The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Moderators: Saintsational Administrators, Saintsational Moderators
-
- Club Player
- Posts: 547
- Joined: Fri 16 Sep 2011 5:20pm
- Location: donvale
- Has thanked: 1 time
- Been thanked: 67 times
- Contact:
The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Time for some comic relief, given our performance yesterday and the opposition next week.
Does anyone who was there at the infamous lights out fiasco vs the Bombers at Waverley in 1996 remember the streaker?
I was there with my old man and we got separated in the the outer Police Road forward pocket.
I heard shouting and cheering coming from the other side of the ground, which seemed to be coming from the Wellington Road forward pocket.
Then out of the gloomy centre square emerged an athletic streaker, who made it all the way to the fence below us with several burly security guards hot on his hammer.
The opportunist almost made it over the fence to safety before he was dragged unceremoniously back, body slammed and pinned to the ground by his pursuers much to the disappointment of the remaining crowd.
It reminded me of an early episode of The Simpsons in which the family attended a daredevil, Evil Knievel-style stunt over a swimming pool filled with man-eating beasts, including a lion (the only non-aquatic man-eater in the pool), which ultimately dragged the stuntman back into the pool, ironically.
(similar to the burly security guard who brought about the quirky streaker's demise)
Does anyone who was there at the infamous lights out fiasco vs the Bombers at Waverley in 1996 remember the streaker?
I was there with my old man and we got separated in the the outer Police Road forward pocket.
I heard shouting and cheering coming from the other side of the ground, which seemed to be coming from the Wellington Road forward pocket.
Then out of the gloomy centre square emerged an athletic streaker, who made it all the way to the fence below us with several burly security guards hot on his hammer.
The opportunist almost made it over the fence to safety before he was dragged unceremoniously back, body slammed and pinned to the ground by his pursuers much to the disappointment of the remaining crowd.
It reminded me of an early episode of The Simpsons in which the family attended a daredevil, Evil Knievel-style stunt over a swimming pool filled with man-eating beasts, including a lion (the only non-aquatic man-eater in the pool), which ultimately dragged the stuntman back into the pool, ironically.
(similar to the burly security guard who brought about the quirky streaker's demise)
its time to make a name for yourself like you've never made before!
- evertonfc
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 7261
- Joined: Mon 08 Mar 2004 9:11pm
- Location: 'Quietly Confident' County
- Has thanked: 115 times
- Been thanked: 267 times
- Contact:
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
That was some night. Never forget it.
The sight and sound of 50,000 people in the dark was something that stays with you a long time. It was pretty much pitch black, too.
The crowd's mood went from shocked and confused...to laughing and joking...to mob-like and mad. The fire in the middle?! The stolen goalpost?! And yes, the streaker. Cheered by an increasingly rabid crowd.
Now that I think about it, it was probably the last of the last of the really feral days at the footy.
We chugged along for the rest of the season, made finals the next two years (should have been three), then moved to Docklands - and it was all fairly sanguine thereafter as footy ushered in a new modern era of well-behaved fans.
(...save for those trips to Geelong between 1998-2004, and our unusual visits to Princes Park)
The sight and sound of 50,000 people in the dark was something that stays with you a long time. It was pretty much pitch black, too.
The crowd's mood went from shocked and confused...to laughing and joking...to mob-like and mad. The fire in the middle?! The stolen goalpost?! And yes, the streaker. Cheered by an increasingly rabid crowd.
Now that I think about it, it was probably the last of the last of the really feral days at the footy.
We chugged along for the rest of the season, made finals the next two years (should have been three), then moved to Docklands - and it was all fairly sanguine thereafter as footy ushered in a new modern era of well-behaved fans.
(...save for those trips to Geelong between 1998-2004, and our unusual visits to Princes Park)
Clueless and mediocre petty tyrant.
