Celebrating Our Members: In Their Own Words

As part of Member Appreciation Round, we asked members to share their stories and memories – here are just a few.

Dave Martin – Canberra Raiders Member since 2000 
Maree Martin – Canberra Raiders Member  

A Raiders Fan's Journey 
My passion for the Raiders began on Grand Final day in 1989. As a single airman in the RAAF, I found myself at the Fairbairn Airmans club, which was filled with fans wearing Orange Jumpers. Despite the Raiders being well behind, me being a ratbag led me to chant "RAIDERS" loudly. To everyone's surprise, the Raiders won, emptying the club except for my friends and me, and igniting a lifelong devotion. 

My wife's thoughtful birthday gift of my first Raiders membership in 2000 marked the beginning of my official support. Initially, it was just my best mate and me attending games. Around 2002, we upgraded to a family membership, starting in Bay 69, Row D. Over time, we gradually moved to our current seats, 1-4 in the same row. At one point, we even shared the first 10 seats in the row with two other families. 

My current family began with my second marriage in October 2001, though our relationship started in September 1995. I helped raise my wonderful stepchildren, Sara and Michael Collins. Sara is an incredibly loyal fan, even converting her boyfriend into a dedicated Raiders supporter. The names currently on the card belong to my nieces. 

Among my cherished memories is the incredible 66-4 victory against the Roosters in April 1990. Thanks to a press photographer friend, I was on the sidelines, right near the try line. I vividly recall Big Mal scoring directly in front of me, with several Roosters hanging onto him, and feeling the ground shake as he stomped past. 
Another unforgettable experience was braving the snowy conditions on May 28, 2000, with my best mate. We drank beer under our ponchos and witnessed Lesley the Volcano's memorable diving and sliding try in the snow. 

It's a blast sitting next to Simon the Drummer! He's a genuinely passionate and kind person. Even though he's loud, he brings so much energy to everyone around him, and the kids especially love him. 

Andrew Podger – Canberra Raiders Member since 1991 

Lots of great memories, and of course great excitement about the team this year.  
The first game I attended was in 1987. I was driving my family past Seiffert Oval one Sunday afternoon and saw that a game was soon to start, so we stopped to have a look. It was great fun not just for me but for the whole family. I went to a few games that year, the highlight being the Grand Final which I watched from the Hill at the SCG. Though we lost it was great to watch Sam Backo and some of our emerging heroes - Glen Lazarus, Gary Belcher, Mal Meninga and a young Laurie Daley amongst the reserves.  

I then became a more dedicated follower, and was able to get to the unforgettable 1989 Grand Final with my son, Hamish, sitting amongst Tigers fans whose early taunts we were later able to respond to with gusto. Ricky Stuart, Chicka Ferguson and Gary Belcher were fantastic, along with Laurie, Mal, Dean Lance, Steve Walters and 'the brick with eyes' (Glen Lazarus). We also saw the victory in 1990 but missed the 1991 Grand Final.  

I became a member not long after the Raiders moved to Bruce Stadium, and the family went to most home games over the following years. Hamish and I also got to the stunning 1994 Grand Final, Mal Meninga being the greatest of a star-studded team - Bradley Clyde, Dave Furner, Rubin Wiki, Kenny Nagas, Brett Mullins as well as Stuart and Daley.  

Another memorable game was the one in 2000 in the snow. Hamish and I walked over O'Connor Ridge to the game as the snow came down. The club allowed all the brave fans to huddle under cover in the stands and I seem to recall there were free pies as well. Sliding tries, and trouble seeing the sidelines. Great fun, and another win.  

So many memories. A great team and a great club.  
I have attached the photo of Hamish and me setting off for that snow game in 2000 from our home in O'Connor.  

Hamish also still has his kids shirts from the 1989 grand final. The Raiders jersey was signed by Chicka, Mal and Gary Belcher. The one with Victor standing over the tiger was bought directly after the game in Sydney - some enterprising people. The third celebrates Chicka.  

Dave Fisher – Canberra Raiders Member Since 2012 
Michelle Fisher – Canberra Raiders Member since 2017 
Luke Fisher – Canberra Raiders Member since 2015 
Ryan Fisher – Canberra Raiders Member since 2015 

My wife and the boys have pulled together a photo collage of just ‘some’ of our Raider’s memories, we have so many that it was hard to choose! 
We also wanted to come up with a unique way of sharing just how much we love being Raider’s members, our boys have both been going since 6 months old (they’re now 16 and 13). 

An ode to our Raiders – from your number one fans 

From the heart of the capital to lands near and far 
We’ve followed the Raiders, our footy super stars. 
Members for years, through thick and through thin 
Our love for the Green Machine comes from deep within. 
  
Our two boys, just babes at six months old, 
Wrapped in green, first braved Raiders games and the cold. 
They’ve run the team out, both proud and loud,  
And even played footy at GIO before the Raiders crowd. 
  
We’ve streamed our Raiders from Hawaii’s sunlit shore, 
And journeyed to Vegas, always wanting more. 
Planned our holidays with one clear law, 
It must align with the seasons draw.  
  
Our boys have so many memories and have even caught headgear mid-flight, 
They’ve been on your TV screens, bathed in green light. 
We’ve recruited our family and friends, to join and spread the flame, 
In rain, hail, snow or sun — we’re always at the game. 
  
We’ve met the greats, both past and new,  
Commentators, players and all the Raiders crew. 
Our Raiders community is without doubt the best, 
Other clubs wish they could be this blessed. 
  
We bleed green and everyone knows, 
Through the highs and the lows, we always show. 
From every cheer to every Viking clap, 
We are the Raiders’ number one fans, and that’s a wrap. 
 
So here we stand, proud and true, 
Raiders fans through and through. 
Moments we’ll treasure year by year. 
Forever Green – hear us cheer! 

Luigi D’Ambrosio – Canberra Raiders Member since 2010 

I have been a raiders member for many years, and there have been many memorable moments. These include watching Raiders won the first premiership in 1989, sitting in the snow in the stadium in 2000, and being heartbroken when Raiders lost the grand final in 2019.   

However, the most and best memorable moment is watching the first ever Raiders’ home game with my daughter, Antonina. It was 16 March 2024, and she was only 4 months old. It was always my dream to bring my kids there, and it had finally become true after many years of IVF. It was a really nice day, and my daughter enjoyed the Viking claps and the crowd. I have attached some photos.  
Since then, she has been to a few home games in the stadium. She now claps hands when Viking clap is on, and dance to the team song.  

Shane Billington – Canberra Raiders Member since 2000 

I remember travelling to Seiffort Oval with my Dad when I was young  
I remember sitting on the grass at Bruce and wearing my Woodgers #3 Jersey a few years later  
I get tingles when I see Steve Jackson scoring THAT try in 89, Woods in 90 and Big Mals last try in 94  
I love what Ricky has done for our club and our community  
I love what the Raiders mean to our community and the loyal, passionate fans we have  
I love the Viking Clap and singing along to ‘We’re Bad and Mean the Green Machine’  
This is why I bleed green, this is why my family bleeds green and this is why I’m a Canberra Raiders Member