his annoying as hell voice. They have a unique ability to call some of the enjoyment out of the game.

And I must be alone in that i HATE watching the replay of his "bang, bang bang" call. When you can't think of anything to say in the big moments, pick a word and repeat it. The call from Commettis mob of the same 3 goals is a nice comparison if you can find it. 

 

6 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

Like you mauriesy I would be looking at the list, who stays who goes who can we get in to help improve the side. This year I am thinking let the FD sort that stuff out let’s enjoy every minute of this 2021 Grand Final.💕❤️💙

Could not have expressed it better.

I have supported the MFC since 1952 and after watch the Grand Final this team is easily the best team that has played for the MFC during my life time and could prove to be the greatest AFL team of all time if the players stay healthy and uninjured for the next 4-5 years.

That we absolutely deserved the premiership we won gives me a little thrill every time.

1 hour ago, radar said:

“Max Gawn, Melbourne’s last Premiership captain”

 

Hopefully next

 

1 hour ago, BigFez said:

Not being asked "when was your last premiership?" any time soon.

Not our last, our most recent.

Seeing the sad and hurt looks on the opposition supporters faces and knowing for once it's not me, I've done that too many times.