Now Young Saints AFL Club’s Geoff Harmer will put away the boots as he retires from the sport.

But the 44-year-old won’t give up AFL entirely as he plans to take on a coaching and umpiring role within the club.

Harmer first played for the Saints as a 13-year-old in 1984, just two years after the club joined the new Central West AFL league.

The club went on to compete in the preliminary finals in 1986 in what Harmer recalls as a bad day for the Saints with Dubbo defeating Young in all three grades.

He continued to wear the red, black and white singlet until 1988 when the club folded and stayed that way for the next 19 years.

“I didn’t see that season out because I broke my ankle in the fifth or sixth week into the competition,” he said.

“I was on the sideline when everything went south.”

After 18 months in recovery Harmer tried his luck at rugby league and competed in the Woodbridge Cup competition. He’s first to admit league wasn’t his strong point, so instead he headed to Sydney where he trained with the Campbelltown Blues.

On returning to Young Harmer caught wind of the Saints reforming and, according to several former members, he’s said to have been the driving force behind this success.

“He’s been the rock and the most enthusiastic person, the driving point, especially with the start-up in 2007,” 1980s club member Kris McCaffery said.

“He’s very enthusiastic and has a good appreciation of the history of the club because he was there when it started, and has a really strong understanding about the need for the juniors to come through.”

That was nine years ago.

Harmer has since played an active role on the club’s committee, played around 194 games in the senior grade, coached junior grades to finals, saw the introduction of Auskick and was the driving force behind the High School Competition now in its second year.

“I’d like to think in some sort of way I’ve been able to contribute to the club both on and off the field and in the development of players,” Harmer said.

“I’ve always been happy to take the time and work with players struggling with something, so if I’ve managed to help somebody or a couple of guys better their skills and keep them interested, I’ve probably done my part as well.”

Highlights for Harmer over this time include being runners-up in 2009, premiers in 2010, runners-up in 2013 and premiers again  in Reserve Grade just a few weeks ago - the perfect way to finish his career.

Harmer captained the Saints as they took on Parkes in the 2015 grand final. 

But just like in 1988 he was forced to watch from the sideline with 10 minutes remaining after a reoccurring knee injury took it’s toll.

“My body had just had enough,” he said.

“I was pulling the pin this year because I’d struggled over the last 10 weeks, but once I got on the bench that was it, I made the official decision at that point.”

Harmer finished his game days on a high with the 2015 premiership title under his belt, alongside the Best on Ground medal he also claimed on the day.

“It was probably the best way to go out,” he said.

“To be given the opportunity to captain the side - which is something I’d always wanted to do - as well as go out premiers and jag the Best on Ground Medal as well... 2015 will be a year that won’t be forgotten any time soon.”

Now Harmer will put his focus and enthusiasm into building the junior side of the club.

“The next thing on the agenda now is to get onto the coaching ranks and help out with the juniors,” he said.

“You can’t just walk away from something that you want to be a part of and get the interest back in there.”

He especially looks forward to no more waking up battered and bruised on a Sunday.

Harmer looks forward to watching the club push forward into a new chapter as the CWAFL senior grades are combined into one.

He also hopes to see the ever-growing support of women involved in the club turn into committee members and even players in the club’s first women’s league come next season.

On reflecting his time as a player, club person and committee member with the Saints Harmer said the most rewarding aspect has been making lifelong friendships.

“Thanks to all the coaches and players, especially over the last nine years,” he said.

“I’ve made some great friends over the time - they’re the kind of friends that last a lifetime, so I’ve been pretty blessed with getting some good mates out of the footy and getting some good results. 

“It’s been a good ride and I wouldn’t have changed anything for quids, but the playing days are over and I’m working into the next chapter of what I want to cover in terms of coaching and mentoring.”