ONE OF THE MELBOURNE Football Club’s most identifiable supporters with his red and blue mohawk - in fine weather - and his ever enthusiastic support, Angelo Cerato, his wife Carollyn and their children are an integral part of the MCG scene on any Melbourne game day.
It has been a lifetime’s mission, with the choice to follow the red and blue made early on. ‘There were three teams at the top of the ladder when I started supporting - Collingwood, Essendon and Melbourne - and Melbourne was the underdog of the three at that stage. I like underdogs, so I’ve stuck with them ever since.’
Given his enthusiasm, Angelo’s success rate in family support is not surprising.
‘All bar one of my family - out of eight - are Melbourne supporters. He chose the Bulldogs.’
For those who share the game and love of Melbourne with Angelo, however, there is a depth of dedication and acknowledgement of his place as a readily identifiable figure in his own right. For him, it’s a great place to be, and a great game to watch.
‘As I’ve grown older and have more time, I’ve got into analysing the game more. I’m honoured that people actually follow me, and support as much as I do. I just like to be out there, and to give as much as I can for our club.’
This is a mission he shares with his family, and they provide a solid bank of support. They are a vital part of it all, from start to finish.
‘Every match day, we get up, get the thermoses organised, and go into the bathroom, where my darling wife prepares my hair, unless it’s raining. Then we all get into the car, get here early, have lunch and settle in for the game.’
Angelo carries out his supporting with vocal enthusiasm - but never criticism. He’s close to the fence, and always encouraging, enjoying seeing his team in action.
‘Being in this area here, I do feel like I’ve become part of the Club family. I have been involved in a couple of exchanges with those on the other side of the fence - Richo, who came back and told me that I needed a haircut - and I’ve had a bit of banter with a few other players, from Anthony Rocca and Shane Woewodin, unfortunately when he encountered Adem Yze on the boundary line. I don’t like seeing our players hurt, and I get behind our guys.’
When asked who his favourite player is, the answer is swift.
‘I like Brent Moloney’s hardness, and his passion, and he’s red and blue through and through.’
Overall, Angelo has high hopes for the seasons ahead, but regardless of results, he’ll be there.
‘I’ll always be a supporter, no matter what. I can see lots of success coming for the Club. I mean, you go back to the 1950s, where we won three in a row, and I can see that coming. We’re at the same time of the game now. Collingwood’s there, and I think they may take it again this year, but it’ll be our turn soon, and I think we’ll get a couple in a row. We’ve got a great support base there, so it would be fantastic.’
As with all Melbourne supporters, there’s a quiet passion in his voice, and a belief that upcoming seasons hold great things for all those in red and blue.
It has been a lifetime’s mission, with the choice to follow the red and blue made early on. ‘There were three teams at the top of the ladder when I started supporting - Collingwood, Essendon and Melbourne - and Melbourne was the underdog of the three at that stage. I like underdogs, so I’ve stuck with them ever since.’
Given his enthusiasm, Angelo’s success rate in family support is not surprising.
‘All bar one of my family - out of eight - are Melbourne supporters. He chose the Bulldogs.’
For those who share the game and love of Melbourne with Angelo, however, there is a depth of dedication and acknowledgement of his place as a readily identifiable figure in his own right. For him, it’s a great place to be, and a great game to watch.
‘As I’ve grown older and have more time, I’ve got into analysing the game more. I’m honoured that people actually follow me, and support as much as I do. I just like to be out there, and to give as much as I can for our club.’
This is a mission he shares with his family, and they provide a solid bank of support. They are a vital part of it all, from start to finish.
‘Every match day, we get up, get the thermoses organised, and go into the bathroom, where my darling wife prepares my hair, unless it’s raining. Then we all get into the car, get here early, have lunch and settle in for the game.’
Angelo carries out his supporting with vocal enthusiasm - but never criticism. He’s close to the fence, and always encouraging, enjoying seeing his team in action.
