A heartfelt "Thankyou" from previous runthru comp.

[ozboy]

Hi there magpie supporters,

I just wanted to express a huge 'THANKYOU' to Frankie and all the people of the cheer squad, for making my last Friday night such a memorable and happy one!

Basically I won the compition for the Round 2 banner runthru (much to my delight!!), and although I live in Canberra, I was dying to make it all happen, and get to the game, and of course to hold the banner - what an honour, and something I never thought I would ever do in my life! I don't see too many games live each year, so this was going to be (as Bruce McAvaney would say) "Special". It took some sharp organising, last minute plane tickets, game ticket, phone calls to Frankie etc, but I got to the G by 6pm Friday night, and I am so happy that I did - not only because of the GREAT GAME and RESULT ("GO PIES!!"), but because of the whole EXPERIENCE of becoming a member of the CHEER SQUAD, albiet for 1 night!

So, a heartfelt THANKYOU to you FRANKIE!

You were so positive and accomodating from my first phone call, helping me out organising a ticket through Cameron, helping my Dad out when he was on the phone to you (because I was stuck at work), meeting me outside the ground, and generally making me feel 'PART OF IT' all night! I can't thank you enough! You could not have been more helpful and friendly on the actual night if you had tried. Frankie, as I told you then, you have made a long-time (but far-away) supporter so very happy, and I will have memories and photos of the night forever. You are a CHAMP!

I hope that the trouble you have gotten into over helping me organise the ticket etc through Cameron, is not too bad for you, and that things have been smoothed over. I was not too happy hearing what you went through on the night, when we went over to the membership tent - you do know how much I appreciated your effort!!?! Right?!?! WELL I DID!!!

It was a misunderstanding on our behalf (me and my Dad), and as you saw I offered to donate some money on the night. It would be a shame if you were still hauled over the coals. I hope that the people who run Collingwood and the memberships office, Cameron etc know just how much you do, and how you have made a long-time supporter of the club feel even MORE a part of the club.

Thankyou also to everyone else, Cath, Louie, Joffa, Mula, Leslie, everyone who said hello and made me feel at home. You all do such a great and hard job, I never really knew how much effort it takes.

It may not seem like a big deal, especially to those who attend week-in, week-out, and are part of the whole 'cheer squad' scene. But for me, it WAS a big thing - I try hard to see the Pies as often as I can, but I never really though I would be able to sit amongst the hard-core of the cheer squad - usually I am up with the gods in the Southern Stand with all the other general admissions. My family often said that I should be sitting behind the goals with the fanatics, and so finally I got the chance. This was so fantastic and special, to be so close to the action, and right in the middle of a bunch of people as mad, load and passionate as me, and being able to join in the chants as led by Joffa. And to top it off, being ON the field holding the banner - something I never thought I would ever do in my life. I will always remember looking up and seeing Bucks and co. coming down the race, as we got ready to lift the banner, and the crowd roar!! Awesome.

Cheers,
Ozboy

[Geoffy Pie]

it was great having u with us

[cobood]

It was a real pleasure having you amongst us Steve, and sharing in your excitement..
Im so very glad that you had a great time.. Hope to see you again at some games....dont forget to come and say Hi....