This is indeed the worst year ever. I've been a member since the beginning, and through the highs and lows of 24 years I've been a passionate, loyal supporter, and I've valued the Freo culture that has contrasted so well with the mob up the road. I've loved the characters we've had playing for us over the years, and I've been able to laugh at Drum's butchering of the English language and Harvey's quirky incoherence. I even thought Ross was a good choice as coach and didn't mind his defensive tactics because our manic style of football was actually good to watch back in 2013, when we should have won it all. I have watched almost every game, even when overseas, and have always stayed till the end of games at Subi, even when we've being carved up by the opposition. I was even optimistic about our chances at the start of this year.
But for the first time, I have had to find other reasons to go to the footy, like being with family and friends, or the fact that I'm paying for the seats, or not wanting to let the side down. Freo's footy has become unwatchable. Also for the first time, I have had to walk away and sit with a beer up behind the seats, looking at my phone. At home, I've turned the game off before half time, something I thought I'd never do. Lyon's press conferences after games have become intolerable. His obfuscation and rehashing of the same old jargon each week is not funny, just insulting. Also for the first time, I have toyed with the idea of not being a member. That's probably a step too far, but without a major change to the club's current corporate culture and its coaching staff I cannot see the club progressing for the foreseeable future. I never thought I could feel so disillusioned with a football club. I certainly never felt that as a loyal Cardies fan for forty years. I don't really care if we improve a bit next year, or the next, this just isn't the club I know and love.
