FOR the crowds converging on Country Club Oval for the AFL grand final between Orange Tigers and Bathurst Bushrangers on Saturday, it will be about the excitement of the game, but for those behind the scenes, it represents much more.
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Kass Ings’ responsibilities range from registering the senior teams, media promotion and entering scores to ordering and managing merchandise and cleaning toilets.
She even gained her responsible service of alcohol certificate so she could work behind the bar at home games and when the teams play away, she takes photos during the match.
“Normally at home games, I’m running around like a crazy woman, especially this weekend with the grand final, it’s always crazy - you know you’re not going to sleep,” she said with a laugh.
“It’s awesome, it’s the second year in a row we’ve hosted the grand final and it’s amazing to see people support them.”
Miss Ings and her partner moved to Orange in 2007 and did not know anyone - her partner played baseball at first until a friend encouraged him to play AFL.
From there, the two entered a vast social network.
“When you know nobody and come to town and make lifelong friends, I wouldn’t have thought we could meet so many people in one sport,” Miss Ings said.
“The kids love going to the football with the other kids, and it’s a good game.”
The mother of three said she simply helped out when things needed to be done, but there was also strong support from the club when she gave birth to her son at the beginning of the season.
“I actually came home from hospital and entered the teams that night, but then it hit me and I didn’t make it to the game on Saturday,” she said.
“I knew people could take over when I wasn’t there - having a strong committee makes it easier.”
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au
