In 1998 - my first year in Melbourne - I attended the Collingwood vs Fremantle match at Victoria Park , which was quite a spectacle.
The match was a classic even though we lost by 7 points. We outplayed them in most areas, but bloody Sav Rocca kicked 11.1, in the most dominant full forward display I have ever witnessed in person.
My friend and I were two of what seemed a very small number of Freo fans scattered around the ground. We found seats what I think was called the Ryder stand, on the southern side of the ground.
I’ll admit I can get a little carried away at the footy, but I felt I was quite restrained on this occasion, because the hostility of the crowd was palpable. However, the abuse I copped was next level, and the worst of it was from the little old ladies around us.
Anyway, we lost the match narrowly, and we headed off to lick our wounds over a couple of beers. There was a lot of wound licking in those days when the Dockers played in Melbourne.
When we emerged on Johnston St an hour or two later, we walked up to the train station, and it was a horror show. One guy was staggering down the train line while a train approached in the opposite direction. Some Collingwood fans were in a pitched rock throwing battle a few Aboriginal kids on the other platform. And some other Collingwood male fans were making revolting comments about a woman who seemed to be in their group. It was the closest I’ve been to a war zone - I’m not kidding.
I always wondered what might have happened if they lost?
I realise this may not be very comforting for you DockerDom. Maybe take a black and white outfit for after the game when we win!
PS: No local Dockerland pub near the G that I know of, but you’ll find some Freo supporters amongst the black and white horde at the Hilton hotel before the game, which is right close to the ground.