Cats parade premiership cup

Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG premiership parades are fast proving more popular than at Gala time.
There, showbags can be a distraction and cheers behind street barriers are politely reserved.
For the 22 young men and a handful of officials, the response is quite catty, even feral at times.
Cries of “Go Catters” and “We love you boys” prove the Geelong only has eyes for their footy heroes.
Players sit back in utes, lap up the euphoria and enjoy the ride – this week at least.
While 15 minutes through Swanston and Malop streets are smooth, the previous six months has been a bit bumpy.
Minutes to go in the AFL grand final and the Cats could have been heading on the road out of town.
Like a concerted sigh, the crowd releases their joy in a rendition of ‘We are Geelong’, waiting for the players to appear on the City Hall stage.
The players – some donning sunglasses and others appearing tired and a touch overwhelmed – look ready for a holiday.
Tom Harley’s croaky voice is testament to the frenetic past few days.
It can barely be heard over the thousands that assemble at Johnstone Park.
The declaration that the Geelong skipper has turned mayor for the day changes everything.
“Parking’s free for the rest of today and the rest of October,” he quickly proclaims.
Realising it doesn’t reach the same approval as 2007 honorary mayor Cameron Ling’s edict that nobody has to pay rates, Harley listens to the fans.
Ever the diplomat on and off the field, he takes the stance of populist leader.
“And cancel all fines,” Harley adds.