STANDING on the mound, in the outer, evoked feelings of AFL past: children sitting atop their dad’s shoulders, surrounded by raucous parochial supporters.
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Port Adelaide cheer squad president Ian Wilson felt Western Bulldogs’ fans could have been louder.
“They just need to make a bit more noise, really let us hear them,” Mr Wilson said. A small pocket of Port supporters made sure their presence was felt.
The cheer squad was stationed behind the goals, on the showground side, and drew on power from the mound behind them.
Ballarat’s Elizabeth Robinson was one of the first Bulldogs’ supporters inside the stadium. She was thrilled to find a gift from the club on her seat – like every seat – unrapping it to find a large flag.
Together, the flags reinforced this stadium was Bulldogs’ territory, waving out any signs of Port support.