Meet our Members - Sophie

We won't ask you your age but how long have you been a Melbourne supporter?
We came to Australia in October 1987 and I got hooked on the Dees in 1988 so 37 years.

How did you become a Melbourne supporter?
I was bullied into barracking for Essendon by the kids at school but it only lasted 6 weeks. My friend, Sherryl, suggested I'd do much better in life if I barracked for Melbourne. Her family took me to footy training and I got to meet the players. I was hooked and that decision changed my whole life.

How long have you been in the cheer squad? And what made you decide to join?
I first joined the cheer squad in 1989. I'd been introduced to other members and thought it was the most fun ever. I helped make the banner each week and went to training with other cheer squad members. I'd watch the Under 19s, the reserves and the seniors each week with a big gang of friends.

Favourite current player?
I have a couple. Max Gawn is just the absolute best in my eyes but Christian Salem, Ed Langdon and Clayton Oliver are right up there.

Favourite Melbourne player ever?
MATTHEW FEBEY! Forever! I met him at a season launch in 1989 when I was 14. One of my "friends" was laughing at my accent and he overheard and reassured me that my accent was great. And that's all it took for a lifetime of devotion!

Favourite game?
The final round of the 2021 season against Geelong. Max Gawn's kick after the siren. I will never recover from that. I stayed up all night. My Apple Watch kept saying "It looks like you're working out" because my heart rate was so high.

Greatest player ever? This can be from any club. 
I was amazed by Gary Ablett and I was also secretly fond of Peter Daicos, courtesy of my Collingwood-supporting family.

Highest point in your footballing career
​Finally winning that elusive flag in 2021. I honestly thought it wouldn't happen in my lifetime.
 
Lowest point in your footballing career
Ugh - so many. Probably the merger.

Any football superstitions?
I always used to wear an old pair of Matthew Febey's footy socks until they fell apart. Nothing crazy these days but I always feel more comfortable if the Dees are kicking towards The Demon Army in the last quarter. I'm told which end they kick to is determined by Bayley Fritsch and Max Gawn together.

Craziest thing you've ever done for the Dees.
​​Dedicating my life to a cheer squad is probably right up there!