The ‘Real Story’ on the Rodger Family (AFL Grand Final Edition)
Back in June I was given an AFL Grand Final ticket for my birthday by my sister – ‘Eastern Suburbs Jane’ (ESJ). I thought it was a very kind gesture indeed.
Little did I know there was a catch!…
The catch was I had to meet up with their family in Melbourne and experience a snapshot of holiday life – the Rodger Family way.
‘Eastern Suburbs Jane’ (ESJ) – and her husband Simon Rodger live life like the ‘Imperial Leather soap advert’ from the 70’s ( the one on the plane).
They were staying at the exclusive Park Hyatt Hotel, only a ‘stones throw’ from the MCG, (as you don’t want to be catching dirty taxis anywhere!). They had already put a complaint in with hotel management that their ‘supersoft’ Peruvian goose down pillows were in fact….too soft! ESJ ordered a new selection of latex, feather and down pillows to be brought up to the room for inspection.
They spent Grand Final morning reading the financial newspapers whilst dining on a smorgasbord of fresh paw paw and passionfruit, drizzled over a delicious compote of hand picked berries and hand-churned buttermilk ice cream. This was followed by the hot breakfast consisting of grain fed free range, ‘poached to your liking’ eggs lashed with full cream hollandaise sauce and freshly ground pepper. Drink of the day was kale infused fruit daiquiris.
Young Tia (eldest daughter) was not hungry so she simply had a fresh bunch of grapes. ESJ was not happy as this equated to $5 PER GRAPE as they had purchased an all inclusive buffet breakfast package for the entire family.
The family then ‘skipped’ hand in hand over to Yarra Park where they enjoyed the free entertainment. ESJ and the 3 girls spent the next few hours in the ‘ladies pamper tent’ where they all had their nails done, and received free shoulder massages and hand moisturising. Simon meanwhile was back in the hotel room study, reviewing 3 lots of house plans in readiness for their new home in the Burnside ‘Dress Circle’.
1 hour before the game Simon power walked across to the MCG to meet me. We sat with the SANFL hierarchy in shaded comfort.
After the match we went back to their apartment where I was asked to join them for free canapés and french champagne on the 19th floor. As I was wearing a panama hat purchased from Target (fact) I didn’t really fit the dress code, so politely declined.
I then left The Rodgers and walked across town to my modest room at the Quality Inn (or ‘the dogbox’ as ESJ described it). I had KFC for dinner before crashing early.
I believe the Rodgers are only doing a ‘3 State’ holiday this time round, spending time in Melbourne, Sydney & Gold Coast.
I want to thank Jane and Simon for the awesome ‘bucket list’ experience and will be sending them a hand written thank you card (on monogrammed paper) as a token of my appreciation.
Bravo!
