Saints supporters prepare pilgrimage behind enemy lines

Andrew Mathieson
AMONG the sea of blue and white converging on footy’s place of worship, it will be a lonely journey up the highway for one devoted band of followers.
They might be from Geelong but the name these disciples will be yelling out from the MCG rooftops this Saturday afternoon will be St Kilda.
Saints supporters group founder Bernie Grossman started driving up to every Moorabbin home game three decades ago.
Like-minded Sainters came along for the bumpy ride and the fanaticism grew from one car to two and eventually a busload full of apostles.
Years of loyalty to the cause – St Kilda’s second premiership in 113 years – and a lifetime spent in Geelong, these unperturbed Saints have faced the Cats’ motto ‘Footy Full On’ right up close and personal.
“You can see some of the people who aren’t true footy followers – they’re probably the ones with flags hanging out their windows,” he observed.
“I’m certainly not doing that. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a passionate St Kilda man and, if they don’t know, they should walk into my family room.”
The walls of the room are adorned with framed memorabilia, from the 1966 heroes to Tony ‘Plugger’ Lockett and the latest crop of stars.
On the AFL’s holiest day of the year, Mr Grossman will lead the supporters group’s prayers for divine intervention.
Geelong may have the son of God – young Ablett’s powers just about exceeding those of his spiritual father – but for all the pain and heartache, the St Kilda fanatics hope star player Nick Riewoldt can take them to the promised land.
“A premiership has probably been stronger in other people’s minds than mine,” Mr Grossman said.
“When you have been a St Kilda member for 30 years like I have, honestly, grand finals aren’t in the equation as far as I’m concerned.
“It was a long way out of my mind for weeks, even when the finals series started.”
St Kilda followers don’t expect, they just hope – especially when it’s against Geelong and they’re living in the heartland.
“You just have to remember how good Geelong is,” Mr Grossman said.
“I was a lot more confident on Friday night after we won than I was on Saturday night – that was a little bit scary.”