Fan Engagement

[VDS66]

Maybe we need a "Bigfooty Bay" somewhere for a game. Put everyone to shame!

And after about 10 minutes it will become the Cam Shenton Abuse Bay...

 

[Jayden_Harvey7]

Agree, I am in the Cheersquad, however due to work unable to get to the game, if you want to have a go, how about joining it and creating the change.

I would love to join but unfortunately I live in Adelaide, so obviously can't go to many games :/

 

[sammm]

One thing I do love if I have ever been to Etihad is when walking to the ground, there is the occasional busker singing "Oh When the Saints", or playing it on saxophone, banjo etc. Don't know if this still happens, often, or rarely. But for a build up, with club / sponsor supported performers buskers for the walk ups from Southern Cross or the Docklands side, doesn't this fit in with our current music theme. Also helps to show that this is a St Kilda game and you are coming to our home game.

I always love the walk up to the ground, with the red, black and white everywhere, what an added feature with performers or buskers every 100 metres.

No buskers on the bridge on Sunday.

 

[Mindtraveller]

And after about 10 minutes it will become the Cam Shenton Abuse Bay...

Have some faith. I imagine we're all like this

 

[drawza]

Drawsa if you don't mind, can you tell us a lot more about the cheer squad. Live interstate and know nothing and would love to hear how it works, your strengths, problems, suggestions to make it better, etc.

I think our main problem is we have had in fighting causing a number of people to leave, others have left due to personal reasons. I think that hurt the look and the sound of the squad. Hoping to get a better look this season.

 

[CALL ME SNAKE]

Have some faith. I imagine we're all like this

LOL

 

[Saintos The ITK]

I think the Hawks might have got the jump on us with regards to gay pride week celebrations.
#glitter

 

[Sunshine Saint]

I think our main problem is we have had in fighting causing a number of people to leave, others have left due to personal reasons. I think that hurt the look and the sound of the squad. Hoping to get a better look this season.

How many are in the cheer squad Drawza? Is this up or down on 2009 and 2010 when we were in contention?

For anyone on here who is thinking of joining, what does it entail? What days do you meet? What do you do etc? Costs etc etc?

 

[Persevering Saint]

I was thinking last night (no don't laugh), I reckon it'd be great to get a big brass band in for our games, and plant them in the stands on one of the wings of the Level 1. Mike them up, so that they can be heard throughout the ground. It'd only take about a 30-piece band, but they could play classic brass songs at breaks or during lulls in the game, etc - not least of all our theme song! I reckon it'd fill out the ground a bit (they'd each take up a couple of seats!), add atmosphere, etc.

The key thing is, look, the actual game play by us this year is often not going to be a great reason to go to the footy. So let's make it so the SHOW, the overall spectacle is enough to want to go to the footy, regardless of results.

 

[Persevering Saint]

Now for my even crazier idea: cheerleaders.

Let me stress, I don't mean the kind of cheerleaders we've usually seen in AFL. AFL has a very, very poor understanding of what American cheerleading actually is. Usually, from what I've seen, it's about 10 girls in skimpy uniforms that show their tramp stamps while shaking tinsel pompoms.

That is not what I mean at all.

When I lived in North America, I remember going to a US College Football game in Nevada. It was a cold desert night, so the cheerleaders were all dressed in trackies, nothing skimpy at all. And what made them so awesome wasn't how hot the girls were or anything as sexist and petty as that. It was the sheer gymnastic athleticism, the amazing acrobatics, of what they did. They had boy and girl cheerleaders, flying through the air, doing long cartwheel routines, etc. It was entertainment in and of itself. More than that, they brought humour, flair, and excitement, because they LEAD CHEERS! They invigorated the crowd, got them shouting, everything. It made the night so much more fun, and really helped the crowd feel like they were part of the team.

Here's a pic or two from that game.

 

[Sunshine Saint]

I was thinking last night (no don't laugh), I reckon it'd be great to get a big brass band in for our games, and plant them in the stands on one of the wings of the Level 1. Mike them up, so that they can be heard throughout the ground. It'd only take about a 30-piece band, but they could play classic brass songs at breaks or during lulls in the game, etc - not least of all our theme song! I reckon it'd fill out the ground a bit (they'd each take up a couple of seats!), add atmosphere, etc.