![Image](http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/684651e21d.jpg)
![Image](http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/684651e21d.jpg)
- St Chris
- SS Hall of Fame
- Posts: 2153
- Joined: Wed 05 Apr 2006 2:20pm
- Has thanked: 4 times
- Been thanked: 41 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
I was there (I was only 11 at the time) with Mum and my younger brother. We were just in front of the walkway, behind the goals at the Freeway end.
My mum was terrified, and through it was the end of civilisation as we knew it. She was expecting the Saints and Bombers fan to break off into tribes and Waverley to become the Thunderdome. Me and my brother were fascinated and just wanted to get out there.
I know us Saints supporters have a bit of a victim complex, but this was the first time I'd realised that we'd get screwed by AFL House, even at that young age. The fact James Hird was out of the game (injured I think, or maybe suspended?), but was allowed to be included then the remainder of the game that was played during the week was a travesty
But I digress. It was certainly an experience that I'll never forget, and one that will never be repeated again.
My mum was terrified, and through it was the end of civilisation as we knew it. She was expecting the Saints and Bombers fan to break off into tribes and Waverley to become the Thunderdome. Me and my brother were fascinated and just wanted to get out there.
I know us Saints supporters have a bit of a victim complex, but this was the first time I'd realised that we'd get screwed by AFL House, even at that young age. The fact James Hird was out of the game (injured I think, or maybe suspended?), but was allowed to be included then the remainder of the game that was played during the week was a travesty
But I digress. It was certainly an experience that I'll never forget, and one that will never be repeated again.
- saintsRrising
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 30089
- Joined: Mon 15 Mar 2004 11:07am
- Location: Melbourne
- Has thanked: 711 times
- Been thanked: 1233 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
I was there.
Plus I went for its conclusion where a lot less attended. So I am one of the few that can say that I attended the longest AFL/VFL game in history.
Very surreal as one assumed that they would just turned the lights back on after a few munutes. But no, pitch black for all!
I am still annoyed that they allowed the Dons to swap in players too. So once a cheat, always a cheat I guess.
Plus I went for its conclusion where a lot less attended. So I am one of the few that can say that I attended the longest AFL/VFL game in history.
Very surreal as one assumed that they would just turned the lights back on after a few munutes. But no, pitch black for all!
I am still annoyed that they allowed the Dons to swap in players too. So once a cheat, always a cheat I guess.
Flying the World in comfort thanks to FF Points....
- kosifantutti
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 8581
- Joined: Fri 21 Jan 2005 9:06am
- Location: Back in town
- Has thanked: 526 times
- Been thanked: 1527 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Have we been involved in the two longest games in the AFL? The result of the Sirengate game wasn't known until about Tuesday.saintsRrising wrote:I was there.
Plus I went for its conclusion where a lot less attended. So I am one of the few that can say that I attended the longest AFL/VFL game in history.
Very surreal as one assumed that they would just turned the lights back on after a few munutes. But no, pitch black for all!
I am still annoyed that they allowed the Dons to swap in players too. So once a cheat, always a cheat I guess.
Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year for 2023 "Kosi Lives"
- saintsRrising
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 30089
- Joined: Mon 15 Mar 2004 11:07am
- Location: Melbourne
- Has thanked: 711 times
- Been thanked: 1233 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Indeed.kosifantutti wrote:Have we been involved in the two longest games in the AFL? The result of the Sirengate game wasn't known until about Tuesday.saintsRrising wrote:I was there.
Plus I went for its conclusion where a lot less attended. So I am one of the few that can say that I attended the longest AFL/VFL game in history.
Very surreal as one assumed that they would just turned the lights back on after a few munutes. But no, pitch black for all!
I am still annoyed that they allowed the Dons to swap in players too. So once a cheat, always a cheat I guess.
Flying the World in comfort thanks to FF Points....
-
- Club Player
- Posts: 1135
- Joined: Tue 09 Mar 2004 9:10am
- Location: Still aisle 35
- Been thanked: 6 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
I was there for parts 1 and 2.
