TUNDE CAMERON, 14
What does being a Souths fan mean to you?
I am very passionate about Souths. At school I cannot wait for the weekend so I can see them play live or on TV. Souths fans, to me, make the league what it is today due to their die-hard attitude. I think also their history has a lot to do with this, making them “the pride of the league”.
Who is your favourite player and why?
Nathan Merritt as he is a Souths junior. He played for the Alexandria Rovers. I even know his birthday – May 26, 1983.
Where will you be on grand final day and how will you celebrate?
This year I will be watching the grand final with my mum, grandma and friends. My friends and I will get dressed up with red and green wigs and face paint and we will jump up with joy when Souths win. I will re-watch the highlights after the grand final is played. We will also eat something special and be together during the pre-game entertainment.
If you could go back in time, who would you include in your South Sydney grand finalteam roster for 2014?
I would include John Sattler, Bob McCarthy and Ron Coote. They were magical in their time and helped Souths win a lot of premierships over the years. I would keep Greg Inglis, along with the Burgess brothers and also Isaac Luke. And if I really had a time machine I’d include one player some say is the greatest player the code has produced – the Little Master, Clive Churchill. He was a fullback – I could just imagine him on the field with Greg Inglis. No team would measure up!
AMANDA CAMERON, 34
What does being a Souths fan mean to you?
It means sticking through thick and thin, as Souths have been through so much. It means happiness for me as when I see my son, Tunde, watching Nathan Merritt on the fly, he smiles and is happy, so I am as well.
Who is your favourite player and why?
Big Greg Inglis, for sure. He has the three s’s – strength, speed and sexiness. I am so glad he is at Souths playing in his most threatening position of fullback.
What are three qualities you think make a true Souths fan?
Family-oriented; not shy to show your club’s colours by wearing their attire proudly; and possessing red and green blood within your body, flowing through your circulatory system. Souths fans don’t just have red blood, they have green too!
Who is your favourite Rabbitohs legend?
Bob McCarthy. Not only was he strong, but he was respected by all his teammates. That’s probably why he became such a great coach. Today, he is still such a wonderful human being who is so humble and down-to-earth when meeting fans like myself.
What are you hoping to see from Souths in the 2015 season?
Back-to-back premierships!
JOEL BORG, 14
What does being a Souths fan mean to you?
I look forward to games – it brings me happiness, laughter with my mates, great times. I am proud of my team and the way they respect each other and their fans.
How long have you followed the Rabbitohs and who influenced you in becoming a fan?
I have followed the Rabbitohs from a very young age. My mother followed them as well, but my passion for them just kept growing as I grew older.
Who is your favourite Rabbitohs legend?
John Sattler – he was a tough player. Even when he was injured with a broken jaw he kept playing and led the club to a grand final win.
Where will you be on grand final day?
I will be there in the grandstand supporting my team with heaps of passion.
LORRAINE BORG
What does being a Souths fan mean to you?
It gives me great honour to be able to follow a team that shows pride, leadership and respect for each other and the game. I am proud to wear the red and green and be a fan.
How long have you followed the Rabbitohs and who influenced you in becoming a fan?
My passion for the team began in the early ’90s when I met my husband. He followed another team, the Tigers. We would go out to games, but my heart wasn’t with the Tigers. The rivalry between us began when Souths played the Tigers. My heart was with Souths to win the game. I guess growing up in the Souths region had a great influence on me.
Who is your favourite player and why?
Sam Burgess, because he uses his full ability during an 80-minute game and is an inspiration to the rest of the team by leading the charge.
What do you think Russell Crowe and Michael Maguire have brought to the club?
Russell Crowe was able to acquire talent from overseas and much needed funds, which helped to rebuild the team. Since joining South Sydney, Michael Maguire was able to lead us to the finals with his class, attitude and discipline of the team.
ANTHONY AZZOPARDI, 55
What does being a Souths fan mean to you?
The world. It means being at the Cricket Ground and seeing the many grand finals in my time; seeing how happy my father would be when they won.
How long have you followed the Rabbitohs and who influenced you in becoming a fan?
Since I was five years old. I lived in Surry Hills and went to St Peter’s Catholic Primary School where I played football representing St Peter’s, and their colours were red and green, with a rabbit.
Who is your favourite player and why?
John Sutton. Unlike any other player, when the going got tough, John Sutton, a local junior, has been there through thick and thin. I have seen him mature from a young player to setting the standards as a first grade player and captain.
What are three qualities you think make a true Souths fan?
Loyalty. Support. Never-say-die attitude.
Where will you be on grand final day and how will you celebrate?
If not at the game, I will gather some family and friends to my place, have a large TV screen viewing of the game and when Souths win I will enjoy the evening celebrating with a party – I’ll bring out my very best scotch!
