Canterbury fans Ali Rad (left), Shadia Sultan Rad, Racquel Sultan, Peter Gouveia, Kristina Veljanoski and Rahme Sultan with Manny Ramirez (back) in good cheer before the game. Picture: GREG TOTMAN
They were loud, they were proud, and they were predicting an almighty Doggies victory.
Canterbury supporters were out in force last night as NRL footy finals fever took hold in the Illawarra.
Melbourne Storm followers were few and far between as football fans took to the pubs and clubs to watch the much-anticipated stoush and - in many cases - cheer for the remaining NSW team.
Fervent Bulldogs fan Peter Gouveia, who secured prime seats in front of the big screen at Collegians Rugby League Football Club several hours before the game, was confident of a blue-and-white victory.
"The Doggies are going to win by 10, easy," the Lake Illawarra man said.
"And the victory plan is to march the streets (when they do)."
A Bulldogs fan for 10 years, Mr Gouveia prepared for the match by painting a blue "1" on the side of his head - the jersey number of his favourite player and 2012 Dally M Medal winner Ben Barba.
His friends and long-time Doggies' fans Racquel and Rahme Sultan painted themselves blue-and-white. It was all in vain, with Melbourne winning 14-4.