It’s hard to jump on a bandwagon when you’re dressed as a milk carton. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
As Canberra’s collective heart rate returns to baseline, we rally ourselves and look ahead to their Hail Mary semi-final clash against the Sharks on Saturday.
I say ‘we’, but let me be clear, I am not a sports fan. What I am is a follower.
Canberrans everywhere are being swept away in the current of this exciting era, buoyed by a sudden sense of local pride. But there are undeniably two factions of fans in the grandstands: those who have always been there, and those who arrived on the bandwagon.
And to quote another recent sporting superfan, “It’s me, hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.”
For enthusiastic bandwagon jumpers, the 2023 Women’s World Cup saw the Tillies become our entire personality … for at least a week. Photo: Hayley Nicholls.
Watching the Matildas in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, I went from lamenting ‘What else is on?’ to screaming like a crazy person when Cortnee Vine finally scored after that record-breaking penalty shootout.
Honestly, I was so invested that at one point, I very nearly learnt what it means to be ‘offside’.
And although I have family a mere stone’s throw from the Racecourse Ground, turns out I needed Ryan Reynolds to welcome me to Wrexham. One critically acclaimed docuseries later, I’m learning Welsh and stopping in at the Turf for a pint and a picture.
Yes indeed, I’ll jump right on any old wagon that rolls past and looks like a party.
And now, Canberra, I – and my bandwagoner brethren – are ready to bleed green.
With our (yes, ‘our’) beloved Raiders staring down the barrel of two sudden-death qualifiers between them and the grand final, Canberra is once again abuzz.
As a community, we haven’t been this united since we first saw Skywhale and, in perfect harmony, said ‘What the hell?’
We find ourselves on the cusp of something big, and suddenly, the most casual observers are scrambling for a spot in the fan club.
But die-hard fans don’t always appreciate a Johnny-come-lately.
Despite a surge in support being unquestionably beneficial to their team – as more eyeballs inevitably bring more revenue – sporting superfans tend to bristle when the stands are suddenly full of unfamiliar faces.
Not being a traditional sports fan myself, here I need to induce a sort of out-of-body experience to see their perspective.
Having long weathered the never-ending storm of hard-fought wins and shattering losses alongside their favourite team – literally rain, hail or shine – I can appreciate why die-hard fans may feel resentful as us newbs, sashaying into the conversation, high on newfound energy and enthusiasm, ready to share in the ultimate glory.
A glory we in no way contributed to or suffered for.
Although, in fairness, I was forced to drink green milk as a child, so I feel I can lay some claim here.
But really, I implore original fans to take a walk in the shoes of a bandwagon jumper.
Suppose I’m trudging down the long, boring road of everyday life, and you roll past loudly with your hyped up group of mates, looking totally elated and full of cheeky camaraderie. In that case, you cannot act surprised when I ask to partake in literally whatever is going on here.
But, please understand, we bandwagoners are not here to take anything away from you.
At best, we are worthy allies, bolstering your beloved team with our intrinsic value as viewers and supporters. At worst, we are harmless hangers-on.
Like a delightful movie sidekick, we don’t entirely know what’s going on most of the time – but we still add value and we’re just happy to be here (and see our names in the credits).
We’re not here to steal your thunder, but add to the storm. Come on, Green Machine!
The Raiders will take on the Sharks at GIO on Saturday, 20 September. Get your tickets at Ticketek.
