Shouting as all barrackers should
Pies supporters strong in MEAO

AFL

From L to R Rear LCDR Eddie Piekusis, CPO Mark Lansdell, WO2 James McGregor, LTCOL‘Gus’ McLachlan and front CPO Peter Mulquiney, MAJ Grant King

Photos taken by ‘Clancy’

They might be thousands of kilometres from home but that didn’t prevent a handful of Collingwood supporters from keeping up with the AFL Grand Final.

Before the game, CPO Mark Lansdell said, “Can’t afford to miss it and even though we can’t be at the MCG in person we’ll be there in spirit.”

CPO Peter Mulquiney said it’s the first Grand Final he’s missed in more than 20 years, “but if missing the game means a Magpie flag then I’m happy to miss the next few years as well,” he said.

“Nathan Buckley to pick up his second Norm Smith Medal would be the icing on the cake,” he quipped.

LTCOL ‘Gus’ McLachlan said even Australia’s coalition partners supported the game.

“The match is being shown at the Bob Hope Centre which is the (US) 1st Armoured Division’s recreation Centre at Baghdad International Airport, the manager’s even going to put on a breakfast for us,” he said.

Newly arrived LCDR Eddie Piekusis said he’s yet to encounter a Brisbane Lions’ supporter in Baghdad.

Brisbane went on to win the Grand Final convincingly, 20.14.134 to Collingwood 12.12.84.

.