Die Hard Tragic Defined....

[Dragonsteve2]

Sheridan, thank you for the post.
A few of my own characteristics. An individual's life is full of change. The one constant in my life has been my support of the Dragons. First game I can remember going to was the first Sunday game at the SCG, 1966. I think the Tigers beat us 10-3 that day. Keith Barnes 5 goals.

For me: 2 marriages; 2 divorces; one footy team! 3rd marriage pending - fiancee, visiting from overseas in April, has agreed to extend her holiday to attend the Anzac Day clash with the Roosters.

As a poor Uni student in the 1970s I used to go to Jubilee Oval and get into the ground free for the 2nd half.

Will never forgive David Manson letting Ridge get up and run while Nathan Brown had hold of his leg, 1996 GF, nor Bill Harrigan in letting the Storm score their early 2nd half try from a forward pass, GF 1999.

Really struggled with Dragon defections: agree about O'Connor, but also Steve Edge and later Barnhill and Gourley to the Roosters, Lance Thompson (the heart and soul of the club) booted to the Sharks, Trent Merrin...................Who have I forgotten?

Proudly wore my Dragons Penfolds jersey from 1987, a gift from a high school class of mine, to 2015 when the plastic seats at Shark Park were so cold I put it under my rear and left it there on the seat in my hurry to exit after we were thumped.

 

[Drakon]

Craig Fitzgibbon!

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

My neighbor's want to know how come I now mow my lawns late on Saturdays or Sundays afternoon and its dark when I finish during the footy season....I tell them because by half time we are usually down by 20 ....now thats tragic

 

[Sheridan Stand]

Sheridan , don't you go worrying your little head - as I can assure you , that you are not mad .

Mad ? Mad is a pig farmer who names his hogs after his favourite players . Unlike yourself , when we lose , I do not go off at the family ( lord forbid , they are mad enough already ) I go and take it out on the hogs , with my favourite pair of steel-capped boots.

Between you and I , there is one poor sod that really collects it , can you guess his name? I will give you a hint , he is not actually a player , but he sure as hell is responsible for the way the team plays !

Now that is what you call Mad .
Yourself , you merely have red and white blood , that tends to heat-up whenever you hear the name St.George Illawarra Dragons , a wonderful thing to have pumping through your veins .

Funny G67 - now I love bacon but I refuse to eat Mary bacon it would taste vile, arrogant and rotten and probably talk back to me about the D !!!

 

[Eatons Hill Dragon]

Eaton
Then my missus must be a bigger supporter than I am.
It's been a while lol

I hear ya.

Well atleast you would have been a happy man back in 2009-2011

 

[Sheridan Stand]

Does anyone follow another team when we are eliminated or miss the finals?

I just cannot really support anyone else. I kinda half watch games but don't really care.

 

[ALSGI]

Does anyone follow another team when we are eliminated or miss the finals?

I just cannot really support anyone else. I kinda half watch games but don't really care.

Same here mate, watch highlights that's about it. Just can't get into it unless the Dragons are playing, I go into sook mode.

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

............................
For me: 2 marriages; 2 divorces; one footy team! 3rd marriage pending - fiancee, visiting from overseas in April, has agreed to extend her holiday to attend the Anzac Day clash with the Roosters.
......................................

Sounds very positive, mate.
Extending a holiday to include a Dragons game is a great indicator of the qualities we are all looking for in a partner.
Could be a keeper,
Good luck!

 

[Dragonsteve2]

Does anyone follow another team when we are eliminated or miss the finals?

I just cannot really support anyone else. I kinda half watch games but don't really care.

Sheridan, I do not regard myself as a Rugby League supporter. I am a Dragons supporter. I am only interested in games not involving Dragons for how the result impacts the Dragons' position on the ladder. I only have a mild interest in the State of Origin. I prefer Dragons' players not be selected. It infuriates me when Dragons' players are injured in SOO or when Merrin was suspended for 4 games through his indiscretion in the SOO. When it becomes obvious the Dragons are out of contention I lose all interest in the competition. Some Grand Finals are barely watchable because I want both teams to lose (for example Cronulla vs Melbourne).

Do I qualify as a diehard tragic?

 

[BennyV]

Does anyone follow another team when we are eliminated or miss the finals?

