Mel’s mum and sister were diagnosed with cancer two years apart. The Blues helped the family cope

Mel Maizels admits she’s a sucker for punishment.

This time last year the 34-year-old Carlton fan travelled to Brisbane for the Blues’ preliminary final at the Gabba. For one glorious quarter, Maizels dared to dream of a grand final berth as Carlton kicked the first five goals of the match.

“It was insane. It felt like a Carlton home game. To be honest, I’ve never heard Carlton supporters so loud in my life,” she says.

Those dreams were crushed when the Lions surged from behind to snatch victory. And yet Maizels is ready to do it all again this Saturday as she, along with her father, Steve, husband James and son, Levi, head back to the Gabba for the Blues v Lions elimination final.

“We just can’t help it. If you don’t go, and we win, you just feel like you’ve missed out because we weren’t often that team that would win a lot. You just want to be there no matter what because there is a chance that you could get away with a win,” Maizels said.

“I have to go to the hairdresser more regularly now to get my white hairs covered, and it’s definitely Carlton’s fault.”

Maizels said the trip to Brisbane is a late Father’s Day present for her dad. With flights, accommodation, and tickets booked, it’s not a cheap trip, but she’s willing to pay for the chance to see if the injury-afflicted Blues can upset the Lions.

Maizels’ dad, Steve, grew up across the road from Princes Park and lived through the Carlton golden era between 1967 and 1988, when Carlton made 10 grand final appearances and won seven premierships.

“Dad grew up literally across the road, and there was no turning back from there,” Maizels said.