Troy ‘Catman’ West unveils new fangs after theft

Geelong’s most flamboyant supporter has revealed his new fangs after a heartless thief took off with his while he was eating a lemon tart.

Geelong’s most passionate supporter was eating a lemon tart when the unthinkable happened.

Troy West, better known as Catman, was indulging at a food caravan at Kardinia Park when someone stole his fangs last year.

Catman, a well-known figure within Geelong known for his dedication to the AFL team, saw his bag move but assumed someone had just bumped it.

“I got back to my bag and the fangs were stolen,” Mr West said.

“I don’t know why they stole Catman’s things.”

"Catman" Troy West from the Geelong footy cheer squad is fitted for his new fangs Totally Smiles Dr Simon McPherson. Picture: Alison Wynd

However, an act of kindness in August this year at a St Kilda game at Marvel Stadium would turn his fortunes around.

“I helped a fellow Cats friend being abused sitting next to the St Kilda cheer squad and he was threatened in front of his kids by an angry Saints fan for simply cheering,” Mr West recalled.

“He messaged me asking did I have some spare seats up our end of the ground where he could bring his boys to safety as they were freaking out.

"Catman" Troy West from the Geelong footy cheer squad checks out his new fangs with Totally Smiles Dr Simon McPherson. Picture: Alison Wynd

“I said of course and they came up and thanked me and sat in the seats next to our cheer squad.

Unbeknown to Mr West, the man was the chief executive of a major dental company.

“Two weeks later he rang me and told me they would make the fangs for me free of charge,” Mr West said.

“They’ve made them with a digital scan and made them to open and close like a cat’s mouth.

“They’re amazing, I’m really happy, they’ve done a stellar job”.

"Catman" Troy West from the Geelong footy cheer squad with his new fangs at Totally Smiles Geelong. Picture: Alison Wynd

Impression Dental Group chief executive Mark O’Brien partnered with Melbourne-based dental lab Andent, part of the Modern Dental Pacific Group, and designed Catman’s new fangs.

Mr West, voted Geelong’s biggest supporter in 2019, is known for his exuberant attire and has been dressing up for games since 2005.

Stepping up his game in 2019, he began wearing white contact lenses and specially-fitted fangs to complete the ensemble.

Originally published as Troy ‘Catman’ West unveils new fangs after theft