Feeling Blue

Football Discussion Dustin Fletcher Hangar
1

Is it just me? Am I the only one that feels this way? Are there other supporters out there that have been in a blue funk all day, or at least since the end of the VFL game? I am not talking about the feeling we all had when the AFL handed down their penalties. I am talking about that feeling, that after so much excitement, and so much expectation for the last twelve months, that the season has ended. It came a bout prematurely for the Seniors, and at the hands of 30 minutes of first rate football in the second quarter in the ressies, but regardless of how it happened, it's over.

 

I have no interest in this years finals, the sanctions from the AFL have seen to that. I couldn't care less who wins and loses, and I won't be watching them. Count me one less for the AFL's worldwide viewing audience. For the first time I can remember, my interest in the game has ended in the first week of September. I will not be sitting at the pub, having a beer, and cheering on the eventual winner or loser of the Grand Final. I will spend my weekends between now and next year pottering around my garden or in my shed.

 

My wife commented that I have been in a bad mood all day, and I said not true. What I am is sad, almost inconsolable, nearly on the verge of tears. I quit smoking three years ago, I haven't had a bet since the Melbourne Cup, I drink about half a dozen beers at Christmas/New Year and I don't do drugs. The only vice I have is my football. When I was younger I played on a Saturday or Sunday and watched the game. As I got older and Foxtel came on the scene, I had finished playing, so watched all the games, or as many as I could fit in. I don't watch normal telly, I don't even watch the news as a rule. Now I don't even care, my enjoyment is gone. Even last night, I couldn't raise more than an "oh come on" when the umps allowed three Richmond players in a row throw the ball away.

 

I still love the Essendon football club, but after 48 years, I feel like I have lost my innocence. There is something inherently wrong, when the one thing that provided you with a little bit of escapism, that you spent all off season thinking and talking about, that dominates your social interaction with others, no longer means much to you. I will still cheer on the Bombers, and hope like hell we beat whoever we are playing, but I couldn't give a stuff anymore about the competition. I couldn't care less if another team is on the way up or down, whether they have a scandal or not. Football to me has always been about joy. Win or lose, for three hours a week, for 22-26 weeks a year, I could forget all about all the **** things that have happened in my life, and lose myself in the game. For the moment, my enjoyment is gone, and I don't know if I will ever get that back.

 

And that's the last thing I or anyone else, should be experiencing on Fathers Day.

2

I don't think it'■■■■■ me as bad as what you've described but for the first time in over 25 years I went through a weekend during football season without watching a single minute of football.

 

I don't have foxtel so didn't have access to our game and so followed it via the game thread on here.

 

I was talking to a mate a few hours ago (richmond supporter) and he's heading over to Melbourne for next weekend's game...he's like a kid at Christmas.

 

That's the feeling that vlad an co have taken away from us.

 

It's like finding out (when you're a kid) that Father Christmas wasn't real...the game that I love is now just part of a large commercial entity that has no soul and just worships the mighty dollar.

 

Hopefully I'll get my love for the game back in time but just like the OP, I find that i have no interest at all in the finals or the game as a whole at present (except for my addiction to this place).

 

So I'll keep checking out blitz to see if anything interesting is happening but apart from that..fark the afl, fairfax and all the other arseholes who have ruined this great game.

3

I think what you’ve been feeling is emotional letdown. We’ve been on such a rollercoaster this year…up one minute, down the next, repelled by the innuendo, excited by the possibilities, outraged at the injustice, grateful for the support.

Now it’s over and we have an outcome that no one wanted. Feels ■■■■■■ but there’s also some real positives.

  • Was great to see a large portion of the senior team out to support the reserves today.
  • Feel like I’ve made some new friends here on Blitz
  • Cant wait for the Crichton and to see who wins - will be close this year
  • Kind or exciting to see who the new coach will be and how that pans out
  • Looking forward to seeing how creative we can be in the trade/ draft

    Also, will be great to walk the dogs in the sun, go to the beach, enjoy long lazy summer lunches basically all the things I never do enough during footy season. We all need a little break :slight_smile:

    Ps…Football is not a vice :wink:
4

AFL used to be my life. But ever since their treatment of EFC, that’s changed dramatically. EFC is now my life.

By far, the crappest weekend I’ve ever had. No excitement, nothing worth looking fwd too except of course the pre-season which is still months away.

Lost a lot of interest in AFL but will still watch the final series only because my younger brother is an avid Cats fan. I have also recently cancelled my Foxtel subscription and promised myself only to tune in to EFC matches in 2014.

5

I honestly don’t know who won Coll-North.
It’s pretty damn sad when Murdoch’s manipulation of the narrative takes second fiddle.
Mind you, that may be harsh on Murdoch. Unlike the AFL, he looks actually likely to achieve his goal.

