A Historic Return to Linton Street
St Kilda is preparing for a momentous occasion as it plays its first official men’s game at Linton St in 25 years on Sunday. This historic event marks a significant step in the club’s journey, with the VFL side set to take on Richmond at RSEA Park. The match will feature 11 AFL-listed players, showcasing the club’s commitment to developing talent and maintaining a strong connection between its VFL and AFL teams.
This game also holds special significance for the newly launched state league side, as they will be wearing their traditional guernsey for the first time. Previously, they have donned the candy stripes in their two games so far, but this change reflects a deeper connection to the club’s heritage.
A Celebration of History
VFL coach Brendon Goddard emphasized the importance of this moment, acknowledging the memories that supporters hold dear. “It’s a historic moment for the footy club so we’ve leant into that. I still get reminded about the old animal enclosure at Moorabbin and there are so many memories that supporters have got,” he said.
Simon Williams, the assistant coach, has plenty of stories from his childhood when he used to run around at Saints home games. While the club is celebrating its history, Goddard stressed that it’s just another game. “We don’t want to build it up too much, it’s just another game.”
Encouraging Fan Support
With the AFL side having a bye, the club is encouraging fans to come out and support the VFL team. Entry to the game will be free on Sunday and throughout the season, with the Linton St Cafe, Sanctum, and Saints Locker all open for visitors.
The match comes after the Saints have faced challenging environments in the first fortnight. They lost by 44 points to a more seasoned GWS outfit in a Round 1 match interrupted by a lightning delay. Then, they struggled with a slow start against Frankston at the Kinetic Stadium.
Focused on Improvement
Goddard remains focused on improvement. “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.”
He acknowledged the challenges of being a young group. “That will take time, especially as a young group, but the more they’re in game situations and under pressure against great opposition, the more the learnings will come.”
Emerging Talent
Second-year AFL Saint James Barrat had his best VFL game, keeping experienced VFL forward Corey Ellison goalless last week. Eamon Armstrong has shown promising development in his short time at the club. Kye Fincher returns after being managed last week, with several other players named from the AFL list.
Goddard highlighted the importance of having full autonomy across all fields. “Having full autonomy across all fields and a lens on everything that was happening at the footy club has been really important this year,” he said. “It did feel a bit disjointed, and I’m sure (players) felt that.”
Building a One-Club Environment
The decision to field their own team was driven by the need to create a one-club environment. “Messaging around game plan, culture, expectations, trademarks are on the same page (as the AFL team), and we’re driving the same messages in an elite environment that reflects our AFL program,” Goddard explained.
Wearing the Saints jumper was an important piece of the puzzle. “With respect to Springvale, Casey and Sandringham, we had some guys drafted to St Kilda who never wore the St Kilda jumper, so wearing, understanding and honouring the jumper was an important piece.”
Young and Aspiring
St Kilda’s VFL list lacks experience, with skipper Billy McGee-Galimberti the most experienced player at the level with 30 games. However, there are exciting youngsters to watch, including Blake Chambers and Oskar Ainsworth, who both trialed for an AFL list spot in the Supplemental Selection Period. Ainsworth is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Bailey McKenzie has started the season strongly, while Jayden Davey looked a class above in Round 2, kicking five goals. The average age of the list in the first fortnight has been a tick over 20-years-old, which has informed the club’s messaging and strategy.
A Focus on Development
Goddard emphasized the importance of developing young players with AFL traits. “We’re conscious of developing young guys with AFL traits who are aspirational, to get them in a position where they’re not only on Saints’ recruiters’ talent board but other teams’ too,” he said.
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 with a shoulder injury sustained in Round 2.
The first ball up is at 1.05pm.
