PAST and present members and supporters of the Young Saints AFL Club came together on the weekend to celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The weekend kicked off on Friday night with a meet and greet at the Young Hotel.
Celebrations continued on Saturday when Young’s current teams took to the field for Round 13 of the Central West AFL competition.
Committee member and player Geoff Harmer said a season record crowd - consisting of supporters, members, Old Boys and sponsors - lined the oval to witness the Saints of 2014 in action.
The Under 18 Saints were defeated by the Bathurst Bushrangers 35-65, while the seniors put on a brilliant show to overcome the Mudgee Black Swans 149-17.
“It was a bit of an honour for me to see the old guys I used to play with and be able to play in front of them with the new blokes who are bonding to form a team which will hopefully grow over the years,” Harmer said.
Come Saturday night around 130 people attended the dinner at the Young Bowling Club.
People travelled from as far as north Queensland, Perth, Newcastle, Melbourne and the north coast of NSW for the occasion.
While the night mainly consisted of reminiscing old times, a few special presentations were also made.
Former coach, player and club person of 1975-1985, Dave Robinson, was presented a plaque from NSW ACT AFL for his tireless efforts with the club and in organising the reunion.
Founding club members were presented with certificates of appreciation.
Harmer said it was the stories shared on the night that were the standout for him.
“There’d be one story with five different angles on it,” he laughed.
“But just to see everyone...brought back some memories.”
In fact, the Old Boys enjoyed their night so much they will be making an annual trip back to Young for an Old Boy’s day.
Despite still cradling a sore head while speaking to The Witness on Monday, Harmer is already looking forward to the 50th anniversary.
“I’m sure in 10 years’ time some of those stories will be even more exaggerated or there will be a fifth or sixth party with a version of it,” he said.
“And I know for one I definately won’t be playing that - will definitely be an Old Boy by then!”
On behalf of the club Harmer extends a big thanks to the current committee for organising game day, Young Hire for the donation of the marquee, and the Young Bowling club for their hospitality on Saturday night.
“Thanks to sponsors, the Old Boys and the general public for their support week-in, week-out,” Harmer said.
“Not just this weekend but all year so far - we’ve had lots of positive feedback and support from the locals this year.”
