The wafting smell of a sausage sizzle, accompanied by chanting supporters and the driving beat of the drum.
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Football was finally back in the Illawarra on Saturday.
Albert Butler Park was awash with a sea of red, white and sky blue as close to 1500 supporters packed into the Primbee venue to see A-Leagues powerhouse Sydney FC take on Wollongong Wolves in a friendly match.
With the sky blues boasting a strong support base in the Illawarra, loyalties were split on the day, with many people opting to cheer on both sides. Highlights included the dulcet sounds of drums and saxophone drifting out of the Wolves Den, a tradition for fans of the Wollongong NSW NPL club.
In a tough battle, Elvis Kamsoba and Kosta Barbarouses scored goals as Sydney FC prevailed 2-0.
Saturday's game was the first major sporting event - and first football game in months - to be held in the Illawarra since Greater Sydney residents came out of lockdown in October.
Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
