June 7, 2021
South Burnett Saints men celebrated their annual Heritage Day with the traditional return to the old Kingaroy Bulldogs’ strip on Saturday.
The theme for this year was “Uniting The Eras” and marked the 40th anniversary of Australian Rules in the South Burnett.
The Heritage Day attracted a big crowd to Lyle Vidler Oval, including many former Saints and Bulldogs players who came back to Kingaroy especially for the celebration (and the reunion at the Carrollee Hotel afterwards!).
The Kingaroy Bulldogs earned their first flag in their debut year, taking out the 1981 Division 2 premiership.
It was an emotional reunion for many of the former players, especially for former Bulldog Chris Guice who presented club stalwart Andrew Foley with a framed Bulldogs jersey after the men’s game.
Foley, another former Bulldog, has been helping to steer the Saints since they re-formed in 2013.
Guice told the crowd the 40 years had “gone in a blink of an eye”.
On the field, the undefeated Coolaroo proved too strong for the Saints, downing them 15.16-106 to 5.6-36.
Saints’ goals were kicked by Rick Goodwin (2), Daniel Ryan, Matt Patroni and Ned O’Connor.
Goodwin was presented with the special “Bulldog Spirit” Man of the Match award at the end of the game.
The Saints’ women’s rematch against Goondiwindi – their second game in two weeks – also was a tough outing for the home team although they lowered the margin this time around.
The Hawks defeated the Saints 10.9-69 to 1.2-8. Kayla Smith kicked the Saints’ goal.
Sandy Jacobson was presented with the “Bulldog Spirit” award.
