Right. Got there way too early as my cabdriverfromhell came early, and I had forgotten to factor in the Bus Lane "go fast do not stop" zip. So I made it in 20 minutes, not one hour (I kid you not).
I sat outside the event room for some time, chatting to other early arrivals, old footy friends, and watched the world go by.
. Sam has a lovely girlfriend who looks almost as tall as he is, maybe the heels, but in a backless acid green number, and she looked lovely.
. Had my 'moment' with Mal, this has been an ongoing thing for some years and its a delight to find he always recognises me. Got my big hug, we had a bit of wordless communication and big grins, and that was enough. Again forgot to get a photo.
. Rhyce has trimmed his beard and he looked positively handsome. those two boys are joined at the hip.
. LRT is still a sweet soul, but has acquired a little bit of white line fever the last year or so. Had his life membership pin on straight away.
. Reg scrubbs up well, He Shaved!!
. MikePyke got cheered each time he polled, with a bit of ooh and ahh, as he did so well. Its been fun to see him with a big grin on his face all the time, he has at times been a little dour - guess he doesn't have to prove himself now, does he.
. We have got to pay more attention to Craig Bird. He polled at about 8th. Who knew?
. Keep an eye on Luke Parker. He was pulling very reasonable numbers until he broke his shoulder.
. Ted got a lot of cheers.
. Lewie had his medal on all night, and the most delightful grin. Has surprisingly small hands.
. I like young Jed. He is an easy chat, and he scrubbed up very well indeed.
. Mrs Bolton had on a silvery thingy that I would have worn in the sixties if I had had the figure for it.
. Mrs O'Keefe had on a similarly sized green thingy, she has two children, it orten be allowed!
. Actually very short, very tight, figure hugging frocks of colour were de rigeur. Not many floaties, but on the whole the WAGs all looked beautiful. So did the mums.
. Not enough toilets for the women. Ques out the door are not an attractive look.
. Best event of the night was the presentation to Bob Skilton of the brilliant photograph of the boys on the podium all looking at him, in a sea of red confetti, and Bobby down on the grass looking up at them. They all got onto the stage to make the presentation. Brilliant picture, must be used in some banner or other.
. Next best was the standing ovation for Horse.
. And of course Joey's gong. Galloped ahead. Two x 50's Whodathortit!
Venue
. Its been better.
. After presentations the room stayed very dark with spot lights spinning around and shining into eyes - difficult to hear yourself at times, or find the guys to say hello.
. Most of the 22 disappeared very quickly and who would blame them. they looked tired and we were a rabid mob of photographers and autograph hunters. Me I just wanted to hug them.
. Didn't see any of the 44 over indulge. Must be a first!
. Lots of very very happy noise.
. Food - Tea smoked chicken, fine shaves of lettuce and beetroot was beautiful.
- Beef cheeks on pollenta and beans, quite good, but small.
- Apple crumble, well, what can you say about apple crumble. But it was the cream that took the cake. It was a quinnell of king island type and it was about the size of the top joint of my little finger. Hilarious. I have never seen such a miserly serve of anything in my life. Rationed to the max.
. Wine - very good at serving and always on the lookout for empty glasses, same with iced water. Quality? Ok. ..... and so to the table decorations
. Table - again a mirror tile and a tiny posy of blood red roses in a small square glass vase. Rose petals scattered and two tea lights.
It was a very long night, understandable, and good fun with good friends.
Sat with dimelb and jewels and that made a difference to the enjoyment of the night. Thank you one and all
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