I just cannot really support anyone else. I kinda half watch games but don't really care.

I 'supported' Melbourne in last years grand final, does that count?

 

[Dragonsteve2]

Sounds very positive, mate.
Extending a holiday to include a Dragons game is a great indicator of the qualities we are all looking for in a partner.
Could be a keeper,
Good luck!

Old Kogarah Boy 1,
Your good wishes have almost reduced me to tears. Thanks so much. The Anzac Day match will be a family affair- my daughters and their husbands will join us. I hope a real bonding experience for them with my future spouse.

Like you I have not been a Forum member for long - 8 months. But finding others here hurting as much as I have been has helped me cope. Let's hope Hunt, the good kids coming through and a new coach will herald a more successful era for the Dragons.

To finish with a bit of fun - wife No 2 did offer the Dragons some support unlike No 1 who hated footy and most other sports. No 2 was watching the time Wendell's bum was exposed. From that point on she couldn't get enough of big Dell and the Dragons. But she made a fatal mistake. On Grand Final Day 2010 (3rd October, my birthday) she went off to the bedroom and slept through the Premiership victory!

 

[Sheridan Stand]

Sheridan, I do not regard myself as a Rugby League supporter. I am a Dragons supporter. I am only interested in games not involving Dragons for how the result impacts the Dragons' position on the ladder. I only have a mild interest in the State of Origin. I prefer Dragons' players not be selected. It infuriates me when Dragons' players are injured in SOO or when Merrin was suspended for 4 games through his indiscretion in the SOO. When it becomes obvious the Dragons are out of contention I lose all interest in the competition. Some Grand Finals are barely watchable because I want both teams to lose (for example Cronulla vs Melbourne).

Do I qualify as a diehard tragic?

Old Kogarah Boy 1,
Your good wishes have almost reduced me to tears. Thanks so much. The Anzac Day match will be a family affair- my daughters and their husbands will join us. I hope a real bonding experience for them with my future spouse.

Like you I have not been a Forum member for long - 8 months. But finding others here hurting as much as I have been has helped me cope. Let's hope Hunt, the good kids coming through and a new coach will herald a more successful era for the Dragons.

To finish with a bit of fun - wife No 2 did offer the Dragons some support unlike No 1 who hated footy and most other sports. No 2 was watching the time Wendell's bum was exposed. From that point on she couldn't get enough of big Dell and the Dragons. But she made a fatal mistake. On Grand Final Day 2010 (3rd October, my birthday) she went off to the bedroom and slept through the Premiership victory!

I think any judge would rule in your favor on such an action and award her $Nil in divorce proceedings. May even levy her with a fine.

 

[TRUE TRAGIC]

First time on forum for me.
I am 65 years old. I am a Tragic.
I have followed the Dragons all my life as far as I can remember. I remember sitting in our family lounge room in 1967 watching the news on TV in black and white. The sport was reporting on the match between the Mighty Saints and Canterbury. The reporter was saying the Saints end of 11 in a row has come to an end. I could not comprehend what he was saying. I asked my father " Don't they get another chance Dad?." No son, it is all over. Saddest day of my life up to that time.
I move out of Sydney some years back. My friends all said I need to follow the Knights now as they are my local team. My response - "It would be easier for me to change my blood group".
As a kid I wanted to be the mighty Changa. Billy Smith is the toughest footballer I have ever seen. I begrudge every team who has won a grand final in the years when the Dragons should have but didn't (which is every year).
I watch brilliant players for other teams and my only thought is " wouldn't they look good in red and white" or "they are the best players i have seen not to have played for the Dragons".
I never expect them to lose - elated when they win, totally deflated when they lose.
My first home was an old home with an indoor toilet and pull chain system. I painted the room white with a RED V on the rear wall.
My wife looks her absolute best when she is dressed in red and white.
I have been to every grand final since the 70's which featured the mighty Saints. I remember after Manly beat us. Back at the club was a mighty celebration - you would have thought we won. David Manson robbed us of the grand final. My wife came to pick me up some time late that night. The atmosphere was so electric she joined in. I remember her dancing on the tables along with hundreds of others chanting/singing the Angels "Am I ever Gonna See your Face Again" with the words changed to " Manson, no way get .......d".
I can never fully understand how a player can leave our great club and play football against us. How could Kevin Ryan leave the club which made him a star - how could he lead a team which ended the Mighty Dragons run of 11 in a row.Traitor. How could MO'c leave and play for Manly? Why would Merrin play for the Chocolate Solldiers? BMoz???? I just don't understand some things. How could Sludge leave us after he received salvation from The Saints - he once was lost but now he's found.
My first car was a panel van - I painted it white, it had red upholstery. It was known as the Dragon Wagon.
How could Saint Benny leave us after such an emotional journey with the RED V?????
I despise those who blaspheme the Mighty Dragons.
My family know my ashes are to be scattered over Jubilee Oval and When The Saints Go Marching In is to be played in the church.
I have Dragon mates who share my passion, it goes deep - they understand. Dragon Tragics have a bond which can not be touched, can not be fully described, it can not be passed on to others. It comes from deep within. It is a priveledged birth right given to us by the Saints.

