Springvale resident Kristian Clancy is transformed into a ‘blokey’ Sydney Swans supporter by a Games makeup artist from Victoria University.By Shaun Inguanzo
SPRINGVALE teenager Kristian Clancy described himself as a ‘blokey Swans supporter’ during his appearance as a dancer at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony last week.
Mr Clancy, 19, a former Springvale Secondary College student, said he had invested a gruelling 72 hours rehearsal time into the 18 sessions since the Star spoke with him last November.
But despite his initial feeling the rehearsal effort was ‘a waste of time’, Mr Clancy now says the hard work paid off in what was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Part of the Welcome Cast, Mr Clancy danced while dressed in Sydney Swans colours.
“I was a blokey Swans supporter, I had a huge Elvis wig on my head and was dressed in shorts, a red shirt and had a swans scarf and hot shoes with red and white socks,” he said.
“My face was painted with three huge red scratches on each side.
“I felt ridiculous, but it was fantastic because I was the only person who was a Swans supporter. I was an individual and it gave me a touch of stardom.”
He even had a brush with stardom, not realising it until fellow volunteers flocked for autographs.
“I was walking back under the MCG and (a woman) came up to me, picked up my scarf and said ‘go Swans!’
“It was Delta Goodrem, but I didn’t even recognise her because when I was walking away there wasn’t anyone chasing her, but then some of the (volunteers) chased her and I realised who she was.”
Mr Clancy, overwhelmed with national pride, will now participate in the closing ceremony, but is unsure of his role.
“Even if I did know, I probably couldn’t tell you,” he said.
“It is probably going to be heaps better (than the opening ceremony) because it won’t have boring stuff like the Queen declaring the Games open…there will be more time for fun.”
