St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis has confirmed the club will wait until a significant number of fans can attend a home game at Marvel Stadium before locking in a special tribute match to honour Danny Frawley.
Prior to the first lockdown in Melbourne, the Saints were set to announce that the club’s round 2 clash against West Coast Eagles would be dedicated to the club champion who tragically died on September 9 last year.
The much-loved former captain, coach and media personality would have celebrated his 57th birthday yesterday.
Finnis acknowledged the pain of his passing remained ever-present.
“We obviously feel so much for Anita and the girls over what will be a really difficult few days,” he said.
"Danny had an enormous presence in the lives of so many, and we are thinking of his broader circle of family and friends who will be no doubt be feeling his absence even more so this week.
“We were able to take the whole playing group to his property on the outskirts of Ballarat during the pre-season and hear from Anita and fellow club legend Stewart Loewe share their memories of Danny.
“Since his first year at St Kilda, Danny was such a significant influence at the Saints with passion and genuine love for the club and its people. That influence remains today and will for a long time to come."
Finnis said the club would host a tribute match at the appropriate time.
“We had hoped to give Saints fans an opportunity to celebrate his contribution to the club and football in general, earlier this year.
“It’s testament to his impact on the club that so long after his retirement he remained such a loved person with our supporters.
In addition to the proposed match, the club is also working towards programs and initiatives to continue's Danny's mental health advocacy, and a more permanent tribute.
