Mid-way through the second half, a jumbo flies over Henson, its jets accelerating it into the stratosphere and completely drowning out the conversation of every footy-goer in attendance. The Jets have had an up and down season in 2017, but have put in a mighty performance so far today.

There’s flannelette, Ned Kelly beards, manicured beards, beer bellies, gym junkies, black people, white people. They’re a knowing crowd footy-wise, too. Dozens of families are sitting on the stone wall that runs the perimeter of the oval at the base of the hill. Some of these are sitting where their ancestors sat for years before them. People are allowed to bring their dogs. Children are allowed to bring their plastic three-wheelers and pushbikes.

Henson Park is for people who have lost connection with the perceived direction of the elite-level of the game in Australia. Coming here is, again, stepping off the internet, and going back to the basics. Sure, the Jets want you to buy jerseys and T-shirts with Tommy Raudonikis’ ’70s footy card prints on the front. They have to make money to survive, but here it’s still real. Feels realer.

As you sit here on this brickyard-created hill at Henson, in the last rays of a magnificent latewinter Saturday afternoon in suburban Sydney, your mind starts to wander about just how popular this annual event is. More specifically: you wonder just how many people are here.

(Photo by MARIO FACCHINI - MAF PHOTOGRAPHY)

As the clock ticks down, and with just minutes remaining in the match, the answer is revealed over those scratchy speakers from earlier in the story. “Today’s official attendance, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, is 8,972.” There’s a roar of laughter from the crowd. You wouldn’t get it unless you’re a true Bluebag. Years ago, when every club saw the Super League train coming and feared for its place in the sport’s proposed new Rupert Murdoch-owned game, the elite clubs were being judged on all sorts of markers: financial, infrastructure, community importance, and linked to the latter, gate takings. There were some pearlers being thrown about, pissing clubs like the unfashionable Penrith Panthers off to the point where their club management took photos of fans sitting in an almost-empty Sydney Football Stadium to prove to the daily rags that the Roosters were fudging.

Watching on from the then-Metropolitan Cup second-tier comp, the Newtown Jets thought they’d get in on the joke, announcing a roll-up of 8,972 people for a home game which, according to honest folk at the Jets, would have attracted no more than 60 people in miserable, soggy conditions. Pure gold.

At the full-time siren today, Newtown is registered 38-12 winners. It’s been an up and down year, but this afternoon the Bluebags have finally won their first home game of 2017. Newtown’s win keeps them in finals contention. Heading into the bye, this win today is essentially a four-point result. Coach Greg Matterson is understandably pleased with the Jets’ seven tries to two performance and names Adam Clydsdale, Leigh Higgins, Jimmy Jolliffe, Paulo, Jack Williams, Jason Schirnack, Tagataese and Reubenn Rennie as being Newtown’s best.

(Photo by MARIO FACCHINI - MAF PHOTOGRAPHY)