Saints fans who trekked from Melbourne to Launceston this weekend certainly made the right choice, with a full stand of red, black and white-clad supporters enthusiastically cheering St Kilda to a 75-point belting of the Hawthorn Hawks.
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Julie, Mitchell and El Kirk came from Melbourne to see the game, and despite making it interstate for every St Kilda game, said they “weren’t fanatics” – they just love their footy.
Likewise Melbournians Matthew Brooks and Lani Nicholson, self-described “big fans” arrived decked out in full St Kilda gear, including signed guernseys.
Wendy Stapleton, Jade Fitzpatrick and 40 other St Kilda followers braved a rough overnight trip over on the ferry to witness Nick Riewoldt kick his 700th career goal – along with a cool four goals to round out the match.
They’ll be flying back home.
Launceston locals who stuck to their Hawthorn Hawks were disappointed by the game result but the roar from the stands at each goal – and each behind – showed passion on both sides.
From a little further afield, 10-year-old St Kilda fan Ethan Kerr from Penguin picked an ideal match for his first AFL game, while Saints follower Sue Medcraft brought her Hawks-loyal grandson Blake to the match in a true show of family spirit.
And in the stands the Lyons family from Ulverstone may not have seen the win they were hoping for to push Hawthorn’s uncertain season along, but they certainly looked stylish with 7-year-old Olivia and 10-year-old Jordan wearing their Hawks flags as capes.