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Melbourne Heart

Cold Hearted But Happy

Nathan Dunn-Simpson
Jul 30 2010 15:16
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On a bitterly cold winter's night I stood shivering with pride. I was watching Heart being hosted graciously by Victorian Premier League side Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edward's Reserve.

Standing next to the fence a few metres from the pitch, I turned around to look at the many others who were eagerly awaiting kickoff. Heart chairman Peter Sidwell and CEO Scott Munn stood close by, happily discussing matters with supporters and officials alike. Injured players Kristian Sarkies, John Aloisi and Wayne Srhoj were also nearby, more than happy mingling amongst the faithful being subjected to a steady drizzle.

Earlier in the day I had ventured out to a café in Oakleigh to meet Kristian and Wayne; chatting to them about their careers and why they too had chosen the A-League's newest club. The result of the match was pleasing but expected (MHFC 5:2 Oakleigh), with a difference in class allowing Heart to withstand pressure, keep possession and create multiple scoring opportunities.

As I drove home with the car heater blasting out welcome relief, I felt quietly chuffed that the first match I'd witnessed had been a winning affair and that key forward Gerald Sibon had scored a hat-trick (including a ripper 35 yard free kick).

Six days later I made the two hour drive out to Morwell (Gippsland, Eastern Victoria) for Heart's first ever clash with A-League opposition (Newcastle Jets) on Victorian soil. Once again it was a ridiculously cold night, every breath of air shooting out of the mouth like steam from a boiling kettle.

I stood close to the pitch, right behind Clint Bolton's goal ankle deep in mud. He was extremely focused on his goalkeeping warm up with coach Peter Zois but still managed time (once finished) to come up and have a chat. The appreciation and value the club has for its fans was again displayed when head coach John van't Schip strode across the pitch during the players warm up to thank us for making the journey.

We were able to ask him about the captaincy (which had yet to be announced) and he explained that Simon Colosimo was voted by the playing group and Matty Thompson would serve as his vice. He thanked us once more and returned to the technical area. Despite the result (Heart 1:2 Jets), I returned to Melbourne in a jubilant manner, having shaken JVS' hand and seen Sibon score once more.

A week later and the club was set to play against English Premier League opposition: Everton. This time, I was warm, sitting in a padded seat next to my mate and elevated above the pitch on the second level of Etihad Stadium.

This was the biggest game in our fledgling history, warranting my decision to immediately buy tickets (despite the ridiculous price set by Everton). The Melbourne Heart Supporter's Association had hosted a function with the Everton Supporters Club Australia; allowing the faithful to share love for their respective sides.

I once again felt proud wearing my Heart scarf, surrounded by Evertonians who passionately talked about the rise of youngster Jack Rodwell, how unlucky Ian Turner is to not be playing regularly and whether Louis Saha's contract should have been extended by more than two years.

I shared the exact same connection and sense of dedication to my club as they did but I felt luckier as I'm able to see my players play in the flesh every week.

Basically what I wanted to express and build upon from my last blog was the passion and connection that I feel with Heart, regardless of where I travel, what conditions I'm subjected to and who we're playing against... bring on August 5!

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Jcoyne 30/07/2010 3:34:59 PM	Great read Nath, was at the same function for Everton v Heart. Have to pull you up on the ticket prices though. The PR company set the prices, while Everton passed on what they thought was acceptable. $50 to see my boyhood team take on my newest team was more than reasonable. What do you think about the FourFourTwo blog Cold Hearted But Happy? On a bitterly cold winter's night I stood shivering with pride. I was watching Heart being hosted graciously by Victorian Premier League side Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edward's Reserve. Standing next ... Have your say.
Heart_fan 30/07/2010 3:38:04 PM	Good sumary there of how many MH fans are feeling about the club to this point. Sure sutres that there is passion there already for the club and there have not been any HAL matches played by us yet :)
SmokyGrayson 30/07/2010 4:35:58 PM	Good write-up.
dr_awesome 30/07/2010 4:46:43 PM	The Melbourne Heart Supporters Association website is now www.redwhiteunite.com. Great article, I've been to every pre-season match so far (save Brisbane) and the most important thing that I've learnt is that two pairs of socks and thick shoes are amazing for keeping the cold out! As well as that, though, it's been great to see the way the team has progressed and slowly begun to gel. I wouldn't say that they're 100% gelled yet, but they're certainly beginning to play in a way that JVS wants them to play. 6 more days!
Master Baiter 30/07/2010 8:32:28 PM	I got cold just reading this post, and although it didn't worry me that you were freezing your tits off, I did feel a bit green. So to make me feel better I'll share a little secret with you. Visit your local bowls shop (that's lawn bowls) and for about $20 you can buy a little hand warmer, mine is about the size of a powder compact. You fill it with lighter fluid, use a little battery to warm up a coil and the fuel keeps alight for five or six hours. Wonderful little bit of kit to slip in the pocket.
RedshirtWilly 30/07/2010 10:22:15 PM	good luck to the Heart :) - after we kick your arse in the first round that is
Hobbes 30/07/2010 10:48:10 PM	"I shared the exact same connection and sense of dedication to my club as they did" give me a f%$&ing; break thats like saying you love a girl you have been on 3 dates with as much as a bloke loves his wife of twenty years.
Midnight 30/07/2010 10:58:15 PM	Just got back, pretty intoxicated etc etc. Good night with flares etc etc. Managed to get a peak into the NQ dressing room and see Adelaide's starting line up on vthewhite board which read as followed ( Plus one more bloke who I've forgotten) ----------------------------Gaelokivic---------------------------- Mullen------------Boogard----------------Fyfe---------------Cassioo ---------------Hughes-------------Reid----------------------------- Pantelis---------------------Flores-------------------------Ramsay As for the game, Adelaide we're absolutely dominated. Fury controlled possession and dominated chances on goal. We missed a penalty however Casey managed to score a screamer outside the box to give us the win. Cernak again looked quite good and so did Akoto. Wasn't our strongest lineup tonight, however we still looked the goods. Pretty good crowd tonight as well, probably 3+ thousand.
Fossie-blows 31/07/2010 11:42:47 PM	Thats awesome Midnight. Now piss off to the right thread ;P Terrific read Nathan. Hope you have a good season. But not in the first game ;)