Melanie Green would sure appreciate it if Sydney Showground's small security team could open up a bay for the family on the far side of the stadium on Saturday.
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Not because of coronavirus concerns which will see games played behind closed doors or social distancing rules, but because that's just how she likes to watch her sons play.
Green, husband Richard, sons Joshua, Will, Lachlan, and their eldest son Tom's girlfriend Cecilia will be part of a tiny crowd for the GWS Giants' season opener.
They will be among the few allowed into the venue for GWS' clash with Geelong, just so they can see Tom make his AFL debut.
Giants officials told The Canberra Times the family will be allowed into the venue to dispel fears they would miss highly-rated midfielder Green's first taste of the big time.
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That was a thought that brought tears to Green's mother's eyes - but one she no longer has to worry about.
So don't be surprised if you spot a couple of faces sitting far away from the players' dug out come the opening bounce.
"We always walk to the other side of the ground to watch the boys play footy if we can, because we always mutter to each other, talk about it, get frustrated or cheer," Melanie Green said.
Yet few could be prouder than this family which already boasts a Richmond legend in Michael Green - Richard's father - and now a top 10 draft pick on the cusp of a senior debut.
Melanie knows how long this journey has been for her 19-year-old son, but at the same time it feels like it has gone in the blink of an eye.
It feels like just yesterday he was a five-year-old kid with big dreams running around in the backyard at home with his brothers.
"I don't know if they'll admit that openly, but they are proud. They're very keen and obviously very supportive. It's thrilling for them all to see it happen," Melanie Green said.
"You just can't believe it, it's such an exciting time. Our youngest one is probably the most openly effusive with his joy for Tom, the other two play it a bit more low-key.
"Our eldest three are quite close in age, there is only three years between them. Joshua, the next one down, and Thomas have a very close bond.
"They've always played sport either with each other or against each other, and then Will came along and followed them around. He's now very keen on his AFL as well.
"They're pretty fortunate to have each other to play with and against, and push each other in the backyard. Lachie being that little bit younger, he just thinks he's one of them and they don't give him any slack either I have to say.
"People always looked at me like I was this mad thing with three little boys running around and then Lachie coming along.
"People think boys are really hard work but I find them quite easy. All you have to do is put them outside, give them a ball and they're off."
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
