Geelong 'mayor' Harley cancels all fines - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Geelong 'mayor' Harley cancels all fines

By Edwina Scott 29/09/2009 04:36:00 PM Comments (0)

The premiership party in Geelong has entered its fourth day, with businesses closing and free parking declared for a month - according to a decree by mayor for the day Tom Harley.

The dual-premiership captain donned the mayoral robes after he and his teammates paraded through Geelong's streets with the AFL premiership cup on Tuesday, as workers and young fans swarmed into town to cheer them on.

Harley made the most of his role as the city's honorary leader for the day.

"Parking's free for the rest of today and the rest of October," he declared.

And in another move strongly applauded by the crowds, the defender issued a final edict: "cancel all the fines".

Vice-captain Cameron Ling declared a public holiday when he was made mayor for the day after the Cats won the 2007 premiership.

Harley's appointment on Tuesday may be a final honour from the city for the respected skipper who is tipped to announce his retirement soon.

Businesses in the city centre closed as thousands gathered in brilliant conditions to celebrate their club's 2009 flag, hard won in Saturday's grand final against the long-suffering St Kilda.

Fans draped in navy blue and white keen to catch another glimpse of the players in Catland swarmed on central Malop Street, with crowds three deep.

Mother-of-five Jodie Beckwith of Wandin, east of Melbourne, drove down the night before with family in tow to catch a glimpse of her boys.

While she witnessed Saturday's victory on Saturday at the MCG, the passionate supporter was after more signatures, she confessed.

"I am very dedicated," Ms Beckwith told AAP.

"I'm rapt with the two premierships they've won recently."

Geelong local Zeni Muhiji waited patiently for the weary team's appearance on stage in central Johnstone Park.

"Two out of three, it's very nice," he grinned.

Son Eddie tipped 21-year-old Joel Selwood as Geelong's next skipper after Harley.

"There are definitely a number of really good candidates," he said.

"Bomber's (Mark Thompson) a very lucky coach to be able to select from that range of players."

Coach Mark Thompson told the crowd their football club and city were vitally linked.

"As a club, as a city, we do a lot. We know our place. It is a great city to live and work in. We should all be proud of the team and the place we live," Thompson said.

As flags in team colours emblazoned with "Geelong Australia" were raised before the council chambers, Acting Mayor Rod MacDonald told the team: "not only have you done yourselves proud and your team proud, you've down our city proud."

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

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