Stephen Ellis reveals how he became known as The Wizard, Lakemba’s loveable larrikin

THE Wizard of Dogs normally only surfaces at Bulldogs games, but he came out to help us promote Snap Sydney as our resident larrikin.

Stephen Ellis, aka The Wizard, at his beloved Bulldogs’ homeground. Picture: Craig Wilson

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SYDNEY is more than a city of beautiful places, it’s also home to some wonderful characters and larrikins.

With our campaign in full swing The Wizard, who normally only surfaces at Bulldogs games, came out to help us promote Snap Sydney as our resident larrikin.

The Wizard is a mythical being in Belmore, the heart of Bulldogs territory.

The nickname started in 2010, when Stephen Ellis and his long grey beard was asked by commentators at a home game “What’s your prediction wizard?”

Now six years later, the same question is put to the Lakemba local at the start of every season.

The Wizard’s notoriety and colourful face have spread quickly here, and around the world. But it’s not all fun and games — a lot of work goes into being The Wizard.

The Wizard is one of Canterbury-Bankstown’s most colourful characters. Picture: Craig Wilson

Stephen said he spent more time at the hairdresser and bought more make-up than his wife.

“We hand-knit all the beanies and gloves too,” he said.

His love affair with the Bulldogs began when he was just six.

Like many of his mates, he couldn’t afford to buy tickets, so they would sneak in and sit under the camphor laurel tree to watch games.

In 1992, Stephen became a full-season ticket holder and his infamy has been rewarded with a few free grand final tickets.

Now 72, he said he would continue as The Wizard until “the fellow up there says ‘it’s time to come upstairs Bulldog’.”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull snaps Bondi Beach. Picture: Craig Wilson

In the weeks leading up to Snap Sydney on November 16, we’ve asked readers to start practising their skills behind the lens.

Following on from characters and larrikins, now it is time to show us your passions and what you really love.

It could be food or cooking, the great outdoors, your pets or your sporting team.

Share your slice of Sydney with us by posting it to Twitter or Instagram or to your local paper’s Facebook page with #SnapSydney (remember make your profile public if you want us to see your photos!)

So get snapping and go online to see galleries of the best #SnapSydney pictures so far.

HOW TO SNAP SYDNEY