My beloved Uncle Paul (God rest his soul) took me to the '71 Grand Final as an 'early 5th Birthday present'........I can't remember much of the game; but I can remember him hugging me, crying, telling me that we have to 'keep the faith'.....
I grew up in East Bentleigh... attended Eastmoor Primary School, and then Bentleigh High School... played my junior footy with the Bentleigh Bulldogs and was 'almost' swayed to become a Demons supporter due to Robbie Flower attending many club nights (we were in Melbourne's Zone despite Moorabbin Oval being only 2 km's away)
I remained a Saint and watched every Moorabbin home game throughout the 70's and 80's with my Uncle and older brother.
I revelled in the exploits of Ditterich(I cried when he went to Melbourne), Breen, Cowboy, Muir.... and our Patron Saint, Trevor Barker(still my greatest Hero).
Fast forward to '97..... I'm married, living in QLD (after arriving in '91) with my wonderful/understanding wife and my 3 year old son.....I remember crying in my brother's arms after Jarman tore us apart in the Grand Final.
The only pic worth posting from that period is this one:
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/Grand%20Final%20Parade%2097/POIDA97GFParade.jpg)
GO POIDA!!!!
Fast forward once again to 2009..... after 15 years on the Gold Coast enjoying the company of Saint Bev and all the S.E.Q Saints; I'd moved on to Mackay..... and experienced the joy of watching BF jnr win a Premiership in Saints colours......
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/Seanwiththecup-1.jpg)
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/VictoriousUnder14s.jpg)
On to the REAL thing...GF 2009...my brother got us tickets at the last minute and I arrived in Melbourne shortly before midday (GF day).... My plan was simple..... Watch the Saints win a GF, and surprise my SEQ/SS mates after the game for a MASSIVE celebration.......one FUkCin' Cats toe-poke in the last 1/4 had me weeping in my bro's arms and quietly slinking out of town....
Prior to the 2009 GF I went on a 'photoshop' FRENZY....... I apologise for not doing so again this season....
I have my reasons... the predominant one being the fact that I think I'm a JINX... as The Saints have not won a GF that I have attended (or since I've been born)....
This is the first year of my life that I have not attended a Saints game...and you've no idea how hard it's been to stay away.......I won't be there this Saturday (just as I wasn't there in '66).. and I hope the Saints win their 2nd Flag...
To Sainter K and Saint Bev....thank you for your appreciation of my meagre efforts last season... I do intend to go BALLISTIC photoshopping SAINTS GLORY when the boys bring The Flag home this Saturday....
Until then you'll have to put up with a re-run of last year's efforts......
A bit of fun with Ross the boss
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![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/Rossonhorseback1.jpg)
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/RossMilney.jpg)
Sammy Gilbert
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/Gilbert.jpg)
I Love Milney!!!
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/MilneLightning.jpg)
I Love Bakes more
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/CopyofBakerarchangel2.jpg)
CJ & The HOLY Grail
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/Archangel_CJforBev.jpg)
Pure Class!
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/Dal-through-the-clouds.jpg)
True Grit!!
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/Lennythrough-the-clouds.jpg)
Absolute Brilliance!
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/sunbreakingthroughRiewoldt.jpg)
Undeniable COURAGE!!
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/SirSteven.jpg)
The Utimate WARRIOR
![Image](http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc92/BakesFan/Goddard.jpg)
GO SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!