The Inner Sanctum of the MCG
When the Vocational team organised a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) our team had no idea how interactive and unique the experience would be, especially for a Tigers supporter who was like a kid in a candy store.
A stalwart group of 15 Central Melbourne members, extended family and an exchange student, made the pilgrimage to the hallowed turf of the MCG. The events of the big Richmond win the week before was all but a memory, with the goal posts out of the ground and lying on the boundary, and the centre of the MCG making way for the installation of the Cricket pitch for the upcoming season.
We were met by our very own walking sports almanac, Peter Duras, who had arranged for a special guided tour by Belinda, a long-time Melbourne Cricket Club member, and Sydney Swans supporter.
Belinda took us on a modified tour, including access to areas that were not generally part of the standard tour:- The interchange box on the boundary of the oval
- The Cricket box where the players wait before they walk out onto the cricket pitch
- The high-tech cricket training facilities
- The various team change rooms and media interview rooms
- MCC Long Room, Library, 150th Anniversary Tapestry
- Ponsford stand balcony overlooking the sports precinct
However, the highlight of the tour had to be the rousing pre-match revving that "Coach" Frank gave to the team in the Tiger's briefing room. It appeared as though the MCG was waiting for Frank to arrive because the Tiger’s dressing rooms were still decked out with their various posters and decorations from the previous week's events. Frank was in his element.
After coffee Peter guided us in the Sports Museum, starting with a look at the latest addition to Peter’s Olympic torch collection from the Rio Olympics. We then got to explore:- The History of the MCG
- Australia in the Olympics
- Australian Rules Football
- Sports Hall of Fame
- Horse Racing; and
- The sporting interactive section, Game On!
It was a truly satisfying (and exhausting) visit. Although the tour had officially ended (after 4hrs), some members chose to stay on in the Sports Museum to explore further.
Photos, including a video of President Frank’s rousing pep talk, can be found at https://goo.gl/y7xJe8.