Sutherland Shire has a severe dose of grand final fever and there’s no doubt it's going to be very contagious over the next week.
The excitement in Cronulla mall on Saturday, following the Sharks’s demolition of reigning premiers North Queensland, was palpable.
Sharks jumpers and caps were everywhere, and supporters said there would have been more except many were in the wash after Friday’s preliminary final.
From families to shopkeepers, a former player and a club director, there was a feeling of optimism this could be the Year of the Sharks.
‘Everyone agreed it’s going to be a big week in the shire leading up to Sunday’s grand final.
Craig Moran, of Kirrawee, said, “It’s great for the shire – there is a huge buzz around the mall”.
Mr Moran said he was sure the Sharks could beat Canberra, but victory against Melbourne would be more difficult.
Nick Herb, of Menai, said the Sharks were a “red hot chance”, no matter whom they played.
“It’s the best thing for the shire community – look how many people are around here in Sharks’ gear.”
Megan Wilson, of Cronulla, said, “We are going to win the grand final – it’s our turn”
“The atmosphere on Friday night and the support for the Sharks was unbelievable.
“On or way home in the taxi we heard a message on the cab radio that the Kingsway was closed because the crowd had come out of Northies on to the road.”
Jacqui Wilson, of Caringbah, said the atmosphere at the football stadium had been an “amazing” experience for her family.
“I think we have a pretty good chance of winning the grand final and I hope we can, at least for the children,” she said.
Rhys Christensen, of Woolooware, said, “I think our chances are pretty good, and better if Canberra beat Melbourne”.
“It’s great for our community – you can already see people out enjoying it,” he said.
Michael Foord, of Engadine, said, “The Sharks are in the grand final...they are going to win”.
Daniel and Michele Aylward, of Menai, said they loved Friday night’s game and were excited about the week ahead, which would “bring the community together”.
Joel Aylward, 9, said, “I want them to win for Michael Ennis”.
Andy and Ree Barrow, who moved to Yowie Bay from Townsville at the start of the year, could be a good luck charm for the Sharks.
The couple and their children have attended every Sharks game this year, including away games against Melbourne, Canberra and Newcastle, and have seen every win.
“I bought our grand final tickets online at half time in Friday night’s game,” Mr Barrow said.
He said he started following the Sharks when he was a boy living in Queensland because they were his grandfather’s team.
“I reckon they are going to do – the support for them is amazing, and I think it will feed off last night’s game.”
David Rose, proprietor of Cold Rock Ice Creamery, said there was a real “buzz” around the mall, particularly with the children.
“i don’t think they realise how lucky they are – it has been so long for all of who have been around for a while,” he said.
“If we can get some of the atmosphere from Friday night happening again at the grand final, I think we will be hard to beat.”
Suzie Sigurnjak, at Cronulla Fruit Fair, said customers were very excited.
“Everyone is loving it,” she said.
Nicholas Thompson, 4, of Caringbah South, was sure “the Sharks are going to win next week”.
Nick Pay and Danielle Cooper, who attended the preliminary final said it was “a phenomenal atmosphere” and “a once in a lifetime experience”.
Mr Pay was very confident about the grand final.
“We will do it, and do it well,” he said. “The players have belief from the community.”
Paul Sweeney, who played for the Sharks from 1970-72 with legends Cliff Watson, Tommy Bishop and Greg Pearce, said it was “unbelievable for the shire” that a premiership was so close.
“You can see the smiles on the faces of people just walking down the street,” he said.
“It’s going to be a hard game whoever they play, and I think it will be Melbourne.”
The most positive attitude was shown by Sharks club director and shire lawyer Kevin Dwyer, who was soaking up the atmosphere in the mall with his wife Belinda and their four children.
“I reckon we will win this year and probably next year, but 2019 is too hard to call,” he said with a grin.
Mr Dwyer heaped praise on the players.
“They way they have put in for each other and for the community is remarkable,” he said.
”These guys do so much work in the community that doesn’t get recognition.”