The key thing is, look, the actual game play by us this year is often not going to be a great reason to go to the footy. So let's make it so the SHOW, the overall spectacle is enough to want to go to the footy, regardless of results.

Very much like being at the cricket in England or West Indies, with the West Indian crowd playing on their big steel drums. Creates a lot of atmosphere and that is the point of all of the extras that the club is trying, to engage those who are not dye in the wool supporters (yet).

 

[CALL ME SNAKE]

And after about 10 minutes it will become the Cam Shenton Abuse Bay...

I can hear it now......


"What do we want"??
"Less Shenton"
"When do we want it"??
"Now!!"

Joking aside your probably right
Sadly people always seems to need a whipping boy don't they.
#STANDBYTHEPANTHER

 

[drawza]

How many are in the cheer squad Drawza? Is this up or down on 2009 and 2010 when we were in contention?

For anyone on here who is thinking of joining, what does it entail? What days do you meet? What do you do etc? Costs etc etc?

I think it is down from our glory years. For anyone considering joining, I could say the Cheersquad is great, but it comes down to if you want to be apart of something that we as a club can be proud of rather than constantly being bagged by not just the opposition but our own supporters, the only way change will happen is if we are able to get the people to enforce the change. When I joined the Cheersquad it was a friendly environment, full of encouraging people who love St Kilda, I had the chance to go out on the ground for banner, got to help make the banner, got to wave floggers and flags, cheer and support the club on match day. Rather than bag the squad why don't you come sit with us and cause the change everyone is saying we need. The main thing that will change the Cheersquad is on field performance. But that isn't stopping people from trying to fill empty spots in the squad, grabbing a flag, chant and cherier along with others who love the Saints.

In terms of what day we meet for banner, it's usually on a Friday night before the game, if the game is I Melbourne, if it's a Friday night game or interstate then it differs. For cost I am unsure right asset the moment but that can be found on the membership part of the website.

 

[Rough_Edges]

Only ever heard bad things about our cheersquad

Not inclusive, not willing to change.

Always been so timid. A shame it is because the wing does get pumping some days especially when the mob starts feeling the umpires are screwing us.

 

[Sunshine Saint]

I think it is down from our glory years. For anyone considering joining, I could say the Cheersquad is great, but it comes down to if you want to be apart of something that we as a club can be proud of rather than constantly being bagged by not just the opposition but our own supporters, the only way change will happen is if we are able to get the people to enforce the change. When I joined the Cheersquad it was a friendly environment, full of encouraging people who love St Kilda, I had the chance to go out on the ground for banner, got to help make the banner, got to wave floggers and flags, cheer and support the club on match day. Rather than bag the squad why don't you come sit with us and cause the change everyone is saying we need. The main thing that will change the Cheersquad is on field performance. But that isn't stopping people from trying to fill empty spots in the squad, grabbing a flag, chant and cherier along with others who love the Saints.

In terms of what day we meet for banner, it's usually on a Friday night before the game, if the game is I Melbourne, if it's a Friday night game or interstate then it differs. For cost I am unsure right asset the moment but that can be found on the membership part of the website.

Drawza thanks for that. Hope that your description brings some who are interested to the cheer squad. An unpaid group of volunteers who are appreciated by many many supporters and members. Well done.

 

[Sunshine Saint]

Only ever heard bad things about our cheersquad

Not inclusive, not willing to change.

Always been so timid. A shame it is because the wing does get pumping some days especially when the mob starts feeling the umpires are screwing us.

The same may have been said of St Kilda for the past decade and look at the changes in the club now. With changes and improvements throughout club, you would think that moves will be made to assist the cheer squad and help them thrive as well. Also worth noting they are all volunteers who are trying to do the best for the club.

 

[Rough_Edges]

Just because they're volunteers doesn't mean that we have to accept that they seriously struggle.

CFA are entirely made up of volunteers as well, and they are constantly scrutinised and do a good job.

My comment relates to a game last year where my uncle and his 20 yo son were sitting slightly to one side of the cheer squad. They're were plenty of seats in the cheers quad so they moved across a bay or two just before the game to gel give the cheer squad some voice. They were told by a lady to move on, when they said "Why? It's empty and maybe I'll join if I have fun"...she became quite abrasive and another person joined in.

