THE NEWCASTLE HERALD
By JACQUI JONES, RENEE VALENTINE and MARTIN DINNEEN
NEWCASTLE was awash with red, blue and gold yesterday as more than 2000 Jets fans, draped in team colours, braved the rain and gathered outside City Hall to give their soccer heroes a champions' welcome.
The city hosted a civic reception for the 2007-08 A-League premiers to mark their grand final win last Sunday against the Central Coast Mariners.
Players and coaching staff were met with screams, cheers and cries of "New-cas-tle, New-cas-tle" and "We are champions".
There was elation as Jets' captain Jade North, coach Gary van Egmond and team owner Con Constantine together raised the A-League trophy to the crowd.
The wet weather did not deter enthusiastic fans.
"We've supported them all season and even though it's raining you've gotta come down and show that we appreciate what they've done for the town and the Hunter," Sarah-Jane Stevenson, of Branxton, said.
Niki Putra, of Waratah West, was dressed in a Jets shirt and scarf and brandishing an inflatable Jets hand.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world, it could be hailing, could be snowing, balls of fire could be falling from the sky, I would always be here," he said.
Former Newcastle United captain Andy Roberts, who was wearing a gold suit and Jets scarf, said that the victory was long overdue.
"I am a very proud Novocastrian right here today," he said.
Peter Stitt lifted son Ben onto his shoulders to view the spectacle.
"We came to see the boys and give them a cheer. Support the team and support [team supporters group] The Squadron," Mr Stitt said.
The city's team of champions filed out of City Hall one by one, walking to the stage through a guard of honour formed by the team's dance squad, the Bombers.
The team's poster boys, twins Adam and Joel Griffiths, were introduced to high-pitched screams from their adoring female fans.
Three F/A-18s from Williamtown RAAF base capped off proceedings, flying over City Hall in formation.
After showing off the championship trophy, Mr Constantine could hardly contain his excitement.
"New-cas-tle we done it, we done it!," he said. "This is a dream come true and I could never do it by myself.
"Thank you. Enjoy. Go the Jets!"
North said his team was inspired by the public support displayed yesterday and throughout the season.
"It's a massive achievement for you guys to come out," he said.
Joel Griffiths told fans: "You made my dream come true."
Van Egmond, who was greeted with chants of "Gary-Gary-Gary" said it was the "ultimate dream" to win the A-League title and encouraged fans to "enjoy the ride" with the Jets as they head to the Asian Champions League.
There was a more subdued but no less proud atmosphere at an official function before the public celebrations.
Charlton MP Greg Combet, Anglican Dean of Newcastle the Very Reverend Graeme Lawrence, Newcastle Airport chief executive Paul Hughes, Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens councillors and Squadron members were among those who rubbed shoulders with players.
Cr Tate presented the Jets with a plaque from the city commemorating the team's grand final success.
"Every Novocastrian is part of the win, every Hunter person is part of the win," he said. "Because I know the Jets have captured the hearts and minds of people in the Hunter."
Jets' goalkeeper Ante Covic said Jets' supporters had helped inspire Newcastle to championship glory.
"The crowd that was there in the grand final was amazing," Covic said.
"It's something that you see in Europe and I've experienced it over there but the football culture has come on really strong in Australia, especially in this city and it's a credit to them.
"It's pouring rain out there but they've still come out in numbers today."
Article source http://theherald.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/sea-of-fans-fete-football-heroes/1192996.html
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