Furious that Hird was allowed to come into the side for the 2nd chapter.
Maybe we can put Essendon's lights out this Sunday.
Furious that Hird was allowed to come into the side for the 2nd chapter.
Maybe we can put Essendon's lights out this Sunday.
- Furphy
- Club Player
- Posts: 781
- Joined: Tue 02 Aug 2005 2:48pm
- Location: Berwick
- Has thanked: 32 times
- Been thanked: 19 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Really that long ago? I was at that game, seems like yesterday. Still can't believe there was no rule in place for a cancelled game. There was always the possibility of flood, riot or one of those old wooden grandstands catching fire when the rules were drawn up. The outcome really sucked.
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 25303
- Joined: Tue 01 Feb 2005 4:25pm
- Location: Trump Tower
- Has thanked: 142 times
- Been thanked: 284 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Seems like the AFL making it up on the run has a long tradition.Furphy wrote:Really that long ago? I was at that game, seems like yesterday. Still can't believe there was no rule in place for a cancelled game. There was always the possibility of flood, riot or one of those old wooden grandstands catching fire when the rules were drawn up. The outcome really sucked.
i am Melbourne Skies - sometimes Blue Skies, Grey Skies, even Partly Cloudy Skies.
- bigred
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 11463
- Joined: Tue 09 Mar 2004 7:39am
- Has thanked: 25 times
- Been thanked: 609 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Yeah I was there for parts 1 & 2.
What a farce. Absolute farce.
I got reasonably lucky the night the lights went out. Took a nice girl from Uni to the game.
Lights went out, and then came the fireworks![Razz :P](./images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
What a farce. Absolute farce.
I got reasonably lucky the night the lights went out. Took a nice girl from Uni to the game.
Lights went out, and then came the fireworks
![Razz :P](./images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
"Now the ball is loose, it gives St. Kilda a rough chance. Black. Good handpass. Voss. Schwarze now, the defender, can run and from a long way".....
- Bernard Shakey
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 11235
- Joined: Sun 18 Mar 2007 11:22pm
- Location: Down By The River 1989, 2003, 2009 & 2013
- Has thanked: 119 times
- Been thanked: 137 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
In your pants... Sorry I mean in your head!bigred wrote:Yeah I was there for parts 1 & 2.
What a farce. Absolute farce.
I got reasonably lucky the night the lights went out. Took a nice girl from Uni to the game.
Lights went out, and then came the fireworks
Old enough to repaint, but young enough to sell
- ausfatcat
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 6524
- Joined: Tue 09 Mar 2004 4:36pm
- Has thanked: 19 times
- Been thanked: 95 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
I remembering being their with my dad was 12 or so at the time one of the few games a year we could get to (lived 4 hours away) was so disappointed. Dad got us to leave as people started going on the field so missed most of it.
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 6582
- Joined: Sat 11 Jun 2011 4:52pm
- Location: Here
- Has thanked: 1274 times
- Been thanked: 463 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Me, the wife and two kids were there on the Saturday night to see (or not see) the shenanigans but I'm the only one that returned on the Tuesday as they didn't want to go - and I had to be there to be part of history.
I think the score difference ended up being about the same on the Tuesday as it was on Saturday - a 4 goal win?
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
As ex-president Peter Summers said:
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 11322
- Joined: Thu 11 Mar 2004 12:57am
- Location: South of Heaven
- Has thanked: 1312 times
- Been thanked: 447 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Also attended (both the Saturday night when everything went black and extra time played on the weeknight).
It was spooky when the lights went out. Very eerie. Felt like a scene from Spielberg's CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND. The anarchy on the field which ensued, with people lighting bonfires and ripping out the goal posts was insane. Was it a full moon that night?
It was spooky when the lights went out. Very eerie. Felt like a scene from Spielberg's CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND. The anarchy on the field which ensued, with people lighting bonfires and ripping out the goal posts was insane. Was it a full moon that night?