‘Being in this area here, I do feel like I’ve become part of the Club family. I have been involved in a couple of exchanges with those on the other side of the fence - Richo, who came back and told me that I needed a haircut - and I’ve had a bit of banter with a few other players, from Anthony Rocca and Shane Woewodin, unfortunately when he encountered Adem Yze on the boundary line. I don’t like seeing our players hurt, and I get behind our guys.’
When asked who his favourite player is, the answer is swift.
‘I like Brent Moloney’s hardness, and his passion, and he’s red and blue through and through.’
Overall, Angelo has high hopes for the seasons ahead, but regardless of results, he’ll be there.
‘I’ll always be a supporter, no matter what. I can see lots of success coming for the Club. I mean, you go back to the 1950s, where we won three in a row, and I can see that coming. We’re at the same time of the game now. Collingwood’s there, and I think they may take it again this year, but it’ll be our turn soon, and I think we’ll get a couple in a row. We’ve got a great support base there, so it would be fantastic.’
As with all Melbourne supporters, there’s a quiet passion in his voice, and a belief that upcoming seasons hold great things for all those in red and blue.
Unfortunately, there is an off season, which is hard to believe on a grey day at the MCG, surrounded by the familiarity of an unfolding season. How does someone such as Angelo deal with the football free months?
‘I study what’s going on with the guys, try to keep in touch with as much as I can off the internet, and look for as much football as I can find.
‘Of course, there is a life outside football, as hard as it is to comprehend sometimes, and for Angelo it’s no different.
‘I’m a motor assessor for an insurance company, so I’m involved with badly smashed cars all the time.’
Added to this, there’s a healthy collection of memorabilia that never stops.
‘The entrance hall at home is a Melbourne shrine. There’s memorabilia all over the place, from what we’ve been able to buy over the internet, and pick up along the way. We’ve got 1964 memberships - the old leather memberships. I ‘ve got a footy book with Ron Barassi on the front cover - first edition - and we’ve got a few bits and pieces there.‘
As well as the tangible items, there are memories galore of great games, from decades back to recent days. Asked for a highlight, Angelo replies,
‘Probably the Brisbane game here last year, with Greeny (Brad Green) and [Austin] Wonaeamirri running down through the centre. The siren went just as Greeny kicked that ball, and it would have to have been one of the greatest highlights. It sticks in the back of the head.’
Those around him nod, remembering a great game. With that, half time finishes, and for Angelo and all those in the stands it’s back to the rhythm of the season, watching Melbourne, huddling against the weather, and hoping for the Grand Old Flag to ring out when the final siren sounds.
‘I study what’s going on with the guys, try to keep in touch with as much as I can off the internet, and look for as much football as I can find.
‘Of course, there is a life outside football, as hard as it is to comprehend sometimes, and for Angelo it’s no different.
‘I’m a motor assessor for an insurance company, so I’m involved with badly smashed cars all the time.’
Added to this, there’s a healthy collection of memorabilia that never stops.
‘The entrance hall at home is a Melbourne shrine. There’s memorabilia all over the place, from what we’ve been able to buy over the internet, and pick up along the way. We’ve got 1964 memberships - the old leather memberships. I ‘ve got a footy book with Ron Barassi on the front cover - first edition - and we’ve got a few bits and pieces there.‘
As well as the tangible items, there are memories galore of great games, from decades back to recent days. Asked for a highlight, Angelo replies,
‘Probably the Brisbane game here last year, with Greeny (Brad Green) and [Austin] Wonaeamirri running down through the centre. The siren went just as Greeny kicked that ball, and it would have to have been one of the greatest highlights. It sticks in the back of the head.’
Those around him nod, remembering a great game. With that, half time finishes, and for Angelo and all those in the stands it’s back to the rhythm of the season, watching Melbourne, huddling against the weather, and hoping for the Grand Old Flag to ring out when the final siren sounds.
