Former player and coach Grant Thomas and past Club Presidents Rod Butterss and Greg Westaway have been awarded Life Membership to St Kilda Football Club.
All three met the criteria of Life Membership as laid out by the St Kilda Football Club Board and the Honours & Awards Committee for their significant on-field and off-field contributions during their respective tenures.
Thomas’ journey at St Kilda began as a player from 1978 to 1983 for 72 games, but his standing at the club was cemented as the club’s senior coach for 123 games between 2001-2006. He additionally served as a Board Member for two years prior to his coaching tenure.
Thomas’ tactical nous and strong relationships with players saw St Kilda reach consecutive finals series from 2004-2006 – including preliminary finals in 2004 and 2005 – before his departure from the club at the end of 2006.
As President during the same era (2000-2007), Butterss helped the Saints reach numerous on-field and off-field milestones, including a return to finals, the club’s first 30,000-plus membership tally in 2004 and significant revenue increases to help diminish the club’s debt.
His successor, Westaway, made further in-roads into St Kilda’s debt reduction with almost $3 million removed in his tenure from 2008-2013. He additionally presided over the Saints’ three Grand Final appearances in 2009 and 2010.
“We’d like to congratulate Grant, Rod and Greg on being awarded Life Membership to St Kilda Football Club and acknowledge their services to the club,” President Andrew Bassat said.
“Grant has a long-standing history with the club as a player, coach and administrator, and significantly helped to elevate the club’s on-field standing with consecutive finals appearances, something that should not be overlooked or forgotten.
“Rod led the club to some significant milestones, including record membership, significant revenue increases and three consecutive finals campaigns.
“Much of this good work was carried through to Greg’s presidency, further reducing club debt while also seeing through two Grand Final appearances - a time for the club which many remember fondly.
“To be awarded Life Membership is a commendable achievement, and we hope this falling in line with our 150th milestone year comes with an added sense of pride for the three.”
Thomas, Butterss and Westaway will have their achievements acknowledged at respective club functions throughout the 2023 season.
