ABC NEWS
By Niav Owens and Brooke Bannister
It was described by Jets Football director Remo Nogarotto as "the icing on the cake" for the club, but for thousands of fans Thursday's civic reception in Newcastle was much more.
It was a chance to officially celebrate the Jet's grand final win and fans crowded into the usually busy city streets to cheer on the victorious players with what voice they had left. And for the 1233 Drive team it was an event not to be missed.
Self-confessed Jets tragic, and 1233 Drive presenter Simone Thurtell, jumped at the opportunity to broadcast live from Civic Park and to get amongst the celebrations.
A crowd of several thousand started to gain the best vantage points from 2pm, many of them braving extreme weather conditions as the heavens opened and bucketed down on Newcastle.
1233 Breakfast presenter and Jets commentator Aaron Kearney introduced the players to the stage, in the midst of a thousand soggy and devoted Jets fans.
The players were introduced one by one; with each player receiving riotous applause from the loyal fans assembled around the steps of Newcastle City Hall. Squadron members directed the rest of the crowd in the "New-cas-tle, New-cas-tle" chant throughout the afternoon.
The official ceremony was concluded by Squadron leader, Tim Verscheldon. He took the microphone and led the passionate hordes of supporters through a number of their favourite chants.
Captain Jade North and Johnny Warren Medal winner Joel Griffiths thanked the crowd for its support throughout the season - pronouncing Jets supporters as indisputably the best and most vocal fans in the league. Jets coach Gary Van Egmond and owner Con Constantine hoisted the trophy aloft, with fans from all over the Hunter Valley delighted to welcome the silverware to its new home.
The 1233 ABC Drive team returned to the studio for the last hour of the program, a little soggy, but keen to welcome Jets CEO John Tsatsimas, Squadron leader Tim Verscheldon, and the club's media manager Tracy McKelligot, for the regular Drive segment "The Final Word". Not surprisingly all three had had a week filled with lots of football and not much sleep, but each had different experiences to share.
John Tsatsimas paid tribute to the dedication of local fans, and the fact that thousands of people turned out today, despite the inclement weather.
"It just goes to show how hardcore our support is, it started from nothing but it has become something mega...we thank all of the people who showed up today and showed their appreciation, I know the boys certainly appreciate their support," Mr Tsatsimas said.
Tracy McKelligott, who runs the publicity for the Jets, said that there were 125 to 130 radio interviews last week alone, and praised the commitment of the players.
"Especially the Hunter boys, like Stuart Musialik and Joel Griffiths... they know what it's all about, they've experienced the Knights, they know what this town can make you, and they embrace it, they really do," Ms McKelligott said.
Squadron leader Tim Verscheldon echoed the feelings of football fans right across the Hunter, when he said, "It's been unreal, I've been a fan of football in Newcastle for as long as I can remember and now to be the top team in Australia is just the best feeling ever".
After 30 years in the football desert, Newcastle's round-ball enthusiasts will be celebrating this triumph long and hard. The 1233 team could be found throughout the afternoon, cheering loudly, and enjoying the atmosphere in Civic Park Newcastle, right in the middle of the festivities. It would take more than rain to dampen the spirits of Newcastle's football fans today.
Article source http://www.abc.net.au/newcastle/stories/s2175756.htm?nsw
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