THEY’VE been doubted, they’ve been non-existent, but the Young Saints AFL Club stuck to their guns and is this year celebrating 40 years since their inception.
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In 1975 a group of Australian Football League fans got together to form Young’s first AFL club - the Young Saints.
After several years swapping between competitions including the Central Riverina League and Northern Riverina League, they finally found their feet after establishing a new competition, Central West AFL in 1981.
The year of 1982 was a big one for the Saints when the First Grade side won their first premiership against Orange at Cowra, much to the joy of over 1000 spectators.
The victory was followed by a premiership for the Under 17s in 1983, and another for First Grade in 1984 against Parkes.
Former coach, player and club person of 1975-1985, Dave Robinson, reminisced the premierships when speaking to The Witness this week.
“[The 1982 grand final] was a very physical game, I got knocked around a bit,” he said.
“And in ‘84 Parkes were favourites and we caused a bit of an upset...but that was a good win as well.”
After 1986 the club ceased to run, and would remain that way for the next 18 years.
In 2006 it was decided the club would reform, and the rest is history.
Since then the club has tallied three runner-up premier titles (Reserve Grade 2007 and 2013, and Under 18s in 2012) and two premiership titles (Reserve Grade 2010 and Under 14s in 2012).
The committee has also established an annual high school gala day in order to get students involved in the sport.
Committee member Geoff Harmer said a standout change for him over the years has been training sessions - which no longer consist of a quick run around the field, followed by a beer and counter feed at the pub - it’s “fair dinkum now”.
Although some things have changed throughout the 40 years, one thing has stayed the same, and according to Harmer that’s comradeship.
The club strives to make AFL a family orientated, community sport, and looks forward to celebrating the past 40 years over the weekend.
The community is invited to attend a meet and greet at the Young Hotel tonight from 6pm.
Games at Burrangong Oval from 11am on Saturday will be followed by presentations at the Young Hotel, and a 6pm dinner at the Young Bowling Club. Sponsors and supporters are encouraged to head along to the events to help celebrate the milestone.
To see the full four-page feature on the Young Saints AFL Club grab a copy of today's Young Witness, Friday, July 3.