Curb your enthusiasm - you’re a St.Kilda supporter!!
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/LkJcQq3.jpg?2)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/LkJcQq3.jpg?2)
-
- Club Player
- Posts: 1330
- Joined: Tue 22 Dec 2015 7:59pm
- Has thanked: 879 times
- Been thanked: 450 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
kosifantutti wrote:Have we been involved in the two longest games in the AFL? The result of the Sirengate game wasn't known until about Tuesday.saintsRrising wrote:I was there.
Plus I went for its conclusion where a lot less attended. So I am one of the few that can say that I attended the longest AFL/VFL game in history.
Very surreal as one assumed that they would just turned the lights back on after a few munutes. But no, pitch black for all!
I am still annoyed that they allowed the Dons to swap in players too. So once a cheat, always a cheat I guess.
Three I think, Kos. We won our first game in 1900 on protest, after it was originally a draw. I am not sure how long it took to hand down that decision, but I am tipping it was days.
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 6582
- Joined: Sat 11 Jun 2011 4:52pm
- Location: Here
- Has thanked: 1274 times
- Been thanked: 463 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
I think carrier pigeons were pretty fast back then.George27 wrote:kosifantutti wrote:Have we been involved in the two longest games in the AFL? The result of the Sirengate game wasn't known until about Tuesday.saintsRrising wrote:I was there.
Plus I went for its conclusion where a lot less attended. So I am one of the few that can say that I attended the longest AFL/VFL game in history.
Very surreal as one assumed that they would just turned the lights back on after a few munutes. But no, pitch black for all!
I am still annoyed that they allowed the Dons to swap in players too. So once a cheat, always a cheat I guess.
Three I think, Kos. We won our first game in 1900 on protest, after it was originally a draw. I am not sure how long it took to hand down that decision, but I am tipping it was days.
As ex-president Peter Summers said:
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
- saintbrat
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 44575
- Joined: Tue 09 Mar 2004 4:11pm
- Location: saints zone
- Has thanked: 6 times
- Been thanked: 188 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
StReNgTh ThRoUgH LoYaLtY
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly..!!
![Image](http://www.saintsmembership.com.au/theme/afl-stkilda/img/how-i-want-to-be.png)
MEMBERSHIP 2014 31,134 Membership 2015 32,746 MEMBERSHIP 2016 - 38,101
MEMBERSHIP 2017 42,095 , Membership 2018 46,998
MEMBERSHIP 2019 43,106 http://saintsational.net/viewtopic.php? ... 9#p1816890
MEMBERSHIP 2020 48,588 http://saintsational.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=100107
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly..!!
![Image](http://www.saintsmembership.com.au/theme/afl-stkilda/img/how-i-want-to-be.png)
MEMBERSHIP 2014 31,134 Membership 2015 32,746 MEMBERSHIP 2016 - 38,101
MEMBERSHIP 2017 42,095 , Membership 2018 46,998
MEMBERSHIP 2019 43,106 http://saintsational.net/viewtopic.php? ... 9#p1816890
MEMBERSHIP 2020 48,588 http://saintsational.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=100107
- Enrico_Misso
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 11662
- Joined: Tue 13 Jun 2006 12:11am
- Location: Moorabbin Chapter of The Royal Society of Hagiographers
- Has thanked: 315 times
- Been thanked: 720 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
It related to a point incorrectly accredited to Melb after the 3/4 time siren. The final score was a draw. We appealed and the VFL in a special sitting on the Friday night awarded us the game.Jacks Back wrote:I think carrier pigeons were pretty fast back then.George27 wrote:kosifantutti wrote:Have we been involved in the two longest games in the AFL? The result of the Sirengate game wasn't known until about Tuesday.saintsRrising wrote:I was there.
Plus I went for its conclusion where a lot less attended. So I am one of the few that can say that I attended the longest AFL/VFL game in history.
