My first game was in 1995 against Wigan, but I would never say that I was gripped by GFC until about 1997/8. Pre that I don't remember any games at all, I was just a young kid a bit bewildered by everything around me. Sadly the first actual Gills memory I have is watching the events unfolding at the Town End during 'that' game against Fulham (from the safety of the newly built GRS).
I would say the first 'hooked' game would be the last day of that season, the game against Wigan where a win would've seen us into the play-offs but all we managed was a draw. The buzz of a sell-out crowd, the intensity, the baking hot day, the smells of 90s football - and in my mind's eye I still see Trigger's cross dipping towards the far post only to hit it and stay out, when an inch the other way might've found the net.
Having wonderful seasons like 98/99 and 99/00 to back that up was only every going to end up one way, and here we are today - mid 30s with a greying, receding hairline. Cheers for everything GFC.