BALLARAT couple Will Cousens and Liz Barnott are preparing to put their relationship to the ultimate test on Saturday when they make the pilgrimage to the AFL Grand Final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Currently holidaying in Port Douglas, the Ballarat couple will take their place in the grand stand at the MCG knowing that only one of them will be happy.
Mr Cousens is a lifelong Richmond tragic, while Ms Barnott is an equally passionate GWS Giant.
"I'm from Western Sydney originally and to be honest I didn't know a lot about AFL football," she said.
"When I was going to uni, it was just when the Giants were starting and there was a connection between the club and uni, so I got involved.
"But Victorians are just so intense about football, you guys are all pretty mad, everyone grows up with a team, we don't quite have the ferocity that Victorians have."
Ms Barnott is a school teacher and said she knew of one other child at her school who was a Giants fan.
"We had footy colours day and he didn't come in his gear, I think he was a bit ashamed which rocked me to the core," she joked. "A few of the kids were getting into me, but hopefully we can have the last laugh."
Mr Cousens said the plan was to head to the ground early and, if successful, join the Tiger Army in Swan Street afterwards.
"If not, we'll be taking the early train home," he laughed.
"I think it's really exciting, Liz has moved to Victoria and really got involved in football, but she's been able to keep her Western Sydney roots.
"I really encourage her to support her team and own where she's come from.
"I was lucky enough to go in 2017, so I know there's lots of festivities at the ground. I guess we'll have to weigh up what we do after the game."
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
