Melbourne Footy Trip 2 - Day Two

It's been a big day in the big city. We were a little slow moving this morning which put the kybosh on going to the Queen Victoria Markets before the footy. I think the kids will be more on task tomorrow. After showers, sorting out keys, waiting for Alex and Haydn's luggage to arrive, walking down to the shops to buy food, and preparing lunches, we didn't get away till about 12, but still arrived in plenty of time for the game.
Enroute we rendezvouzed with Mani at newmarket station to give her back her lost mobile, she was VERY appreciative, so much so she gave us a $20 reward, with which I treated everyone to hot jam donuts after tonight's game. I am a sucker for hot jam donuts at the footy. Healthy no. Yummy yes.

We took a tram from Flinders St to the MCG and the kids were suitable impressed with the sights and sounds of Melbourne's sporting precinct, passing Rod Laver Arena, Olympic Park, HiSense Arena (used in the Commonwealth Games) and the new Melbourne arena currently under construction.

The first game, between the Eagles and Melbourne was really good despite the lowly position of the protagonists. Melbourne were clearly motivated by the events of the week with Club President and legendary player Jim Stynes revealing that he has cancer. Melbourne played very well and notched their second win of the season. With a few West Coast fans in the group I thought there might be some disappointment but they seemed to take the loss in their stride. I guess they're used to it. Or perhaps they were just numb, it was VERY cold especially when the wind came swirling around the Great Southern Stand which was very sparsely populated compared to last night's big game.

After that game we took the train to Southern Cross and they had their first taste of Melbourne shopping at DFO. Sophie was desperate to buy some socks and warm clothes and a pair of gloves.
Most of us had noodles for tea before heading in to Docklands Stadium to watch the western Bulldogs play Hawthorn. My seat was next to a bloke from WA who I'd met at the MCG on Friday night. His Subiaco scarf had caught my attention and we chatted, he too was over for a footy weekend. I enjoyed talking to him even though he's a Hawthorn fan. It was less of an issue because his team were mercilessly thrashed by a rampaging Bulldogs tem who kicked 9 goals in the first quarter and kept the Hawks goalless for the entire first half, not a bad effort against the reigning premier.
We moved down to some front row seats, on level two, for the second half and enjoyed the full atmosphere of footy under a roof. Sam is the only Hawthorn fan in the group but again, the loss didn't seem to phase him too much.
They will see a different response from me if St Kilda win tomorrow!!!

After the donuts we caught the 10.33 to Glenroy. A quick stop at the late night Coles to buy a few breakfast items then onto the bus for the short ride home.
The biggest laugh of the day came when Joel attempted to put his train ticket into the wrong end of the validating machine at Flinders St station,despite having been told, and shown how to do it correctly!

The kids are in bed now, tired but happy after a big day, and we're all looking forward to the main event tomorrow.