6

If it weren’t for DT and SC, I would have given up on AFL six or seven years ago.

I have slowly become annoyed with inconsistent umpiring, rule changes, the game being more athletic and less physical and of course the media (even before this year) was getting ridiculous as stories about inconsequential rubbish were being dredged up.

This year has been more frustrating than any other season and the end of our season has brought along a similar feeling of closure to it that previous seasons have had.

Of course, by midway through January, I’ve usually forgotten all of that and am itching for the NAB Cup to start.

7

Couldn’t watch our game Sarurday night. Didn’t watch any other games for the round and found myself even a little subdued when our side won a tight game to advance to the GF today. Sick of discussing the case with every second person, don’t care who wins flag but I’ll be angry and mouthy next season and hoping we stick it right up every single one of our detractors.

Please baby footy Jebus, give us the flag in 2014!!

8

Yeah im the same. After watching the 2s it made me worse.

9

It’s my turn to host the Grand Final BBQ with my mates but I feel like cancelling it or at the very least with no media coverage. I still support Essendon but I’ll never support the A farken L again.

10

If it weren't for DT and SC, I would have given up on AFL six or seven years ago.
I have slowly become annoyed with inconsistent umpiring, rule changes, the game being more athletic and less physical and of course the media (even before this year) was getting ridiculous as stories about inconsequential rubbish were being dredged up.
This year has been more frustrating than any other season and the end of our season has brought along a similar feeling of closure to it that previous seasons have had.
Of course, by midway through January, I've usually forgotten all of that and am itching for the NAB Cup to start.

Thanks for reminding me, must ditch that bank account

11

I feel the same sort of letdown so last night I pulled out the Essendon v Freo game from this year. Nothing brings a smile to the face and lifts the spirits better than hearing Tim drop his studious impartiality and barrack for the team on national television.

12

Is it just me? Am I the only one that feels this way? Are there other supporters out there that have been in a blue funk all day, or at least since the end of the VFL game? I am not talking about the feeling we all had when the AFL handed down their penalties. I am talking about that feeling, that after so much excitement, and so much expectation for the last twelve months, that the season has ended. It came a bout prematurely for the Seniors, and at the hands of 30 minutes of first rate football in the second quarter in the ressies, but regardless of how it happened, it's over.
 
I have no interest in this years finals, the sanctions from the AFL have seen to that. I couldn't care less who wins and loses, and I won't be watching them. Count me one less for the AFL's worldwide viewing audience. For the first time I can remember, my interest in the game has ended in the first week of September. I will not be sitting at the pub, having a beer, and cheering on the eventual winner or loser of the Grand Final. I will spend my weekends between now and next year pottering around my garden or in my shed.
 
My wife commented that I have been in a bad mood all day, and I said not true. What I am is sad, almost inconsolable, nearly on the verge of tears. I quit smoking three years ago, I haven't had a bet since the Melbourne Cup, I drink about half a dozen beers at Christmas/New Year and I don't do drugs. The only vice I have is my football. When I was younger I played on a Saturday or Sunday and watched the game. As I got older and Foxtel came on the scene, I had finished playing, so watched all the games, or as many as I could fit in. I don't watch normal telly, I don't even watch the news as a rule. Now I don't even care, my enjoyment is gone. Even last night, I couldn't raise more than an "oh come on" when the umps allowed three Richmond players in a row throw the ball away.
 
I still love the Essendon football club, but after 48 years, I feel like I have lost my innocence. There is something inherently wrong, when the one thing that provided you with a little bit of escapism, that you spent all off season thinking and talking about, that dominates your social interaction with others, no longer means much to you. I will still cheer on the Bombers, and hope like hell we beat whoever we are playing, but I couldn't give a stuff anymore about the competition. I couldn't care less if another team is on the way up or down, whether they have a scandal or not. Football to me has always been about joy. Win or lose, for three hours a week, for 22-26 weeks a year, I could forget all about all the **** things that have happened in my life, and lose myself in the game. For the moment, my enjoyment is gone, and I don't know if I will ever get that back.
 
And that's the last thing I or anyone else, should be experiencing on Fathers Day.


Well, I had some similar feelings, and Saturday night at the G, I was not feeling that great, but by the end of the night I was back !!
And here is why,
1. I sit in EFC himark area level two. Over the year there was always many empty seats near us, but on Saturday all turned up, all with Bomber colours, all with passion.
2. The game ended, all or most stayed to acknowledge the team. We cheered, we cried, we are angry,
3. It was as emotional and inspiring as anything I have seen in over 50 years of playing and watching footy.
Sure we are sad at the events, but I learnt something very big on Saturday night, we are a family and families are there when you need them.
Don't give up, wear your Bomber cap all summer and next year is our year.
We are Essendon
13

Song from Jimmy to you.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie1HAMKtJWo[/youtube]

14

Is it just me? Am I the only one that feels this way? Are there other supporters out there that have been in a blue funk all day, or at least since the end of the VFL game? I am not talking about the feeling we all had when the AFL handed down their penalties. I am talking about that feeling, that after so much excitement, and so much expectation for the last twelve months, that the season has ended. It came a bout prematurely for the Seniors, and at the hands of 30 minutes of first rate football in the second quarter in the ressies, but regardless of how it happened, it's over.

