Originally Posted by
dancrilis
In the same strip you linked Thog gives a happy indication of looking forward to the ultimate battle of opposites (greataxe vs greatsword) - as his 'side' was the greataxe it would be looked at like he was a fan of the greataxe like some of the spectators were fans of Thog.
On consideration (and with the same strip linked) I felt that was too roundabout and decided to just accept your answer referring to the later panel in that strip (particularly when I had said strip rather then panel).