TheyWearThe Blue&Gold posted an excellent blog with what could be seen as a misconstrued title.
A True Parra Fan's Thoughts
In my usual inquisitive manner, I questioned the definition of a "True Parra Fan"
Many people use this term, and then tend to deride or even abuse those who disagree with what the poster has to say.
Credit to TWTB&G with his reply and this is NOT a cheap shot at him.
However- what exactly is a True Parra Fan?
Personally I have been suffering following the Eels since the mid / early 1950s (See - Dinosaurs do still roam the earth). But I digress.
I am known (on rare occasions) to compliment the team and coach but certainly do not hold back when I feel they deserve a serve for some of the pathetic displays we see from them on an all too often basis.
Now this at times led to people declaring that I (and those who may agree with my ravings) as NOT being "True Fans"
I have had some experience playing the game, just after Noah ran his ship into a mountain - so I guess that makes me old school.
By Old School I mean we NEVER took the field looking to get beaten - we played to the best of our abilities and tried to compete in EVERY game.
We NEVER dropped our heads and have walked from the field on occasions with head held high (well staggered off after some games because there was NO energy left) after getting flogged mercilessly by better teams on the day.
BUT - with the current crop of Eels players - and teams we have had for some considerable time now - it appears if you talk the warm and fuzzy BUT do not perform, this seems to be the basis on which ALL fans should be happy and show adulation to a team which, simply put, does NOT compete for the full 80 minutes.
NOW - this brings into play the subject of this post.
When is a True Fan permitted to rip strips off the team, coach or whoever else is involved with these pathetic performances?
To my way of thinking I believe a True Fan is more than entitled to expect and DEMAND nothing but the best the team and coach has to offer EACH and EVERY week - and if that is not forthcoming, a True Fan is more than entitled to vent, rant and express their disgust and dissatisfaction on the lack of effort and competitive application from said team.
HOWEVER - it would appear that all too often such venting and ranting is unacceptable to the "TRUE FANS" who demand we should "support" the team at all times regardless of their pea hearted and dismal performances.
Such True Fans will often attack and belittle others who speak their minds, and as such I am asking;
WHAT (exactly) is a "True Parra Fan"?
Is it someone like myself who has suffered the long periods of dark and bleak days but is still here cheering and hoping the team will compete in every game (until they drop their heads and give up) - OR - is it the fan who can see NO wrong in anything the team does and is always looking for the next GF win?
There is almost no greater feeling than watching the BnG COMPETE and come away with a win against a more highly ranked team - and there is nothing as gut wrenching as watching them GIVE UP or simply show NO interest in even competing.
Replies
well said sir col, your thoughts are mine as is your sentiment, parra forever!
Spot on as ever. I just want to add a further description of the true Parra fan.."He / She gets pissed off at the pussy/unicorn/ooh you are being sooo mean to the poor players,type supporter and want to punch their stupid politically correct faces in".To those fans here are my favourite cliches to you, STFU,eat a spoonful of cement and harden the f**k up,otherwise Parra will be destined to be also-rans longer the the Rabbitohs were,
I may have started younger than you Nonna. LOL
Now now Col. U must not criticise or doubt the boys or the coach. Thats only permissible after their demise then its a spiteful free for all, in the meantime, u must instinctively & unreservedly proclaim full support, confidence & divine devotion to all who coach & play in the B&G. All losses r automatically attributable to poor &/or biased referring.
Hmmmmmm - "I hereby pledge my unreserved right to dish it up any bloody time I bloody well feel like bloody doing it."
It that the sort of "unreserved" support you are talking about Michael?
*reverberating sounds of EVIL laughter*
Col, why don’t you come back and tell us what a true Parra fan is after you’ve followed them for a bit of time?
Trini old mate - there is NOT enough space - in cyber space - to tell THAT story. lol
I was there for the spoons in 1956 - 57 - 58 - 59 - 60 and 61.
Around 1956 at Leichhardt oval I was introduced to the Eels.
From memory the Eels lost this game in a tight finish.
Now I was a very young lad at the time, so you can imagine the turmoil going on within me to be the laughing stock of the school - and continuing into High school.
We didn't have counselling back then - and I am sure that if it did exist I would now be a firm Tigers supporter because I lived in Tiger country.
I was there EVERY year the Eels were either regularly club champions and made the finals - I was there when we failed in a couple of Grand Finals - I was there throughout the 90s and I was there at the infamous BBQ at Cumberland Oval in the 80s.
I have experienced the sheer joy of winning the grand finals - I have experienced the highs of our massive battles against Manly, Dogs and other teams.
I have been there when the team are still suffering massive hangovers and just want to hear the final whistle blow for that game.
Sufferance- long and tiring - is the lot of a "true" supporter - living in our make believe world of "Next Year" is the only thing that brings us back - year after suffering year.
The Unicorn in me always says - "This year" the realist asks - WTF are you doing to yourself you fool?"
As some are addicted to all sorts of things that do us harm - eventually ALL Eels fans will finally reach the Pearly Gates (some very early in life) and there we will live happily ever after as the Eels immortals win EVERY exciting game.
I know I am new to following the Eels Trini - but - as they say - there are MORE nut cases wandering the streets than are in asylums.
That’s a damn good read right there, Col - thank you.
I grew up in the Glebe precinct of Tigertown but followed Souths because of a little-man crush on Eric Simms and that kicking boot of his. I came to my (non)senses and found the Eels in the early-mid 70s and have been sharing your grief ever since.
I was overseas for a large chunk of the 80s, and technology being what it wasn’t, had cassette recordings of Frank Hyde’s calls of the ’84, ’85 and ’86 Grand Finals sent to me on cassette straight after the event. Carefully avoiding Australians for extended periods, I found out who the premiers were about 2 weeks after each game. Needless to say, disappointment and I have an understanding.
I must’ve been a more tolerant, even-tempered man considering who won 2 of the 3 games, my lack of affection for them, and the fact that I didn’t end up behind bars in ’84 or ’85. But that’s enough about me.
Anyhoo Col, just a few more years of feeding your ulcers daily doses of Milanta and you may find that you’ll qualify to call yourself a true Parra fan. All the best, mate.
The club and the team just don't deserve the fans that they have.
Without doubt the most passionate and committed fans in the history of sport.
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