 

I have no interest in this years finals, the sanctions from the AFL have seen to that. I couldn't care less who wins and loses, and I won't be watching them. Count me one less for the AFL's worldwide viewing audience. For the first time I can remember, my interest in the game has ended in the first week of September. I will not be sitting at the pub, having a beer, and cheering on the eventual winner or loser of the Grand Final. I will spend my weekends between now and next year pottering around my garden or in my shed.

 

My wife commented that I have been in a bad mood all day, and I said not true. What I am is sad, almost inconsolable, nearly on the verge of tears. I quit smoking three years ago, I haven't had a bet since the Melbourne Cup, I drink about half a dozen beers at Christmas/New Year and I don't do drugs. The only vice I have is my football. When I was younger I played on a Saturday or Sunday and watched the game. As I got older and Foxtel came on the scene, I had finished playing, so watched all the games, or as many as I could fit in. I don't watch normal telly, I don't even watch the news as a rule. Now I don't even care, my enjoyment is gone. Even last night, I couldn't raise more than an "oh come on" when the umps allowed three Richmond players in a row throw the ball away.

 

I still love the Essendon football club, but after 48 years, I feel like I have lost my innocence. There is something inherently wrong, when the one thing that provided you with a little bit of escapism, that you spent all off season thinking and talking about, that dominates your social interaction with others, no longer means much to you. I will still cheer on the Bombers, and hope like hell we beat whoever we are playing, but I couldn't give a stuff anymore about the competition. I couldn't care less if another team is on the way up or down, whether they have a scandal or not. Football to me has always been about joy. Win or lose, for three hours a week, for 22-26 weeks a year, I could forget all about all the **** things that have happened in my life, and lose myself in the game. For the moment, my enjoyment is gone, and I don't know if I will ever get that back.

 

And that's the last thing I or anyone else, should be experiencing on Fathers Day.

that is exactly how i feel.

15

It's my turn to host the Grand Final BBQ with my mates but I feel like cancelling it or at the very least with no media coverage. I still support Essendon but I'll never support the A farken L again.


That's just about exactly where I am with AFL. I've removed every AFL logo from everything I have and will do the same with my membership stuff next season. I'm also writing letters to every investigative journo I can find, to try and trigger the sort of investigation into the AFL executive that might one day result in us getting our game back. I'll barrack for the boys harder than ever next year but I won't be watching any other games.
I guess like all bombers fans I feel cheated, like evrything has come to a premature end....BUT, if ever there was a burning incentive for us to win our 17th flag, there is one now!
16

I have nothing but contempt and hatred for all things AFL now.   Not Essendon however.

I will not support any viewing or teams in this years final series.

I will not be watching any games, including the GF for the first time since the early 80's.

 

I have turned off from all football shows and will not support the Herald Sun or The Age any longer.

 

I will only support what happens to my club from this point on, until next years season commences.

 

My small protest which will count for nothing in the scheme of things, but for now, it works for me.  

17

Spring time just started, the air smells like finals time. You see all the teams who made the finals. Carlton took our spot. So yeah I've been feeling blue. Mainly because we would have made 5th or 6th spot had we beat Richmond in a hard contest.

 

Next year will we even make finals?? Nobody knows.

 

So yeah, feeling blue that in the early part of this decade we have somehow managed to not impose during finals. Especially after last decade.

 

So feeling blue. But other areas of life aren't going so well either, so I guess it's lots of things that can make one feel blue.

18

Channel surfed on Saturday night, didn't have much interest then or on sunday. Went out for lunch and got back all the ■■■■■ I put on my Carlton mate about going backwards with Mick and not making the finals. At the moment I don't feel like going to our usual GF party, lots of Bluebaggers there as well.

Roll on next season but we will be on our own for years to come.  Go the Bombers!!

19

fark footy, for the moment anyway, yeah I will watch the grand final, but fark footy in general. I am getting ready to obsess over playing golf again to forget about this ****

20

I feel the same as Lifetime Ban.  Flat.  Lifeless.  Dispirited.

 

Also angry at having been let down. 

 

Perhaps the feeling will change, but it won't change until I see evidence of real change within the club, some decisions made on the basis of logic and common sense and facts rather than faith and emotion and hope.  I'm not interested in getting five emails a week from the club telling me how much the mood has changed and how exciting things are, I'm only interested in being told facts about things that have actually been done.