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Joker….the grand daddy of psychotic supporters
My case for Iggy.
Throughout my many years of AAGPS rugby I have been fortunate to witness some incredible support shown by all (yes even High) Schools. The administrations of these schools have tolerated many of these colourful characters over the decades but time has been cruelling to some.
In my lifetime I have seen the Wyvern Dragon; a costumed student on the sideline whipping up the Newington boys into a formidable vocal assemblage. He would lead out the team through their mammoth tunnels and would then prowl the sideline in front of the Newington supporters. He was the first I think of the AAGPS cheer mascots. He disappeared in the 90’s I think. Now they have drums, banners and kick ass BBQ.
Scots had a Highland Warrior for a limited time and would only release him from his cell when required. In the early 2000’s a golden rampant lion costume appeared, and like its Newington counterpart, he would lead teams out at home games. Generally considered a buffoon or comic relief, he did do his job quite well as Scots is not short on clowns. The sideline antics halted when the Dark Lord Camembert seized power and deemed the lion to be a distraction to universal domination.
Grammar and High even had fleeting moments of GPS madness. Grammar would have the most inventive and effective chants (and some good teams). As the sun set on their rugby dexterity, the Grammar “bees” would chant to the opposition (or maybe just Joeys) “You only win on the scoreboard, wait to the HSC”. Sydney Boys High would play the public-school card with a chant to the tune of “Old MacDonald had a farm”. I have asked around and this is what I believe was the verse.
“My family pays no fees, doo daa, doo daa
And they drive a brand-new car oh the doo daa day
Going to drive all night, going to drive all day
My family pays no fees, get out of our way.
Kings are one of the last to have a cheer leader of such old-time buffoonery. A student dressed in an elegant cape, wielding a wooden sword and clutching a Kings Shield would whip his fellow Kingsmen into a frenzy. Plenty of posturing and strutting in front of his peers was a highlight but being Kings boys, this was not an issue. They are used to swaggering for the Tara girls.
Joeys…. never had and never needed one. Sure, they have cheer leaders, but sonic booms and damaging decibels have worked well since 1894. In recent years the quality has fallen away but this season I have noted a return to the mongrel dog attitude of decades past. Maybe someone at Joeys is reading my thoughts?
So now we come to Iggy.
This controversial character was the gold standard of sideline antics. He was selected by the students for the students after exhaustive public tryouts. The brief was simple, demonstrate absolute dynamic support for the Lane Cove lunatics. For over 30 years I saw this character and each year I would appreciate this student led support. It was the strength of character demonstrated by Iggy who controlled “the weather” of View’s support. Great “Iggy’s” would lead the school in “Iggy the Moocher” chants. Often dressed in a wild style of clothing (or not!) Iggy was a one man show and Riverview supporters knew and loved this. With Iggy out front, the opposition supporters gaze would wander to the Riverview lads and their own support would wane. I can say with great confidence that View won many games they shouldn’t have because Iggy and the passion he evoked, inspiring the 15 players or “wolf pack.” Now they rely on a bloody drum and incoherent
