March 21, 2020
South Burnett Saints AFC officially launched their 2020 season on Saturday with the distribution of guernseys to their senior men’s and women’s teams.
The season was due to get under way in April, but due to the COVID-19 crisis all training, games and AusKick sessions have been cancelled by AFL Queensland until at least May 31.
Coach Andrew Foley told the players gathered at Lyle Vidler Oval in Kingaroy that it looked like there would only be “half a season” of games this year.
He said there had been good numbers at training before the bans came in, but he didn’t want players to slacken off now.
“On May 31, you have to be fitter than you are right now,” he said.
He suggested players go for runs – including up Mt Wooroolin or along the South Burnett Rail Trail – to keep fit, join a gym or ride a bike to Wondai.
“Keep it interesting and challenge yourself,” he said.
He sympathised with veteran player Daniel Clacy who is currently sitting on 99 games for the Saints.
There will be a special celebration when Clacy plays his 100th game for the club – the first Saints’ player to achieve this milestone.
The captains and vice-captains of the men’s and women’s teams were also announced at the season launch:
- Women – Captain Reanna Fenton and vice-captains Hayley Ellison and Teagan Cutts
- Men – Captain Brad Presnell and vice-captains Daniel Clacy and Matt Patroni.
Coach Foley emphasised that the captains and vice-captains had been selected by their peers.
