Where has 2016 taken us Eels fans?

I'm sure you'll all agree it's been a paradox season; a gutsy team on the field, a basket case off it. Never a dull week in the media, a coach who has given us something to believe in, but most painfully, a frustrating governing body: The NRL. The game appears to be changing for the worse.

This year is now being stated as on of the club's darkest seasons, despite the success we've had and some very determined performances.

I'm sensing a lot of frustration amongst my fellow 1 Eyeds. I guess I wanted to find out, what impact has 2016 had on you as a supporter?

I've been a 1 Eyed blogger (under two accounts) for about 6 years and a ticketed member for 10 years. I'll always (ALWAYS) attend home games, the occasional away game and watch with dedication on TV. I simply can't help myself. But this year I've noticed a difference in the way I'm watching. The emotional investment is waning. I believe my skepticism in the NRL, and the incredibly poor officiating, is putting me off my A-game as a fan.

The result? I've actually been watching a lot more AFL and enjoying the openness of the game, as well as the success of GWS.

I'm hurting as a fan because my beloved team is copping it left, right and centre. I expect the NRL to be the great leveler; a professional organisation who allow teams to work out their differences on the field. Instead, I see Sam Thaiday get a slap on the wrist, countless match controversies, the media stooping to new lows, teams stacked with internationals, bunker shockers etc etc.

2016 has knocked a bit out of me as a fan. And I'm bloody hoping the NRL recognise soon how many fans are hurting. Sometimes I get the impression BA is the only one who understands how I feel. Well, him and a few of you.

How has 2016 affected your fanship in the game? Keen to hear.

Despite the dramas, I've enjoyed the games each week. We were top 4 before tonight. When was the last time we had a top 4 side? Yes that changes very shortly, but it doesn't change our ability, effort or desire. All of which have been first class since that Rd 1 game against Brisbane where we had both halves out by half time. We're winning more often than not, and the gritty way in which we have done so many times has given me some of my proudest moments being a fan. Dogs win after Foran scandal broke as an example. The boys are giving it their all for each other and for BA. Winning is winning whether you're playing for nothing or the trophy. It still brings satisfaction when we win. Disappointment when we lose. The rest I don't care about. Not after 6 years of no finals footy including 3 yrs last/2nd last. All I want are wins. On that, the team gets a definite pass mark and more this year. It will only galvanize the club & its fans more. Our opposition tonight are proof of that after their own ASADA scandals and spoons they've endured.

"Lorenzo is a generational talent. In both trials he barely ran the ball. Once he gets that out of the bag, you will see how lethal a talent he is. He has great footwork and a fantastic initial 30 metres in him. I really look forward to watching him…"

"Burton would be a great 6 to have, but there's no doubt we'd have to get into a bidding war to win his signature. As soon as that happens the move loses appeal for me because he's not worth the salary Bulldogs had to pay to bring him over from the…"

"You're on the money as usual Coryn, but also, when the Storm are getting no reward late in the tackle, their 6 7 and 9 resort to angled grubbers thru our line or staying with angle lob one to allow their winger to catch and drop down over line.…"

Replies

Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown July 2, 2016 at 10:58pm

Good blog mate, its been a year from hell but as an eels fan its water off a ducks back now, i can only laugh when things go wrong now.
This reply was deleted.
- Timbo July 2, 2016 at 11:21pm
  
  Good point re: not watching non-Eels games. Forgot to mention that in the blog, but I'm the same.
Gray Fox July 2, 2016 at 11:36pm

Still love the team but I've lost all respect for the club's administrators. Not so much because we've been found out as cheats but because of the pathetic way the club has responded to the mess. Overall my interest in rugby league has diminished badly. NRL has demonstrated very poor leadership as it continues to ignore the major issues like the salary cap, referee accountability, etc.
The French Fullback #1 July 3, 2016 at 12:40am

Despite the dramas, I've enjoyed the games each week. We were top 4 before tonight. When was the last time we had a top 4 side? Yes that changes very shortly, but it doesn't change our ability, effort or desire. All of which have been first class since that Rd 1 game against Brisbane where we had both halves out by half time. We're winning more often than not, and the gritty way in which we have done so many times has given me some of my proudest moments being a fan. Dogs win after Foran scandal broke as an example. The boys are giving it their all for each other and for BA. Winning is winning whether you're playing for nothing or the trophy. It still brings satisfaction when we win. Disappointment when we lose. The rest I don't care about. Not after 6 years of no finals footy including 3 yrs last/2nd last. All I want are wins. On that, the team gets a definite pass mark and more this year. It will only galvanize the club & its fans more. Our opposition tonight are proof of that after their own ASADA scandals and spoons they've endured.
charlie cauchi July 3, 2016 at 6:56am

Well said you couldn't put it better than that I'm glad I'm not on my own.
Traditional Croissant July 3, 2016 at 5:57pm

GWS have been a great tonic for the frustrations of Parra.

I've been somewhat interested and have been to a few games this year. It's actually scary how many people at the games and around the place are starting to become more active in their interest in AFL but previously have only been hard nosed League fans.

The AFL does a terrific job. I'm an eel for life and that will never change but the Giants are a journey I also enjoy being part of.