Saints sound the horns for new cult hero
Supporters flocked to Moorabbin and Docklands to watch them play.
But the athletic and courageous icons never had crowds donning viking helmets in their honour or blowing vuvuzela horns every time they flew for a grab.
That privilege will instead go to the Saints' latest blonde bombshell - Alix Tauru - as his cult status grows.
Of Swedish heritage, Tauru has already been dubbed the "Flying Viking" for his aerial presence and matched a St Kilda record with 14 spoils in the defeat to Fremantle last week.
The 18-year-old defender has offered Saints supporters a glimmer of hope for a bright future as Ross Lyon's men attempt to breathe life back into their season against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
A group of fans plan to sell viking helmets at the game and sound plastic horns in support of their new hero, while major sponsor RSEA Safety will deck out the cheer squad in viking-themed hard hats.
"It's a low bar in AFL footy, isn't it? Fourteen spoils? It used to be 14 goals," Lyon quipped when asked about third-gamer Tauru's status as a fan favourite.
"We're excited by Alix. The best thing is he's very level, he understands he's only as good as his next moment at training and in games.
"At the end of the day, you come up against another fierce and formidable opponent, and he'll know he's alive.
"The challenges keep coming, but it is exciting."
St Kilda (5-10) have hit the skids after a positive start to the season, with a horror 2-9 record over the last three months ending their finals hopes early.
They will start underdogs against Sam Mitchell's Hawthorn (10-5), who are looking to extend a three-match winning streak and continue their push for a top-two spot.
"We're a club that needs to get better. We're off the pack, but we're fighting hard," Lyon said.
"We've got a strategy over a period of time that we're pursuing, but in the near time we want to win lots of games of AFL footy.
"(We played) three quarters against Collingwood, three quarters against Fremantle, albeit spirited and some good signs.
"We're looking to chase four quarters down, so that would be the aim this week."
Hawthorn have named key pair James Sicily and James Worpel to return from injuries, offsetting the loss of Josh Weddle and Sam Butler.
Former Hawks wingman Brad Hill returns for the Saints alongside Angus Hastie, with Jack Carroll and Tobie Travaglia omitted.
Ex-Richmond teammates Dan Butler and Mabior Chol will reach significant milestones on opposing sides.
St Kilda forward Butler will play his 150th AFL match, while Hawks tall Chol will line up in his 100th, nine years after his debut.
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