As we count down to the Peter Jackson VFL Grand Final, we take a look at some of the supporters from both clubs, starting with Williamstown's Alan Parker.
Name: Alan Parker
Lives: Glen iris
VFL team you support: Williamstown
How did you come to support Williamstown: Back in the late 1940’s, when I was in primary school, the football club used to come around and give all the kids free seasons tickets, so it started from there. Then a ruckman from Mildura came and played with Williamstown, and he boarded with my grandmother so I used to go to the football with him, so that is how I became involved with the football club.
Favourite VFL player currently at Williamstown: I would have to say Ben Jolley – it is hard to separate as there are couple of very good ones – but Ben Jolley, and Brett Johnson is another favourite.
Favourite past player at Williamstown: The was a bloke that came to Williamstown in 1968 called Max Papley and in my opinion he was the best player to play VFA football, he was that good. He came from South Melbourne, and joined as a playing coach and he was unbelievable.
Some of the better players from other VFL clubs this season: The other week when Willi played Geelong there was a bloke named Nathan Vardy, he was good as well as Mitch Brown. Last week we played Coburg and young Jayden Post, who came from the Jets, he shows a lot of promise. And from Werribee O’Dwyer.
AFL club you support: Western Bulldogs
Most memorable VFL moment: You cannot go past the 1990 grand final. Williamstown played Springvale and at three quarter time the Vales were 28 points up, and they got a goal in the first minute of the final quarter to put Williamstown down 34 points. It was a bit of an am wrestle for the next 10 minutes but then Willi went bang, bang, bang, bang and got four goals in a row. Then Ian Rickman kicked a goal from inside the centre square at Princes Park and that drew us closer but we were still behind. Billy Swan of course, with about a minute to go kicks a goal from 50 metres out and Williamstown win by two points – I don’t think you can beat that! It was a terrific game of football, and of course Willi lost the two previous years to Coburg and at one stage it looked like being three in a row but they did the job and got up and won it.
What do you enjoy about VFL football: I think the community involvement is good. You come to the football and you see the same people every week and I think that is great. It is certainly good entertainment and when you look at some of the costs involved with entertainment these days – this is cheap entertainment and very good value. They are nice people around the grounds in the VFL as well. I have followed Williamstown since 1949, I buy a season ticket every year, and go to every game I can.
Favourite ground to watch VFL: It has to be Williamstown, and the home ground advantage there is terrific. We have not got it this year, but we will get it back next year.
Any possible AFL draftees currently playing in the VFL in 2011: I think Dane Rampe at Williamstown has the ability. And we got a player this year Stephen Witkowski. He played in the reserves today but I think mark his name down.
Favourite food at the footy: If you have ever been to Williamstown, you have to buy a Willi Dog. They are a hotdog and gee I miss them this year.
Grand final prediction: I think the two sides that are up there now – Port and Williamstown – and what a game that would be. Last time they met in a grand final was 1964, they have both won 15 flags each and they hate each other, they really do!
Liston Medal Winner: Brett Johnson polls well every year, but I am going to put in Ben Jolley – he has had a terrific year.
Port Melbourne vs Williamstown - 2:15pm Sunday September 25 at Etihad Stadium
Last Modified on 20/09/2011 18:35