A group of very excited boys and their parents gathered at AAMI Stadium on cold and wet Saturday afternoon to play Payneham in the curtain raiser for the Crows/Hawthorn game. But when the siren rang at 5:15 curtains of freezing rain swept across the nearly empty stadium, showing no sign of raising.

Walkerville gained the early momentum, kicking into the gale, scoring a behind after five minutes to put Walkerville on the board. Payneham steadied and play moved to what would be the scoring end, giving our half-frozen defenders a chance to get warm. The weather cleared and when play resumed at quarter time Payneham scored a quick goal. From there on it was a more even game, with both teams jumping on their chance to play on 'Footy Park'.

After a brief pause to admire themselves on the big screen the Walkerville players made the best of their opportunities, giving Daniel Tanczos two goals going into the final term.

In the cold and slippery conditions marks and goals were hard to get, and as full time approached Walkerville held on to a four point lead kicking with the wind. Then in the closing minutes Harry Collison kicked straight and the Cats were home.

Every player had a great game on an afternoon to remember.