Penrith fans have started decorating their homes and businesses as Grand Final fever takes over the city.
While players must stay under strict biosecurity rules and are prevented from taking place in some of the usual Grand Final Week festivities, fans are going all out to support their team.
Long-time supporter Danielle Mac has decorated her home’s fence in Penrith colours, along with the #PantherPride hashtag.
Others have also decorated homes, businesses and even cars. Lisa Batty’s Hyundai has a brand new look for Grand Final week.
Panthers legend Mark Geyer, who experienced Premiership success with the club in 1991, is also getting into the spirit at his new business, MG Activ.
The training centre now has Panthers decorations as well as special momentos strewn throughout the main floor.
Panthers Leagues Club was already in Finals spirit, but Grand Final signage went up over the weekend.
A huge week is also expected in the Panthers Shop, where a special Grand Final commemorative shirt has gone on sale.
The Pioneer Tavern is also in the Grand Final spirit, with two Panthers adoring the bar – and wearing COVID-safe masks, of course.
Schools are also getting into the spirit of the week.
Llandilo Public School has declared this Thursday will be Panther Pride Day, with students and staff encouraged to wear jerseys and Panthers colours.
A number of schools will also change their bells to ‘Go The Mighty Panthers’ this week’.
Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill has encouraged fans to soak up the week.
“It’s amazing for our town,” he told the Weekender.
“When the footy side is going well, the town is going well. We’ve had such a tough year and here we are in late October with a chance of winning the Premiership.”
Up the riffffffffff 😂 pic.twitter.com/GFaodyfD64
— welcome thrillho (@ajtatiana1) October 17, 2020
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
