The most important frame of mind to have as a St Kilda FC supporter, is to lower your expectations.
There’s been a few moments over the past fifty years as a ‘dyed in the wool’ supporter, where I thought we could win that second flag, but alas it wasn’t to be.
In 2004 we possessed a team of experienced stars and tough worker ants who ‘blew it’ in the preliminary final and as far as 2009 and 2010 go, well it’s still too soon to reflect. Then there’s 1997. The trauma will live forever.
No matter how well the Saints perform, there is always a sense of impending doom just around the corner. In 2009 when the boys were on a fourteen game winning streak, I was never comfortable.
Obviously there was joy at what the team was delivering, but as a Saints adorer you can never let that joy blossom. It’s just a part of who we are.
On the weekend I was faced with the unenviable choice between going with my first love or seeing a new flame.
The decision was whether to attend AAMI Park to see The Melbourne Storm v St George Dragons, or go over the road to the MCG to see the Saints v Melbourne.
Our affection for the Storm commenced about ten years ago when AFL footy on a Friday night became barely watchable due to its overtly defensive nature.
A couple of Storm devotee friends who are both foundation members have been insisting that we get onboard, so finally this year we purchased a four game membership.
The weekend’s game was a rare chance to experience The Storm live as most weekends are spent either attending Saints games or my own personal coaching commitments with the mighty Waverley Warriors Over 35’s.
AAMI Park is a superb venue for the rectangular game. I would never have thought that behind the goals would be an ideal vantage point to watch a game of footy, but it really highlighted the gaps in defence and the power and speed required to penetrate it.
The proximity of the seating enables you to not only feel the sheer brutality of the game but you can often clearly hear the voices of the players.
Of course, it matters little to have a boutique stadium if you don’t have The Melbourne Storm.
In just over 500 x games coaching The Storm, Craig Bellamy has established himself as one of world sport’s most successful and respected coaches.
His winning record of 72% is only bettered by The New Zealand All Blacks at 78% over 580 Test Matches.
It’s no surprise that the culture of The All Blacks and The Storm organisations bear similar values and behaviours.
In James Kerr’s 2015 book Legacy, one of the finest books on leadership ever written, the fifteen values of excellence that The All Blacks live and breathe, are there to behold.
What we know about Bellamy is that he is uncompromising in his search for excellence and demands the heaviest of work ethic. He has an uncanny ability to take average and discarded players and turn them into premiership players.
He provides a clear vision for a player’s role within the team and can coach them to execute that utilising their strengths. Easier said than done.
It’s easy to forget that the NRL stripped The Storm of two premierships and banned them for playing for points during an entire season.
It was Bellamy who stood up immediately and led the gruelling road back to the top. He deserves his own statue at AAMI Stadium.
Watching The Storm play is exhilarating. They strangle the opposition and attack with serious intent to score with every six tackles. They destroyed St George by 40 x points.
As we left for Richmond train station, I momentarily felt like a supporter of a power club for the first time. That was until we entered the train on the Glen Waverley line to head home to Chadstone.
The Saints had been beaten by 38 x points by Melbourne and my sullen-faced peeps were in their usual post-defeat posture, slumped on the seats.
Amongst the black, white and red scarves and beanies were the tweed jackets and RM Williams boots of the Melbourne fans, all of whom exited the train by Kooyong.
And so, with my Saints hoodie and Storm scarf, I joined my fellow diehards as we ventured towards the suburbs safe in the knowledge that the sun will rise again tomorrow.
For my fellow long suffering Saints fans I can highly recommend a Storm membership.
There’s no conflict of interest here, given it’s a completely different code so there’s zero guilt.
Be rest assured you can maintain your unconditional love for the Saints, so perhaps see the Storm membership as having an affair with someone completely out of your league. Pardon the pun.
Fantastic bit of writing , I live in the UK but follow both codes , when home I always strive to focus on the Saints whilst keeping an eye on the Storm as both rugby codes are available in the UK. On Saturday I started at the the MCG but as halftime was upon us I heard the roar of AAMI park and ventured across the road to watch the majority of a great victory. I hopped the train back to Sandringham off the back of a day that had a difficult start but a happy finish . That said I’ll be at Marvel on Saturday full of optimism for my beloved Sainters. But , keeping a close eye on the Storm away against Penrith.
Thanks for the feedback Johnny. Yes the same here, big weekend ahead. Cheers
Ian, just a brilliant article. I’ve been a Saints fanatic since the late 60s. Too young to have understood just how vital that win in 1966 was. I despair at ever seeing us win that elusive second flag. I do draw solace from the late great Trevor Barker. If he didn’t abandon us, despite never having played in a final and the 7 wooden spoons during his career at the Saints; then neither will I. It’s like a bad marriage, the love you feel goes unrequited, there’s scant joy or pleasure to be had, but you remain faithful to your spouse, or in this case, team. Hey it’s our motto, Fortius Quo Fidelius.
Thanks so much Darren. I totally agree with your sentiments especially with Barks. I was fortunate to play against Trevor’s Sandringham teams and the 1992 team was the best I’ve ever played. He was so respected and like you I would never jump off the Saints. Cheers mate