I could see the wing from my upstairs window on Victoria Park.
Every Saturday the crowd was deafening each time Collingwood kicked a goal.
All of my friends and family barracked for Collingwood. All except me.
I didn't like the arrogance of the Collingwood supporters that I saw each week, so I switched teams to one that I personally liked. That was the beginning of 1971.
My first ever job was selling peanuts, chocolates and drinks walking around Victoria Park with the heavy strap around my neck. I did this every two weeks when Collingwood had there home game there. I would earn a total of 10c for the day. On good days 30c!
My proudest days where when St.Kilda was playing. It was only once a year so it was special. I would sing out even louder on that day...
"PEANUTS, CHOCOLATES LOLLIEEEES! AND POTATO CHIPS!!"
St.Kilda rarely won but I felt I was part of the team on that one day each year.
I would marvel each time at Peter McKenna taking those fantastic chest mark leads.
He did it over and over again, and I wished that St.Kilda had such a player.
That dream was realised for me when George Young arrived and went to full forward.
As a teenager he was my 'Peter McKenna' at St.Kilda. In fact for me he was one better because of his grace and ability to fly high and take marks. It was pure delight to watch.
As a child, I never had anyone to take me to St.Kilda matches so when St.Kilda played at Victoria Park it was extra special. My most memorable moment was when George Young had been injured for a long while and was coming back from injury against Collingwood at Victoria Park.I got to see him play up close. He had bandages but he
took a great mark from the flank ,10 feet away from me and kicked a goal.
I think he only kicked two that day but it was great to see him back, see him live, and see that 27 fly high.
George Gintilas
