FOOTBALL fanatics were out in full force on both days of Wagga's two-day Festival of Footy at the weekend.
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Saturday's AFLW crowd almost doubled in size on Sunday, as 6556 people flooded through the Robertson Oval gates to soak up the live action between Greater Western Sydney and Richmond.
It was hard not to miss the gigantic number of fans sporting orange on the sidelines, with Sunday's game turning into somewhat of a homecoming for many GWS players who learned their trade in the Riverina.
Arriving early at the match were the Finlayson family, who scored prime seats near the Giants' goal post to cheer on Culcairn's own GWS player Jeremy Finlayson.
Gordon Finlayson was one proud father, who was betting on a giant win for GWS, while his son Brad was raring for his brother to take the field.
"It means a lot to the family [to watch him play] and especially for our hometown Culcairn and for him to represent the Riverina down here and I hope he puts in a good game," Mr Finlayson said before the opening bounce.
He said it meant a great deal to his son to return to his roots for a game of football.
"He started at the [GWS] academy and worked his way up through it. He is the result of the academy and the Riverina ... and enjoys coming back home," he said.
However, Giants fans were not the only ones in the crowd, with many spectators also donning the black and yellow for the Tigers.
Among Richmond fans were youngsters Jack Rodham and Wil Howard, who were sporting their signed guernseys for game day. The football fans said they were there to barrack for their favourite player, Liam Baker.
Wil said his favourite thing about football was the chance to have fun while getting "really physical".
Jack agreed the contact was a great part of the game, but so was being able to play with his mates.
Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said it was excellent to see all the people who turned out in full force to watch the replay of last year's grand final on Sunday.
Cr Conkey said it was even better that the Giants came out with the win.
"[Wagga] has proven time and time again that we are up for the challenge of hosting major events," he said.
"It was certainly a Festival of Footy ... and it just shows that we can host them.
"We have the capacity and expertise to host major events and that is great as far as the city is concerned."