Dean McPhan celebrates the win. PICTURE: ADAM TRAFFORD
FOOTBALL fans gathered around big screens and barbecues all over the city on Saturday as AFL grand final celebrations took over Ballarat.
It was a happy crowd that packed into JD’s Sports Bar to watch the game on Saturday afternoon.
JD’s Sports Bar manager Kane Leathem said about 100 people gathered in the bar for the grand final, with a handball competition and free pies making up the half-time festivities.
Many revellers came dressed in their team colours.
“It was a big crowd, all cheering and all supporting,” he said.
“There was a lot of support for Sydney – more than for Hawthorn.
“We had a few Sydney supporters and then everyone jumped onto the Sydney bandwagon.
“The Hawthorn supporters were pretty quiet by the end of the day.”
Crowds were well-behaved across Ballarat, with no major dramas for police, according to Ballarat police Acting Sergeant Chris Taylor.
“There was no extra trouble just because it was grand final night compared to what it would normally have been,” he said.
“We were very happy.”