Very surreal as one assumed that they would just turned the lights back on after a few munutes. But no, pitch black for all!
I am still annoyed that they allowed the Dons to swap in players too. So once a cheat, always a cheat I guess.
Three I think, Kos. We won our first game in 1900 on protest, after it was originally a draw. I am not sure how long it took to hand down that decision, but I am tipping it was days.
So in theory the 1900 round 1 game lasted over 6 days, from Sat arvo until Fri night.
Making it the "longest" game ever.
I actually have trouble following the logic of the decision.
I can understand them awarding the game to us if the incorrect decision took place at the end of the game.
But the fact it was at 3/4 time changes everything. Maybe Melb were happy to play conservatively in the final minutes so as to at least lock in a draw, but if they knew they were a point behind they would have thrown caution to the wind.
It would be a bit like amending the 2009 GF score by taking 5 points off Geel. It doesn't make the result right as the kick in versus the centre bounce changes everything.
The rest of Australia can wander mask-free, socialise, eat out, no curfews, no zoning, no police rings of steel, no illogical inconsistent rules.
They can even WATCH LIVE FOOTY!
They can even WATCH LIVE FOOTY!
- kosifantutti
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 8581
- Joined: Fri 21 Jan 2005 9:06am
- Location: Back in town
- Has thanked: 526 times
- Been thanked: 1527 times
The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
It's 20 years today since that game.
It's also Josh Bruce's 24th birthday which means it's 24 years since Craig Devenport kicked the winning goal in front of 90,000 at the MCG.
It's also Josh Bruce's 24th birthday which means it's 24 years since Craig Devenport kicked the winning goal in front of 90,000 at the MCG.
Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year for 2023 "Kosi Lives"
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 6582
- Joined: Sat 11 Jun 2011 4:52pm
- Location: Here
- Has thanked: 1274 times
- Been thanked: 463 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Geez the time just flies by nowadays.kosifantutti wrote:It's 20 years today since that game.
It's also Josh Bruce's 24th birthday which means it's 24 years since Craig Devenport kicked the winning goal in front of 90,000 at the MCG.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
As ex-president Peter Summers said:
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
-
- Club Player
- Posts: 1701
- Joined: Fri 18 May 2007 11:13am
- Been thanked: 7 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Was at the Halos dinner at the time to busy drinking to see the runner... Strange night
And the president said " I did not have sex with that woman"
And our former president said " Football is like golf"
Go Sainters !!!!!
And our former president said " Football is like golf"
Go Sainters !!!!!
- prwilkinson
- SS Hall of Fame
- Posts: 1999
- Joined: Tue 21 Sep 2010 12:17pm
- Has thanked: 66 times
- Been thanked: 132 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
What a strange night that was! When the fires started and one goal post ended up at the other end of the ground.... we knew it was time to go home. Went to the make-up match on the Tuesday night to finish it off... bloody Essendon.
- evertonfc
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 7261
- Joined: Mon 08 Mar 2004 9:11pm
- Location: 'Quietly Confident' County
- Has thanked: 115 times
- Been thanked: 267 times
- Contact:
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
I honestly reckon it was, because it wasn't pitch black, not by any means. There were a few emergency lights that had power but no strength. Still could see fairly clearly.Sainternist wrote: Was it a full moon that night?
Clueless and mediocre petty tyrant.
![Image](http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/684651e21d.jpg)
![Image](http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/684651e21d.jpg)
-
- SS Life Member
- Posts: 3950
- Joined: Thu 24 Sep 2015 3:12pm
- Has thanked: 372 times
- Been thanked: 214 times
Re: The Lights Went Out Twenty Years Ago...
Lights are dim on this forum these days too!!!!!
'Cause StoneCold Said So'!!!!!
We will be great again once Billy is back playing!!!!!
The 'Last Post', it's the gift that keeps giving![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
We will be great again once Billy is back playing!!!!!
The 'Last Post', it's the gift that keeps giving