Fans in Vans: Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory

After countless kilometres across a number of different states, Fans in Vans finally came to a conclusion on Sunday with the clash between Melbourne Heart and Perth Glory at AAMI Park.

After countless kilometres across a number of different states, Fans in Vans finally came to a conclusion on Sunday with the clash between Melbourne Heart and Perth Glory at AAMI Park.

For some of the group it was their first visit to the 18 month old stadium and it certainly didn-t disappoint, offering an up close experience as well as a perfect vantage point for every supporter.

The drive from Adelaide had left the team weary but a solid night-s sleep on Saturday meant everyone was ready to go on Sunday for a few pre-match drinks with both sets of supporters. The Heart contingency use The Imperial as their base before games and slowly but surely their numbers swelled as the afternoon wore on.

A few diehard souls made the journey from Perth for the game and they congregated in Transport of Federation Square beforehand.

With an hour to go until kick off, the Fans in Vans team headed to the ground on foot, a welcome change from the countless hours of driving which had taken place over the previous ten days. Neil in particular was looking forward to the game as a Glory supporter, and a Shane Smeltz double meant he headed back to Perth on a high.

A few quiet drinks rounded off Sunday with Lee, Jane and Matt flying out to Sydney first thing Monday morning to officially end the very first Fans in Vans adventure, and everyone was in agreement that it was well worth being a part of.

The aim of Fans in Vans was to raise interest in and awareness about A-League away days. Sure Sydney may be hundreds of kilometres from Brisbane but the prospect of seeing your team win in someone else-s backyard should be an incentive to head away for the weekend with some mates and an esky full of beer.

Thanks to everyone who supported the trip, stopped to say hello and generally made the group very welcome wherever they went. As previously mentioned, plans are underway for a Fans in Vans sequel which will incorporate a February trip to Perth amongst other things so keep an eye on FFDU.net for more updates in the near future.