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To their many detractors, the Giants are a gimmick. A sideshow. An unnecessary luxury in a geographical area dominated by rugby league and football.

Tell that to Krushnakant Maru. The 40-year-old diehard fan can't hold back a few tears when trying to explain what the fledging AFL club has come to mean to him, and what winning the flag would feel like.

"You have a child, you get married, you know when something unique happens in your life? If we win ...," he says, trailing off, before adding: "In our lives, we only have a handful of moments to enjoy."

Leaving India for Australia in 2007 was tough for Mr Maru, who arrived with just two bags, and had to spend three years re-learning his trade, as he couldn't continue his work as an electrician until he received Australian certification.