Axedale residents were taken aback when their local pub transformed this week.
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Die-hard Geelong family the Van Wynens painted the blue and white hoops of Geelong on the Axedale Tavern ahead of Saturday night's grand final.
"It's got a very good response. There have been a few heckles but otherwise it's all good," owner Garry Van Wynen said.
"The pub is also looking good for tomorrow. There are 70 booked out in the beer garden with a marquee and screen. There are a couple of seats on small tables left. We're almost fully booked out."
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Garry said painting the Geelong hoops was a tradition he started on his home in 2007.
"In 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 we did the house we were in," Garry said. "I've been following them since I was born. I'm from Geelong, (so it was inevitable). I've got four kids and they are all Geelong. They had no choice.
"My wife's grandfather was also a trainer for Ablett senior for a few years as well."
Garry said he has seen a lot of good finals wins through the years and was quietly confident again.
"I think 2007 was the best grand final because it was a drill against Port Adelaide. But a lot of people don't agree," he said. "The best finals win was the preliminary against Collingwood in 2007.
"I reckon it will be about a 25 point win (on Saturday night). It would be nice to have Dangerfield or Gazza win the Norm Smith but I think Mitch Duncan might get it."
Axedale Tavern manager Lachy Byrne said the Van Wynen family was very keen to see a Geelong premiership.
"Garry is a huge Geelong fan, the whole family is," he said. "He is very confident in the game and that (the Cats) will take the win. Everyone else is nervous before it.
"But they're very keen for a win. It's been a few years for them."
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Lachy said being able to host up to 110 people at the Axedale Tavern under coronavirus restrictions meant the pub was nearly at full capacity.
"We can almost support the numbers we had previously but we're not there yet," he said. "We opened back up on September 17 but were also open for takeaway through the lockdowns.
"Hopefully restrictions will ease more and everyone is freed up. When Lake Eppalock is busy we get quite a few people from that. It's going to be different this year in that sense but we are seeing more locals from Bendigo making the trip out to us."