By Jeff Richardson

October 1997

On an ideal day, there'll be a cracker footy game scheduled at the 'G, followed up by a must-see show at the Tennis Centre. The MCG environs, East Melbourne, Jolimont, Richmond the Fitzroy Gardens and Yarra Park are an elegant delight at any time. But on a day like this they're the stage for pageant that you can be part of. A life in such a day goes like this:

Breakfast.
An indulgence. Commence at the Hilton on the Park and treat yourself to the absurdity of International Five Star style Bacon, Eggs and Coffee. Taken by the windowin the Gallery restaurant, overlooking the Fitzroy Gardens, the expense will get you a fortifying start to what will be a tiring day. Keep a look out for interstate supporters, and an ear out for foreign accents. From here it's an atmosphere and anticipation soaked walk through Yarra Park and round the outside of the MCG.

The Footy Record will already be on sale. Get one. Continue past the Dick Reynolds Gate to the 3AW outside broadcast point. I can present our pre-match radio show with my colleagues in the Coodabeen Champions. If you don't have something similar to do you can meet friends, relax and enjoy the program, as the crowd grows and the time for the opening bounce approaches.

Lunch
A neccessity. Walk again through Yarra Park, past the Kulin Canoe Tree, skirting past Tigerland at Punt Road. You're walking against the other foot-traffic which is now swarming towards the MCG. You may spot some ridiculously young looking players, toting their footy bags, and looking uncomfortable in club blazer and tie.

Cross Punt Road, weave and dodge up Richmond Terrace to The London Tavern. The Beer Garden here is as a Beer Garden should be; simple, unadorned, and shady or sunny to taste. It will also be packed with footy-goers. Orders for drinks and meals are made through a hole in the wall. Steak, Chips and Salad is the go. And Pots all round while you listen for your order-number to be called. Plenty of time for eating, talking, and a digestive retracing of steps back to the ground in time for the game.

Apres Footy/Pre Concert
Indecision. Pubs are made for this netherworld. Back across the Park in the gathering gloom. The walk keeps you warm. Up Richmond Hill through the back streets and lanes to emerge at The Mountain View in Bridge Road. Whether it's post-match joy or depression, or the anticipation of seeing Bob Dylan live on stage, a full meal isn't the thing. A BIG bowl of Nachos, Cheese and Guacamole is what's requiredto accompany your beers as you review the game, preview the setlist. Most likely, your host, Ron Barrassi, will appear. One of the greatest legends in the history of football, always ready to stop and talk footy, art, you-name-it, with whoever is up for a chat.

In the dark, you walk to the footbridge and over to the Tennis Centre, with the Melbourne City skyline lighting up before you.

Late Night
You can't just go home. The show's over. The footy seems aeons ago, even as you walk past the MCG for the umpteenth time. Back over the footbridge and up the hill through the Park to start where we began. The Piano Bar at the Hilton will fill up with others who've followed the same trajectory as you. Relive moments from the show, dwell on that incident in the game, halfway through the third quarter; "If only...".

What you've got now is a thirst rather than an appetite. You're tired enough to appreciate what overstuffed armchairs are meant for. And Interstate Beer in stubbies never tasted so good.

Some variations:
Start in Domain Road. The cafes are good, and the walk through the Botanical Gardens and over the Morell Bridge is incomparable.

The various food vans that take position around the perimeter of the MCG providea real alternative to a Counter Lunch or picnic. The range is surprisingly diverse.

After a night game, try Bistrot Balzac's in Wellington Parade, for a Campari and a bit of Euro style 'there's always next week/season'.