Heritage Day festivities mark 41 years of AFL in the South Burnett, 10 years as the Saints
The South Burnett AFL Club has celebrated 41 years of footy in the region surrounded by old and new friends at this year’s annual Heritage Day round.
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The South Burnett AFL Club has celebrated 41 years of footy in the region, and a decade as the Saints, surrounded by old and new friends at this year’s annual Heritage Day round.
The special event reeled in past and present club members from across the country to celebrate the milestone event.
John Curtain, who founded the club as the Bulldogs back in 1981, travelled from Caboolture to watch the Saints take on the Tigers.
Mr Curtain said it has been amazing to witness the club spirit passed down through the generations, with his own son having grown up in the club from the Under 15s.
Former coach Andrew Foley, who revived the Bulldogs in 1988 alongside Leo Bridgeman, said the beauty of the club was evident in the lifelong friendships formed.
“Leo is my daughter’s godfather and I’m going to his 60th birthday party next Saturday,” Mr Foley said.
“That’s the beauty of the club and my message for the younger people. You don’t even know it yet, but there are people here who will be at your 60th birthday.
“That’s what footy does. It creates lifelong friendships, both within and outside your club.”
Things evolved in 2012 when the South Burnett Saints marched in, with Daniel Clacy re-establishing the club in the region.
Men’s coach Troy Miller reiterated Mr Foley’s sentiment, expressing how valuable the relationships built within the club were to him.
“Every person in my life to this day, aside from my brother, I've met because of this football club,” he said.
“And some of the blokes who’ve been part of the club over the years have travelled from as far as Victoria to get here today.
“Obviously that shows the club has meant something to those guys.”
As is tradition, this year’s special “Bulldog Spirit” Man of the Match award was presented at the end of the game to Sarah Nothdurft and Josh Freeman.
The boys were bested by the Toowoomba Tigers 62 to 38 on Saturday, with Ned O’Connor scoring two goals for the Saints, while Brad Pressnell, Sam Colley and Nathan Trace each scored one.
Mr Miller said he was happy with the fight the boys showed against the Tigers, with Jeremy Zaccardi taking out best on field.
The Saints ladies put up a solid fight against Toowoomba, however the Tigers came out on top 54 to 20.
“I’m really proud of the girls,” women’s coach Sandy Banks said.
“They went out there strong against a tough Tigers side, who’ve been seven-year reigning premiers.
“We also had a couple of new girls who’ve never played before and they were pretty much our star players down the backline.”
Mrs Banks said the best of field was Alex Psarros, with special mentions for rookies Roxanne Neisler and Jess Bond.
The Saints’ goals were kicked by Ellie Dodt, Toni Schick and Kiara Wright.
See all the action snaps from the day:
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