HORSHAM’S Terry Griffin is one of the lucky few supporters who will get to witness the Western Bulldogs play in their first AFL grand final in 55 years.
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Griffin has supported the Bulldogs since the early 1950’s.
“I was born in Yaraville which is Bulldogs territory – not too far from the Whitten Oval,” she said.
“All of my family lived in the Footscray and Yaraville area and it was a right of passage.
“You had to barrack for the Bulldogs.”
Griffin said she bawled when she heard she had tickets to Saturday’s thriller at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The MCG holds about 100,000 people.
The Bulldogs have around 39,500 members while their grand final opponent Sydney has about 56,500 members.
Each club will be given an allocation of only 15,000 tickets. Only 38 per cent of the Bulldogs' members and about a quarter of the Swans will sit in the stands on Saturday.
“I tell you what my heart was thumping,” she said.
“A relative of mine rang up and said she had two tickets for me.
“I couldn’t even eat I was so excited.
“I was at a restaurant but if I was at home I would’ve got up and yelled.
“I was just so excited because I have never been to a grand final.
“’I’ve only ever been to a handful of games really, I just watch on the television and on the radio because it is hard going backwards and forward to Melbourne.”
Griffin said she has never given up on her team.
“It has been a very long time but all good things come to those who wait,” she said.
“I never gave up on them. I knew that one day we would get a team like we have now.
“There is something special about this group.”
Win or lose, Griffin said she will be a proud fan.
“Oh I won’t give up on them,” she said.
“They will be there next year too I’m sure.”