Parade evokes smiling faces from two- and four- legged footy fans

AFL Grand Final Friday in Portarlington saw an enthusiastic crowd of dog lovers and footy fans come together to celebrate the end of this year’s footy season.
The attraction was the annual dog football fashion parade held around the Portarlington Community Information Booth at the Rotunda.
In its fifth year the event was hosted by Woofers and Walkers (a responsible dog owners’ group).
Woofers and Walkers secretary Julie Elterman said this year the competition included lots of children, some as entrants with their dogs and other supporters dressed in their footy team colours.
“A medley of AFL club theme songs with ‘Up There Cazaly’ and ‘One Day in September’ were footy fan favourites.
“The competitors gathered together for a walk along the Portarlington business strip visiting and thanking the local business sponsors.
“This gained support and encouragement from people enjoying coffee and cake in the street.”
Ms Elterman said the final parade saw the dogs do a short walk finishing with a sit on the red paw mat in front of the judges.
“To the delight of the crowd we had a number of perfect sits, a paw shake and a few ‘I’m not too sure about this’.
“The parade brought lots of smiling faces from two and four legged fans.
“The dogs were beautifully behaved looking terrific in their footy gear.”
First Prize went to Susan Mccartin for originality with Gypsy the border collie dressed as ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain #18 – the first win for an umpire.
Second prize went to Kaye Johnson and her dog Pip for effort and class carrying the grand final cup for the Tigers and Giants, while third went to Joan Kelly with her greyhound Poppy flying high for the Eagles ready to enter into the “fashion on the fields races”.
Ms Elterman said the fashion parade brought a sense of fun and enjoyment from all those involved.
“Woofers and Walkers wish to say a special thank you to the sponsors and of course the judges Jane Sedgmen of Just Next Door for her fashion expertise, with Steve Cogger of the Portarlington Demons Football Club knowing all things about football.”