When the whistle blows tonight in Perth for the start of the 2021 AFL Grand Final, between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs, there will be one Port Douglian holding on that little bit tighter than the rest of us.

Mick Whalen, started supporting the Demons a few years before they won their last AFL Grand Final flag in 1964, a staggering 57 years ago, and has waited a pain-staking 21 years for the opportunity to see them bring one home again in today's final.
 

The 57 year flag drought is the fourth longest in the leagues history, behind Swans (1934-2005), Saints (1897-1966 | two inactive years during WW1) and Bulldogs (1955-2016).

Mick, a Melbourne FC member for 40 years is better known around these parts as the owner / manager, with wife Sue, of the Nautilus Holiday Apartments here in Port Douglas and the backbone and Head Coach of the Shire's Douglas Heat Basketball Club.

What has been described as “P Dees Central”, Demon supporter holiday makers have been feeling right at home checking in and out of their tropical escapes here in Port Douglas. Mick and Sue Whalen dedicating their reception to the mighty Melbourne team.

Tom Wills would be proud Mick. Good luck today!

And a final word from Mick...

“Go Dees, stay calm and give ‘em hell”

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Watch all the action tonight from 7:15pm AEST 

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