I think I have defined DIE HARD TRAGIC

 

[possm]

Fortunately or maybe in some ways unfortunately, I was there supporting the Dragons during our magic consecutive 11 year grand final wins. We were by far the most successful team in rugby league and all of my friends who did not support the Dragons feared their team having to play Saints next week.

Working at Victoria Barracks Paddington, I used to be able to obtain free tickets to the SCG match of the week. What an atmosphere and how good it was when we came away most times with a win.

Casting my mind back to those years and then comparing them to recent years really makes me sad. How could we have sunken so low?

 

[ALSGI]

First time on forum for me.
I am 65 years old. I am a Tragic.
I have followed the Dragons all my life as far as I can remember. I remember sitting in our family lounge room in 1967 watching the news on TV in black and white. The sport was reporting on the match between the Mighty Saints and Canterbury. The reporter was saying the Saints end of 11 in a row has come to an end. I could not comprehend what he was saying. I asked my father " Don't they get another chance Dad?." No son, it is all over. Saddest day of my life up to that time.
I move out of Sydney some years back. My friends all said I need to follow the Knights now as they are my local team. My response - "It would be easier for me to change my blood group".
As a kid I wanted to be the mighty Changa. Billy Smith is the toughest footballer I have ever seen. I begrudge every team who has won a grand final in the years when the Dragons should have but didn't (which is every year).
I watch brilliant players for other teams and my only thought is " wouldn't they look good in red and white" or "they are the best players i have seen not to have played for the Dragons".
I never expect them to lose - elated when they win, totally deflated when they lose.
My first home was an old home with an indoor toilet and pull chain system. I painted the room white with a RED V on the rear wall.
My wife looks her absolute best when she is dressed in red and white.
I have been to every grand final since the 70's which featured the mighty Saints. I remember after Manly beat us. Back at the club was a mighty celebration - you would have thought we won. David Manson robbed us of the grand final. My wife came to pick me up some time late that night. The atmosphere was so electric she joined in. I remember her dancing on the tables along with hundreds of others chanting/singing the Angels "Am I ever Gonna See your Face Again" with the words changed to " Manson, no way get .......d".
I can never fully understand how a player can leave our great club and play football against us. How could Kevin Ryan leave the club which made him a star - how could he lead a team which ended the Mighty Dragons run of 11 in a row.Traitor. How could MO'c leave and play for Manly? Why would Merrin play for the Chocolate Solldiers? BMoz???? I just don't understand some things. How could Sludge leave us after he received salvation from The Saints - he once was lost but now he's found.
My first car was a panel van - I painted it white, it had red upholstery. It was known as the Dragon Wagon.
How could Saint Benny leave us after such an emotional journey with the RED V?????
I despise those who blaspheme the Mighty Dragons.
My family know my ashes are to be scattered over Jubilee Oval and When The Saints Go Marching In is to be played in the church.
I have Dragon mates who share my passion, it goes deep - they understand. Dragon Tragics have a bond which can not be touched, can not be fully described, it can not be passed on to others. It comes from deep within. It is a priveledged birth right given to us by the Saints.

I think I have defined DIE HARD TRAGIC

Welcome TT, great post mate.
You sound like a gentleman and True Tragic.
Steve Edge was another traitor I couldn't get over!!! Gave me an award at School in Yr 12 when he was our Capt, I ended up tearing it up!

