Date published: Monday, November 18, 2002.
Author: Mark Williams.
Saints kick some goals
AFL club St Kilda didn't kick too many goals on the field last season, but a group of players, coaches and officials booted plenty in Tasmania at the weekend.
St Kilda sent representatives to the State as part of a promotional trip and membership drive to drum up support. More than 350 people became 2003 St Kilda members in Launceston on Saturday afternoon and 30 more signed on in Burnie on Saturday night. At Spreyton's Maidstone Park yesterday, more than 100 signed up, but it was on the trip from Launceston to Devonport that a sure sign of rekindled St Kilda passion emerged.
``We stopped with a group of the players at the Elizabeth Town pub,'' membership manager Georgie Fidge said. ``While the players were taking a comfort break, we signed up 16 members in 10 minutes in the main bar. ``It was unbelievable.''
At Spreyton, dual Brownlow medallist Robert Harvey, former captain Nathan Burke, Aaron Hamill, Lenny Hayes and assistant coach Dean Wallis won over all and sundry with smiling faces, handshakes and a mini-clinic.
``We have had a great few days down here in Tassie,'' Harvey said. ``We have a lot of supporters down here and a part of this trip was a way of trying to convert them into members as well.''
While Harvey and the crew enjoyed the carnival atmosphere, when talk turned to playing at York Park on came their football faces. ``We are all looking forward to playing at York Park next year as it looks a fantastic place to play footy,'' Harvey said. ``I'm over my knee and shoulder injuries and am feeling fit and cannot wait to play again.''
While the Saints outfit answered questions and gave out autographs, Burke sent out a signal to the faithful more prosperity was on the way for the team that has not tasted premiership success since the heady Darrel Baldock days of 1966.
``We have taken great strides off the field and are in the process of doing the same on field,'' he said. ``Grant Thomas (coach) has developed a strong list and the inclusions of players like (former King Islander) Barry Brooks will be a bonus for us in the coming seasons.''
Author: Mark Williams.
Saints kick some goals
AFL club St Kilda didn't kick too many goals on the field last season, but a group of players, coaches and officials booted plenty in Tasmania at the weekend.
St Kilda sent representatives to the State as part of a promotional trip and membership drive to drum up support. More than 350 people became 2003 St Kilda members in Launceston on Saturday afternoon and 30 more signed on in Burnie on Saturday night. At Spreyton's Maidstone Park yesterday, more than 100 signed up, but it was on the trip from Launceston to Devonport that a sure sign of rekindled St Kilda passion emerged.
``We stopped with a group of the players at the Elizabeth Town pub,'' membership manager Georgie Fidge said. ``While the players were taking a comfort break, we signed up 16 members in 10 minutes in the main bar. ``It was unbelievable.''
At Spreyton, dual Brownlow medallist Robert Harvey, former captain Nathan Burke, Aaron Hamill, Lenny Hayes and assistant coach Dean Wallis won over all and sundry with smiling faces, handshakes and a mini-clinic.
``We have had a great few days down here in Tassie,'' Harvey said. ``We have a lot of supporters down here and a part of this trip was a way of trying to convert them into members as well.''
While Harvey and the crew enjoyed the carnival atmosphere, when talk turned to playing at York Park on came their football faces. ``We are all looking forward to playing at York Park next year as it looks a fantastic place to play footy,'' Harvey said. ``I'm over my knee and shoulder injuries and am feeling fit and cannot wait to play again.''
While the Saints outfit answered questions and gave out autographs, Burke sent out a signal to the faithful more prosperity was on the way for the team that has not tasted premiership success since the heady Darrel Baldock days of 1966.
``We have taken great strides off the field and are in the process of doing the same on field,'' he said. ``Grant Thomas (coach) has developed a strong list and the inclusions of players like (former King Islander) Barry Brooks will be a bonus for us in the coming seasons.''
