The Fanatics are Australia's biggest, and in many people's minds, most annoying supporters group.

The term ''fan'' is, of course, short for fanatic. To be a fanatic is a badge of honour, especially when it comes to this time of year.

When we put out a call last week for fans to give their view in our Friday Finals Fever section, Collingwood fan Wesley Jasper wanted to stress to us, ''I bleed black and white and am mad, rabid and fanatical''.

The wild ride hardcore footy fans will go on this weekend will end with some elated and some shattered.

''There's nothing really to compare it with,'' Jasper says.

''You build the finals up for so long, there's so much expectation and you ride this wave of emotion and euphoria. If you lose, the feeling stays with you for a while and the continual reminders from work colleagues and so-called mates is quite bitter.''

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times