St Kilda legend Tony Lockett has described his participation in elevating former teammate and dual Brownlow medallist Robert Harvey to Legend status in the Saints Hall of Fame as a huge privilege.
On a night where the Saints celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1966 premiership team, the game’s all-time leading goal kicker was handed the duty of officially unveiling Harvey as the club’s eighth legend, joining Lockett, Allan Jeans, Trevor Barker, Neil Roberts, Ian Stewart, Ross Smith and Darrel Baldock.
In a rare interview, Lockett labelled the champion midfielder as the best player he ever played with, and suggested the universal adoration of Harvey emphasised how highly respected he is by everyone in to our game.
“It was a huge privilege because I regard Robert very, very highly,” Lockett told saints.com.au at St Kilda’s Hall of Fame function at Crown Palladium on Saturday night.
“He’s probably the best player that I’ve played with and certainly a player that’s respected highly amongst everyone in the game – not just at this club but at every club. Look, it’s thoroughly deserved and I think the world of him.
“He was just a fantastic footballer, a real role model, just someone adored football wide, not just at this club but everywhere. I think it’s a great thing for this club.”
With St Kilda set to return to its heartland in Moorabbin next year, Lockett reminisced on his celebrated past at Linton Street and said the decision was a great move for the future of the football club.
“It’s the best memories of my football career I think. Moorabbin is where I started and it’s just great news that they’re going back. I think that’s fantastic and a real plus for the club,” Lockett said.
When asked who of the current crop of Saints stars he enjoys watching play most, the only full-forward in the game’s history to ever win a Brownlow medal was full of praise for another champion forward in Nick Riewoldt, the man who sits two places behind him on St Kilda’s goal kicking list.
“I’m a big Nick Riewoldt fan, I know he’s been around for a while, but gee I think he’s done a great job,” Lockett said.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Nick; I think he’s been a fantastic leader and a fantastic footballer for this club.”
On a day of celebration for the Saints who earlier in the day defeated Collingwood by 29-points at the MCG, Lockett’s rare appearance generated a hive of energy inside the Palladium, and the four-time Coleman medallist enjoyed every minute of it.
“It’s always good. I don’t get back here a great deal, but I tell you what when I do I enjoy it because it’s just great to catch up with all the boys, especially tonight with the 1966 team back here, everyone together, it’s just a fantastic night,” Lockett said.
Limited Edition History Book: Celebrating 50 Years 1966-2016 The Archives Edition