 

[Gareth67]

First time on forum for me.
I am 65 years old. I am a Tragic.
I have followed the Dragons all my life as far as I can remember. I remember sitting in our family lounge room in 1967 watching the news on TV in black and white. The sport was reporting on the match between the Mighty Saints and Canterbury. The reporter was saying the Saints end of 11 in a row has come to an end. I could not comprehend what he was saying. I asked my father " Don't they get another chance Dad?." No son, it is all over. Saddest day of my life up to that time.
I move out of Sydney some years back. My friends all said I need to follow the Knights now as they are my local team. My response - "It would be easier for me to change my blood group".
As a kid I wanted to be the mighty Changa. Billy Smith is the toughest footballer I have ever seen. I begrudge every team who has won a grand final in the years when the Dragons should have but didn't (which is every year).
I watch brilliant players for other teams and my only thought is " wouldn't they look good in red and white" or "they are the best players i have seen not to have played for the Dragons".
I never expect them to lose - elated when they win, totally deflated when they lose.
My first home was an old home with an indoor toilet and pull chain system. I painted the room white with a RED V on the rear wall.
My wife looks her absolute best when she is dressed in red and white.
I have been to every grand final since the 70's which featured the mighty Saints. I remember after Manly beat us. Back at the club was a mighty celebration - you would have thought we won. David Manson robbed us of the grand final. My wife came to pick me up some time late that night. The atmosphere was so electric she joined in. I remember her dancing on the tables along with hundreds of others chanting/singing the Angels "Am I ever Gonna See your Face Again" with the words changed to " Manson, no way get .......d".
I can never fully understand how a player can leave our great club and play football against us. How could Kevin Ryan leave the club which made him a star - how could he lead a team which ended the Mighty Dragons run of 11 in a row.Traitor. How could MO'c leave and play for Manly? Why would Merrin play for the Chocolate Solldiers? BMoz???? I just don't understand some things. How could Sludge leave us after he received salvation from The Saints - he once was lost but now he's found.
My first car was a panel van - I painted it white, it had red upholstery. It was known as the Dragon Wagon.
How could Saint Benny leave us after such an emotional journey with the RED V?????
I despise those who blaspheme the Mighty Dragons.
My family know my ashes are to be scattered over Jubilee Oval and When The Saints Go Marching In is to be played in the church.
I have Dragon mates who share my passion, it goes deep - they understand. Dragon Tragics have a bond which can not be touched, can not be fully described, it can not be passed on to others. It comes from deep within. It is a priveledged birth right given to us by the Saints.

I think I have defined DIE HARD TRAGIC

A truly wonderful post my friend , the memories came flooding back , as if only yesterday.
They were great days , yesteryear , but never the less great days .

The Dragons will find their way back to the top once again . It will take sometime to do so , however as everyone else on this forum , they also have that same blood coursing through their veins as yourself and I have - red and white .
And that is what makes the difference between ourselves and supporters of other clubs , it's the blood of champions .

 

[Sheridan Stand]

