Big Mick runs out onto the field for GB&I
I'm supporting the underdog!
The Australian psyche has a deeply implanted admiration for the underdog. It supports individuals and teams that triumph against the odds
We cheer loudest when the underdog wins and rejoice in the notion that regardless of where you are from, you still have a chance of going all the way
Supporting the underdog has been a part of the Australian sporting landscape since foundation and the NRL is no different. Its the great notion that if your team is out of contention, you will support the team who has the least chance of winning. Why as a culture do we do this? Wouldnt it be more logical to choose a winning team? Everyone loves a winner right? In Australia the notion of Ill support the winner is not a part of our culture while there is an underdog to support.
As Australians we love the underdog. A team that after years of battling with heartache and defeat has conquered all before them. It all reverts to the theory of the Aussie battler who with nothing at all manages to rise to the top and reach the pinnacle of their game. In rugby league there is one of these stories every season. A team that comes from the shadows that everyone wants to see win as they appear the least likely to achieve it. In 2001 it was the Knights. Despite the Novocastrians having the Andrew Johns factor, Parramatta were touted as invincible and no one could find a feasible answer to how Newcastle could win. However, people supported Newcastle in droves and urged Newcastle to their second premiership.
In 2011, it was the New Zealand Warriors. Despite being defeated by 40+ points in the opening round of the finals series by the Brisbane Broncos, the Warriors secured a second change and used it to full effect. The Warriors bounced back defeating the Tigers & the Storm on their way to facing Manly in the Grand Final. As usual, in Grand Final week, the Australian culture immediately jumped on the Warriors bandwagon, but that additional support was not enough to bring the trophy back to New Zealand.
In 2003, the Penrith Panthers were the underdog, having won the wooden spoon in 2001 and finishing12th the following year; critics were again predicting the Panthers as wooden spoon favourites. Despite all their inexperience the Panthers completed a remarkable season finishing minor premiers and making it to the grand final to face the defending premiers, the Roosters. The Roosters were again favourites, and the underdog supporters lifted the Panthers to a heroic and fairytale victory.
The 2004 series gave us another memorable underdog in the North Queensland Cowboys. In their first ever finals appearance, the Cowboys went from seventh place to beat the Bulldogs and Brisbane to play the Sydney Roosters in the preliminary final. Everyone was trying to get the Cowboys a famous victory, but it wasnt enough to make that elusive grand final.
But the question we must ask is where does this effectuation derive? Is it to due the Australian nature of wanting an even competition? We live our lives by suggesting that its ok to have success and to be part of a successful club, but that success should only last so long. We crave the day that the best is being beaten by those who are given no chance.
We forget that these successful clubs of today, where once overshadowed by the successful clubs of yesteryear and will again be overshadowed by the successful clubs of tomorrow. Success is brought about as a result of the hunger after defeat. In a vicious cycle success will happen again, through the heartache of supporters, tenacity of the coaching staff and the ability of the players to conquer adversity
..but only for a while.
Whether it is the upcoming Four Nations final between Australia and England or a 2011 team from outside the top 8, we will again see an underdog emerge and capture the hearts of Australias public. Like the Warriors of 2011, well see a team lift us to a place where we feel genuine joy. In 2012 let us all hope that our team, whomever you support, will be that underdog who emerges from the ashes and grabs glory in most unexpected circumstances, because we all know that winning when no one expects it, is the sweetest victory of all. And in any case...who doesnt love an underdog!
745 words (OWC)