Caroline Hammat
Saints coaches, players and supporters from past decades came together on Saturday night to celebrate the end of an era.
Millicent Football Netball Club enter the newly formed Limestone Coast Football and Netball League this year and wanted a way to commemorate their 60 years as part of the Western Border League.
Over 240 people attended ‘Saints and Sinners Celebration – End of an Era’ held at the Civic and Arts Centre.
A foyer filled with memorabilia from throughout the decades greeted guests on arrival and club volunteer Wendy Thomson organised a two course meal with a team of junior players acting as wait staff.
Adelaide’s FiveAA radio announcer, Leith Forrest, returned to his home town of Millicent to MC the evening.
Life member of the club, Donna Denton, said the evening was hugely successful.
“We used to have Saints and Sinners balls and thought this was a way to recognise our time in the Western Border League.
“Our MC, Leith Forrest, was amazing.
“His professionalism and ability to run the night was really good.
“Leith introduced the night with a really funny and entertaining speech and then interviewed players and coaches from across the eras.”
1984 football premiership coach Richard Hill, life members Justine Brown and Kerri-Lee Bromley, and Renato Verbena who holds the Saints record for the most football games played were the first panel to be interviewed.
After a break club members representing the 2000s were interviewed.
This included Andrew Nitschke, who has been recognised as the most decorated footballer in the Western Border League, life member Donna Denton and national league player Khao Watts.
Club stalwarts Michelle Skeer, Jeremy Hales and Steve Duldig also took to the stage to speak about the club.
The third panel interviewed for the evening, Lisa Duldig, Demi Verbena, Clint Gallio, former president Craig Tunkin and current coach Tom Renzi, spoke about the past decade of the club.
Following the formalities local band Every Other Sunday kept the crowd entertained until 1am.
“We were so happy about the representation of all the eras and people that travelled to be there, you could have sat there all night just to catch up” Ms Denton said.
Guests travelled from New South Wales, Melbourne and Adelaide to attend the evening with life member Helene Dean making the trip from Queensland.
