A Community of Saints 2018 Community Perspective 2018 | Page 4

A message from Jarryn Geary
As AFL footballers we know what a privileged position it is to play the sport we
love for a living, so when given the opportunity to give back to the community
who give so much to us, we all jump at the chance.
At the Saints, we continue to build a deep connection to our community, from
our birthplace at the Junction Oval in St Kilda to our spiritual home at Moorabbin,
throughout the broader Bayside region and right across the country.
In the past 12 months, we have reached more people than ever before through
our community programs and partnerships. Our close links with Bayside schools,
junior clubs and Auskick centres and our partnerships with community football
leagues and talent pathway programs has seen us connect with more than
35,000 people.
We’ve also been busy expanding our community engagement presence. We’ve
delivered our Play To Your Strengths program across Bayside, a program that
encourages young people to know their strengths, embrace their individuality and
value what makes them unique.
We are so proud to have expanded our SaintsPlay program, a program providing
children of all abilities the opportunity to participate in the game we all love so
much, while also empowering local Auskick centres and schools to host inclusive
football programs.
Our community partnerships have strengthened this year, with Maddie Riewoldt’s
Vision, Soldier On, Trevor Barker Foundation, Blue Ribbon Foundation and Sacred
Heart Mission all receiving tailored support to build awareness of their individual
causes.
Now that we are back at Moorabbin, there has never been a better time to be a
Saint and take part in one or many of our community activities.
JARRYN GEARY
Captain, St Kilda Football Club