From incredible acts of kindness and generosity, to the support of a former club favourite, these stories will make you proud to be a Saint.
1. Saints fan puts community first
When the world came to grinding halt in March, leaving nurses and doctors bracing for COVID-19, one generous Saints fan was ready to help.
Passionate St Kilda member Grant Polkinghorn and his landscaping business (GMZ Gardens in Ballarat) advertised free lawn mowing services for 25 healthcare workers.
1. Once a Saint, always a Saint
Max Hudghton was a great club man during his decorated career at St Kilda, and nothing has changed in retirement.
With many assistant coaches out of work due to footy’s shut down period, Max stepped in to provide regular labouring work for Saints Development Coach Ben McGlynn with his building company.
The former Sydney and Hawthorn gun described Hudghton as an amazing support in an uncertain period, not just for providing meaningful work but through the friendship he offered.
3. The open road
Training in pairs with your Saints teammates was somewhat easy for those living locally in bayside Melbourne, but spare a thought for youngsters Doulton Langlands and Ben Paton.
With the duo returning to their respective family homes in North East Victoria, they would meet three times a week, completing a two hour round trip to ensure they stayed connected with one another and up to date with the Saints’ training program.
4. Stepping up to the plate
When giant Saints fan Brett Stirling heard about the number of St Kilda staff out of work, he knew it was time to help.
The leader of the Saints’ Pride Group and a 20 year member, Stirling organised work for around 30 staff through his recruiting agency.
From AFLW players, to the finance team, there was a host of familiar faces completing shifts in the warehouse at Australia Post and Startrack Express.
With player wages slashed in half, Nick Hind and Jonathon Marsh were among five young Saints who took up the opportunity while still completing their daily training program.
5. Whatever you need
He was the proud leader of St Kilda on the field and continues to be one off of it. When Nick Riewoldt found out about the Saints pledge campaign, his offer was immediate – what can I do to help?
The former skipper got to work with current captain Jarryn Geary, with the pair hosting a special live stream event which raised thousands of dollars for the club through the commitment of Saints members.
Click here to re-watch 'A Night with the Saints', featuring guests Lenny Hayes, Eric Bana and Matt Finnis
6. Saints hit 44,000 members
More than 1000 new members have signed on since the season was postponed, helping the club surpass the 2019 tally despite only one match being played and crowds expected to be not allowed for a significant part of the season.
7. Under Lonie’s wing
Jack Lonie doesn’t have the biggest wings in the world, but that hasn’t stopped him extending one over a Saints young gun.
The highly respected Lonie welcomed in Hunter Clark as his new housemate over the off-season and the pair could often be found training together during shutdown period.
Jack Billings, another junior veteran, rolled out the welcome mat for Ben Paton, who has lived with the midfielder for the past three years.
8. The club first mentality
The Saints membership team were humbled by one member who phoned the club to reluctantly seek a refund given his loss of income, only to phone back two days later to reinstate his membership after an unexpected cheque arrived as part of the Government’s support package.
9. Please sir, can I have some more?
St Kilda players have hit the phones over the past two weeks to contact members and thank them for their support. Soon after, the staff member organising it received a text from a high profile Saint. They'd completed their list and wanted another list of members to call.
10. Pay it forward
On top of pledging heir own membership, at least 50 members have offered to pay for someone’s who is unable to due to the financial impact of COVID19.
You can play a vital role in shaping our future by joining Saints Pledge and committing to support the club through this time.