First time on forum for me.
I am 65 years old. I am a Tragic.
I have followed the Dragons all my life as far as I can remember. I remember sitting in our family lounge room in 1967 watching the news on TV in black and white. The sport was reporting on the match between the Mighty Saints and Canterbury. The reporter was saying the Saints end of 11 in a row has come to an end. I could not comprehend what he was saying. I asked my father " Don't they get another chance Dad?." No son, it is all over. Saddest day of my life up to that time.
I move out of Sydney some years back. My friends all said I need to follow the Knights now as they are my local team. My response - "It would be easier for me to change my blood group".
As a kid I wanted to be the mighty Changa. Billy Smith is the toughest footballer I have ever seen. I begrudge every team who has won a grand final in the years when the Dragons should have but didn't (which is every year).
I watch brilliant players for other teams and my only thought is " wouldn't they look good in red and white" or "they are the best players i have seen not to have played for the Dragons".
I never expect them to lose - elated when they win, totally deflated when they lose.
My first home was an old home with an indoor toilet and pull chain system. I painted the room white with a RED V on the rear wall.
My wife looks her absolute best when she is dressed in red and white.
I have been to every grand final since the 70's which featured the mighty Saints. I remember after Manly beat us. Back at the club was a mighty celebration - you would have thought we won. David Manson robbed us of the grand final. My wife came to pick me up some time late that night. The atmosphere was so electric she joined in. I remember her dancing on the tables along with hundreds of others chanting/singing the Angels "Am I ever Gonna See your Face Again" with the words changed to " Manson, no way get .......d".
I can never fully understand how a player can leave our great club and play football against us. How could Kevin Ryan leave the club which made him a star - how could he lead a team which ended the Mighty Dragons run of 11 in a row.Traitor. How could MO'c leave and play for Manly? Why would Merrin play for the Chocolate Solldiers? BMoz???? I just don't understand some things. How could Sludge leave us after he received salvation from The Saints - he once was lost but now he's found.
My first car was a panel van - I painted it white, it had red upholstery. It was known as the Dragon Wagon.
How could Saint Benny leave us after such an emotional journey with the RED V?????
I despise those who blaspheme the Mighty Dragons.
My family know my ashes are to be scattered over Jubilee Oval and When The Saints Go Marching In is to be played in the church.
I have Dragon mates who share my passion, it goes deep - they understand. Dragon Tragics have a bond which can not be touched, can not be fully described, it can not be passed on to others. It comes from deep within. It is a priveledged birth right given to us by the Saints.

I think I have defined DIE HARD TRAGIC

Wow what an amazing post.

Great to have you on the forum and with posts like that your a special and welcome addition.

Brought tears to my eyes.

I wish the club had leaders who felt like that. As one who met Facer many times (dad and Frank were great friends) I can tell you FF would post just as you did above. A brilliant leader and a true saint who just lived for the success of the saints.

I still remember seeing Frank and dad having some reckers pilseners not long after the first year that we missed the semis in about 30 years (prob early 70s it was when we missed out) and boy it was tough to watch - to old diehard club stalwarts just downing a few cold ones and not saying much at all - it was that sense of loss that we all feel after say a GF loss - but boy that feeling is nothing like what I feel now which is a sense of despair. Back then I knew we would bounce back as we had leaders who were tough smart men - and yes we did - but now we'll I am not so sure.

 

[Qdf]

Wow what an amazing post.

Great to have you on the forum and with posts like that your a special and welcome addition.

Brought tears to my eyes.

I wish the club had leaders who felt like that. As one who met Facer many times (dad and Frank were great friends) I can tell you FF would post just as you did above. A brilliant leader and a true saint who just lived for the success of the saints.

I still remember seeing Frank and dad having some reckers pilseners not long after the first year that we missed the semis in about 30 years (prob early 70s it was when we missed out) and boy it was tough to watch - to old diehard club stalwarts just downing a few cold ones and not saying much at all - it was that sense of loss that we all feel after say a GF loss - but boy that feeling is nothing like what I feel now which is a sense of despair. Back then I knew we would bounce back as we had leaders who were tough smart men - and yes we did - but now we'll I am not so sure.

Yes SS, where did it all start to go wrong for us?
I to have been a saints tragic since 1958.
Remember being stunned, travelling back home with my father, after he'd picked me up from Peakhurst primary school and we went to the SCG to watch the mighty saints get flogged by the Poms.
Just didn't think it was possible.
That was in the late 50's 1959 I think.
But I was soon consoled with many premiership to come in the following years.
Ended up trying to achieve my dream to play for dragons, but didn't quite make it. Went on to play for Penshurst RSL with Kevin O'brein (Stgeorge& Australia) as coach, Peter O'Sullivan(Stgeorge)played 5/8 in that team.Playing against a pretty good halfback from Renown United by the name of Ross Studwick. (STGEORGE&AUST)

 

[2010]

Being an older fan I know how we felt when the run of premierships came to the end. I don't see any less passion by our younger supporters.
We might be separated by decades in ages but we are all connected by our passion for the saints are are hurt by the way the team has been miss managed by the administration.

 

[Sheridan Stand]

Being an older fan I know how we felt when the run of premierships came to the end. I don't see any less passion by our younger supporters.
We might be separated by decades in ages but we are all connected by our passion for the saints are are hurt by the way the team has been miss managed by the administration.

Exactly - why can't the Board and CEO share the fans passion - I wish they would open the Board up to new blood and stop the decay and cronyism