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In a quiet street in Abbotsford near Victoria Park, one home stands out among the rest.
It’s draped in black and white balloons, a large poster of a magpie hangs from the roof and Collingwood FC banners and scarves adorn the fencing.
Gracie Ebejer, 88, with four generations of her devoted Collingwood family.Credit: Jason South
On a closer look, passersby can see old news clippings of the 2010 grand final win depicting a victorious Collingwood, and even magpie garden ornaments.
“We call it ‘the headquarters’,” says Liz Phillips, 68.
The home belongs to Liz’s mother, 88-year-old Gracie Ebejer, who has been a faithful Magpies supporter since she arrived in Australia from Malta in 1954 and has decorated the home for every Pies grand final appearance.
Gracie’s family has grown to four generations, which includes 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The youngest Pies supporter is one. Unfortunately, there is a defector in the family – one grandson is a Carlton supporter – but the family isn’t fussed after Carlton’s loss last week.
The Ebejer family will enjoy the grand final together on Saturday.Credit: Jason South
“My son is a Carlton supporter and he said ‘we are coming for you’. When Carlton lost, I said ‘what time are you coming? We are waiting’,” says Liz.
In 2010, the family’s dedication to the club even got a nod of approval from former club President Eddie McGuire as he happened to drive past the decorated home in the lead-up to that year’s premiership game.
“Eddie [McGuire] just drove past and said ‘go Pies’,” says Liz.
Even Collingwood great and AFL Hall of Fame member Peter Daicos has entered the “headquarters” for a news piece in 2018.
But more than the fanfare around the family home is the tradition that has kept them close over the years. On grand final day the family will gather, some even travelling from interstate, to enjoy Gracie’s pastizzis, a popular Maltese savoury pastry, catch up, and cheer on their team.
“I love to see my kids and grandchildren at the house, it’s a very special time,” Gracie said.
In the household there are also certain superstitions that the family believe have brought victory for the Pies, like making hand gestures toward the opposition to “stuff them up” and making sure people don’t leave their seats if the Magpies are winning.
“I have my black and white cat Maggie and I made sure she sat in my lap and didn’t move for last week’s game,” says Gracie.
Gracie wants to see her favourite player, Jack Ginnivan, on the field for the grand final. “He’s cheeky and that’s why I love him,” she says.
Liz says: “Superstition is big thing for us, but our motto is ‘believe and manifest’.”
However, the die-hard fans are feeling the pressure, especially as Collingwood coach Craig McRae calls on the Magpie Army to get the Pies across the line on Saturday.
“It makes us feel proud, but it also puts pressure on us to give our best support,” says Liz. At the MCG last week, Liz was shouting “there’s no tomorrow” to give the Magpies the push they need.
“We are not at the MCG for the grand final on Saturday because we couldn’t get tickets, but this is our way of helping out,” she says, gesturing to the decorations and Collingwood paraphernalia.
“We are the nineteenth player.”
The family can’t bring themselves to utter the word “lose” and are optimistic Collingwood can take the flag despite the likelihood of a tough fight against the Lions.
“Collingwood will eventually kill us,” Liz says. “But we are proud to be supporters of this club.”
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