A Historic Return to Linton Street
St Kilda is set to make a significant return to Linton Street, where the club’s men’s team will play its first official game in 25 years on Sunday. This event marks a special moment for the Saints’ VFL side as they aim for their first win of the season against Richmond at RSEA Park. The match will see 11 AFL-listed players take the field, showcasing the club’s commitment to developing talent within its ranks.
This game also holds particular significance for the newly launched state league side, as it will be the first time they wear their traditional guernsey. Previously, they have donned the candy stripes in their two games so far. The decision to reintroduce the classic look has been met with enthusiasm from fans and players alike.
A Nostalgic Connection
VFL coach Brendon Goddard expressed his excitement about the occasion, highlighting the historical importance of the event. He mentioned the memories associated with the old animal enclosure at Moorabbin and how supporters still reminisce about those days. Goddard also shared stories from assistant coach Simon Williams, who recalls running around at Saints home games as a child. While the nostalgia is appreciated, Goddard emphasized that the focus remains on the game itself, not on building up expectations too much.
The club is encouraging fans to attend the game, with free entry available on Sunday and throughout the season. The Linton St Cafe, Sanctum, and Saints Locker will all be open, providing a welcoming environment for supporters.
Building a Competitive Team
Despite facing challenges in the opening fortnight, the Saints have shown resilience. They lost by 44 points to a more experienced GWS outfit in Round 1, which was interrupted by a lightning delay. In the following match, they struggled with a slow start against Frankston at the Kinetic Stadium. However, Goddard remains optimistic about the team’s progress.
“We’ll stay in the moment and want to continue to improve in the areas we’re focusing on,” he said. “We want to give effort and play our way for as long as possible. There will be ebbs and flows, but as a whole, we want to be really competitive.”
Key Players and Development
Second-year AFL Saint James Barrat had a standout performance in the VFL, keeping experienced VFL forward Corey Ellison goalless. Eamon Armstrong has also shown promising development since joining the club. Kye Fincher returns after being managed last week, while several other AFL-listed players, including Liam Stocker, Dan Butler, Hunter Clark, Isaac Keeler, Angus Hastie, Pat Said, Liam O’Connell, and Hugh Boxshall, are named in the squad.
Goddard highlighted the importance of having full autonomy across all fields and maintaining consistent messaging between the VFL and AFL teams. He noted the challenges faced earlier in the season when coaches had to juggle multiple responsibilities, but the decision to field their own team has proven beneficial.
Young Talent and Future Prospects
St Kilda’s VFL list lacks experience, with skipper Billy McGee-Galimberti being the most experienced player at the level with 30 games. However, there are exciting young talents to watch, such as silky half-back Blake Chambers and powerful forward Oskar Ainsworth, who both trialed for an AFL list spot. Ainsworth is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Marking forward Bailey McKenzie has started the season strongly, while Jayden Davey impressed in Round 2 by kicking five goals. The average age of the list in the first fortnight has been just over 20 years, influencing the club’s strategy and messaging.
Focus on Player Development
Goddard emphasized the importance of developing young players with AFL traits, aiming to have them recognized by other teams as well. “Winning is a big part, but the development of players and helping them get better is probably most important,” he said.
The team is looking for senior leadership from the AFL-listed players, and Goddard finds it rewarding to see young men grow before their eyes. McGee-Galimberti will lead out the red, white, and black after missing last week with a minor calf injury, while emerging forward Jonah Campigli will miss due to a shoulder injury sustained in Round 2.
The first ball up is scheduled for 1:05 pm.
