TRADIES and truck drivers are sounding their horns when driving along Coronet Street in Wendouree to show they are aboard the Tiger Train this week – much to the delight of their favourite takeaway shop.
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Coronet Breakfast and Lunch Bar has transformed into Tiger Tuck Shop. Those behind the counter even answer the phone this way.
Sisters Barb Elmore and Kate Moody, who own the shop with their mum, are both Geelong supporters but arrived at work during the AFL finals series to find the place completely decked out in yellow-and-black.
So, they have jumped on the bandwagon to support employee and Tiger devotee Kylie Beaumont.
Ms Beaumont has even transformed Kate’s daughter Sophie into a junior Tiger this season, complete with her own Richmond-theme beanbag and bear that sings the song.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been winners,” Ms Beaumont said.
“My husband and children took me to my first AFL game years ago and I had been dreading it – I told them I’d rather go shopping and meet them later – but at the end of the game I was the one standing waving my scarf around and singing the song.”
Ms Beaumont, whose alarm sounds at 4am, even made sure to stay awake to watch Tiger star Dustin Martin win the Brownlow Medal, AFL’s best and fairest honour, on Monday night. The win gave her extra energy for Tuesday at work.
Across the road, Peach’s Fruit Market has also marked its Tiger territory
Staff of diverse football backgrounds have helped Tigerfy the greengrocers with baloons, posters, aprons and scarves.
Even the specials board has played on the popular team phrase “Do it for Mrs Hardwick” (the coach’s wife), with a “Do it for Mrs Petrie” as well.
Owner Kate Petrie said customers had a laugh, a bit of banter, but mostly were pleased for the Tigers and the Tiger army.
There is also a special grand final parting message, as below, for customers before leaving the store.
