Those who occupy it reckon it’s the greatest seat in Australian sport – but you’ve got to fight for your right to party. The second level of the SCG members’ stand bar offers a window with a view of the famous ground for cricket tragics lucky enough – and sufficiently dedicated – to ward off hundreds of would-be intruders for an entire day of a Test.

Positioned in the corner of the bar, with rugby league’s famous “The Gladiators” photo hanging above it, the modest table and seat arrangement looks across from mid-wicket (for a right-hander facing from the Randwick end) and takes in the wicket square and outfield. It’s a location that could command thousands of dollars but is instead available for nothing for members and guests willing to give up sleep while employing a military-like strategy to ensure “table one” is captured.

It’s the ultimate first in, best dressed deal, with no bookings taken and no guarantees you’ll hold your spot should you leave it for as much as a minute. Yahoo Sport Australia was invited to stand briefly at the table on Saturday and learn from the masters who have commandeered this prized piece of Australian sporting real estate for the past six Sydney Tests.

Chief co-ordinator Shaun Reynolds revealed he arrives at the ground at 4.30am ready for the opening of the gates at 8am. It’s then a sprint up the stairs – sometimes referred to as the “Paddington Gift” – to spread-eagle yourself across the desired table.

Cricket tragics reveal secret to securing incredible SCG seats

Much like Seinfeld’s George Constanza fleeing a fire at a kids’ birthday party, no man, woman or child stands in the way of securing table number one. “It has to be this table. It ticks all the boxes – close to toilet and bar, nice breeze, good aspect of the ground, nothing blocking the view,” Shaun explained.

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His trusty lieutenants then arrive as back-up as the start of play nears, the extra security necessary to hold the position as “outsiders” eye off the precious vantage point. “We have a strategy of employing a wingman who has to turn up within at least an hour or two of the first man and then the reinforcements arrive as the start of play approaches,” Shaun said.

“We’ve got a code between us when trouble’s around and have been known to slip out a ‘slippery when wet’ sign to scare a few people off. Seagulls can quickly become vultures. They’ll usually plonk a beer on your table and try to engage you in conversation and lull you into a false sense of security, so you’ve got to be on guard the whole time. It’s a mixture of enjoyment, but nervous anxiety. You are at war in more ways than one.”

Shaun’s battalion compromises siblings, old school friends and ex-cricket teammates. They know to pace themselves through a long day, mixing in a few waters amongst the gin and tonics and steady supply of schooners.

“It’s fair to say it’s the best seat in Australian sport,” Shaun said. “And we’re willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto it for years to come.”