Each grew up loyal Richmond supporters and have made their stance clear, well ahead of AFL grand final day.

Federal Labor health spokesperson Catherine King quipped this was a key issue that dew bi-partisan support from health leaders in Canberra – Health Minister Greg Hunt and Greens leader Richard Di Natale were also Tiger tragics.

Ms King made a heartfelt speech in parliament congratulating the club after it qualifying final win against Geelong – 35 years after the Tigers broke her heart in their last grand final match.

“I was 16 years old in that grand final and I will be there again on Saturday,” Ms King told The Courier. “It’s incredibly exciting.”

Ms King’s father was from Richmond, her mother from Essendon. Her siblings’ loyalties were split. Her towering brother Martin hung her upside down and convinced her to see the Tiger light – she was two years old and has been a devotee since.

Two of Ms King’s brothers also spent time in the Tigers’ squad, so she grew up spending a lot of time at Punt Road.

For Wendouree state MP Sharon Knight, there was no choice and she would not have it any other way. Her whole family are Tigers. One brother even flew in from Perth to be part of the grand final.

“I was there on Saturday for the preliminary final and the noise, the roar, was amazing – about 95,000 Tigers supporters at the MCG,” Ms King said. 

“I am a bit anxious. Adelaide’s pretty good, obviously. The other part I’m really excited about is the real links, Ballarat connections in the Richmond team – four players are from the Rebels.”

Ms Knight has been carefully revisiting her Richmond memorabilia leading into the grand final.

There was at least one glossy history book she hoped to update with a new edition, featuring what she hoped would be another premiership chapter.

Both Ms King and Ms Knight appreciated the Tiger support about Ballarat this week in what is now Western Bulldogs’ territory.

They hope this time, the fairytale flag finish be all about their Tigers.