Who doesn't love an upset victory?

It's that little spark inside us. Whether it's our team or another, we love the old-fashioned "upset". The underdogs pushover the unbackable favourite. As Justine McCullagh-Beasy, it's a sweet feeling - no matter which team you support.

Don’t tell me that you cringe when a team, not even rated an outside chance, snatches victory from those deemed more superior – except, of course, when that struggling outfit humiliates your side.

For everybody loves an upset victory.

The element of shock that occurs when witnessing a spectacular triumph triggers brain processes: “If they can beat the invincible, then there is no reason why my side – who are far more talented – can’t emulate their feat.”

When a side that were meant to whimper and crumble find themselves with an extra four points next to their total, not only do they gain respect and force the losing side into looking vulnerable, but it adds spice to the season – for those four points could be the difference between September action and an early vacation.

Back in 2000 Essendon were unstoppable and well poised to hold the premiership cup aloft on that last day in September. They did win the flag and could have won 25 matches straight if it weren’t for a hiccup in round 21.

The Bombers took on the Western Bulldogs, a side that played finals, and were expected to continue their unbeaten run. But the boys from Whitten Oval had other plans, spoiling the Dons party with an impressive 11-point win.

I remember watching this match. Sitting up, biting my nails and cheering on the Bulldogs and I don’t even support them, just imagine the excitement running through the veins of a Dogs fan that Friday night.

Of course, each new season brings with it a handful of surprising victories, which get the public talking: “Maybe we underestimated their potential. They could be a threat.”

This season is only three rounds old, but already there have been three stunning victories from sides expected to hand over the four points without a yelp.

In round one last year’s Wooden Spooners, Carlton, handed Melbourne a 21-point defeat. Unlike last season the Blues showed steel and heart to kick start their season in fine style, and in doing so have managed to plague the minds of the Demon players who have so far failed to secure a set of four points.

Carlton’s superb performance may have been outdone in round three, with the mighty flying Hawks taking it to the premiership favourites, Geelong, at Skilled Stadium eventually running out 52-point winners. I think it is fair to say that no one, apart from the ‘Kiss of death’, tipped the Hawks. After all the Cats had dealt with sides, considered better prospects than Hawthorn, the previous two rounds in convincing fashion.

Whilst Hawthorn fans revel in the glorious taste of success, those wearing the blue and white hoops will be hoping to erase the defeat with a triumph against the top of the ladder Dogs in round four.

Whilst not totally unexpected Fremantle’s comprehensive 31-point win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in round three momentarily pushed aside the demons and ridicule that have pestered the under-achieving club. It was the Docker’s second win against the Power in Adelaide and their third overall in the city of churches.

A stepping stone, perhaps, to unleashing the talent that oozes from their list at last.

Who knows maybe round four will throw up another unexpected success with the front-runners for the wooden spoon, Richmond, tackling the once mighty Lions at the Gabba.

Don’t worry, that was a joke. There doesn’t appear to a victory on the horizon for Terry Wallace’s Tiger cubs. That said, everyone loves an upset victory and a Richmond win certainly would stir the pot.

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