You know...seriously?

Maybe if it's packed out I'd understand but come on.

 

[Sunshine Saint]

Just because they're volunteers doesn't mean that we have to accept that they seriously struggle.

CFA are entirely made up of volunteers as well, and they are constantly scrutinised and do a good job.

My comment relates to a game last year where my uncle and his 20 yo son were sitting slightly to one side of the cheer squad. They're were plenty of seats in the cheers quad so they moved across a bay or two just before the game to gel give the cheer squad some voice. They were told by a lady to move on, when they said "Why? It's empty and maybe I'll join if I have fun"...she became quite abrasive and another person joined in.

You know...seriously?

Maybe if it's packed out I'd understand but come on.

Not defending anyone on that, but saying two things, that they like all else at the club are in for a shake up with this new administration and will improve. And secondly that we can't be hyper critical of volunteers. You hear people in life constantly criticising volunteers, who are there working to make things more enjoyable for others. Whether it be the guys at the local market / school event, volunteering helping to direct parking, to those junior sports officials who are giving up their time, weekends etc to help children have a positive sporting experience.

Not a reference to you or your example of how you were treated, but it always sticks in my throat, that those who give up the time to help others are criticised, by those who do little or nothing for others. My dear old mum has been a palliative care volunteer for 20 years, spending time each day with someone who is dying. She can spend time every day with a person in final stages of life and provide support to them and their immediate family. But never ceases to amaze me of those who turn up just before, or just after death, to ensure their share of any will etc and criticise the level of care, compassion etc that their loved one received. There are many great people, doing selfless work every day, that are often invisible and unappreciated by many.

 

[crasha301]

Not defending anyone on that, but saying two things, that they like all else at the club are in for a shake up with this new administration and will improve. And secondly that we can't be hyper critical of volunteers. You hear people in life constantly criticising volunteers, who are there working to make things more enjoyable for others. Whether it be the guys at the local market / school event, volunteering helping to direct parking, to those junior sports officials who are giving up their time, weekends etc to help children have a positive sporting experience.

Not a reference to you or your example of how you were treated, but it always sticks in my throat, that those who give up the time to help others are criticised, by those who do little or nothing for others. My dear old mum has been a palliative care volunteer for 20 years, spending time each day with someone who is dying. She can spend time every day with a person in final stages of life and provide support to them and their immediate family. But never ceases to amaze me of those who turn up just before, or just after death, to ensure their share of any will etc and criticise the level of care, compassion etc that their loved one received. There are many great people, doing selfless work every day, that are often invisible and unappreciated by many.

As a junior coach and committee member for my local junior club this is very frustrating.

Example: the committee members decided to paint the club rooms in the clubs colours.

6/10 parents said great job, the other 4 said not great paint work.

Considering none of us a qualified painters and all volunteers STFU or put your hand up to help!

 

[drawza]

Just because they're volunteers doesn't mean that we have to accept that they seriously struggle.

CFA are entirely made up of volunteers as well, and they are constantly scrutinised and do a good job.

My comment relates to a game last year where my uncle and his 20 yo son were sitting slightly to one side of the cheer squad. They're were plenty of seats in the cheers quad so they moved across a bay or two just before the game to gel give the cheer squad some voice. They were told by a lady to move on, when they said "Why? It's empty and maybe I'll join if I have fun"...she became quite abrasive and another person joined in.

You know...seriously?

Maybe if it's packed out I'd understand but come on.

A few questions I have with this, were they wearing St Kilda colours?. Did you get the lady's name? Which game was this?. I will follow up.

 

[crasha301]

One thing that I liked that the club did was when you could put up your slogan/idea for the banner and if the cheer squad liked it, it was put up.

I though that was great! Does that still happen?

 

[drawza]

I am happy to pass them on, not sure if they have done it in the past season

 

[Kildonan]

No Saints merchandise here at Metricon Stadium

 

[CALL ME SNAKE]

No Saints merchandise here at Metricon Stadium

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[Sunshine Saint]

No Saints merchandise here at Metricon Stadium

Except those worn by the many Saints supporters here. Kildonan as always you are a Saints merchandising beacon in the crowd of orange.