Brilliant night with 66 Stars

[perfectionist]

As a prelude to the big game today, there was a reunion in Launceston last night of the 1966 premiership team. And what a night it was. As noted on the board previously, Ian Stewart and Daryl Griffiths were overseas and Travis Payze had died a few years ago, but the rest were there, along with the coach Allan Jeans and a number of the other players from the year who missed out on the big day through injury, suspension, etc.

Many memories were relived and all of the players were very generous with their time. I was able, for my first time, to actually sit down and talk with my heros about the game and footy in general. They all remain passionate about the Saints and reminded me just how similar they are, a as a group, personality wise, to our current team.

Whilst age and illness has caught up with couple, most look in peak fitness. In fact, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Barry Breen runs out today at CHF wearing the number 4.

And speaking of number 4, Darrel Baldock looked fantastic and was joy to talk with. What a star he was - and is - as were so many in that team.

Their view about the current team is very positive and why wouldn't it be?

Despite our OUTS today, I have that mysterious "feeling" that we just might do it. If vibes from the stands from past champions count for anything - we're certainies.

[mullet]

Once a saint always a saint. How I hope we deliver another flag for all the ex players throughout the years. I know my dad will probably cry if we win. Some years Dad played just for the jumper, other years he was well paid, I think one of the better years he got a silver sugar bowl for his years work. Alot of the old players are the same, they are probably owed money but they love the club with a passion, and I for one would love to see the look on their faces if we do it this year.

[matrix]

good to see it was a great night

go u saints

[saintbrat]

article in the Sunday Herald Sun about the reunion..

[kosifantutti23]

Did we have more players in Launceston from our most recent premiership team than Hawthorn?

[Winmar]

Who's your dad, mullet?

It would have been fantastic to have been at that dinner!

[saintbrat]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/ol ... 33568.html

somethings are not new;

Now Jeans is 75 and Allan Davis, the youngest member of the team he coached on that never-to-be-forgotten day in 1966, is 61. The brilliant Davis, whose apparently casual manner was cause for a tempestuous relationship with Jeans, was a few days short of his 18th birthday when the Saints won the flag. He spent the day, to his frustration, obeying an instruction to stay deep in a forward pocket and learnt only later that there was a good reason:

one of the reasons or the Current teams success is their ability to Follow a direction- to the letter...........

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/ ... 42,00.html

DARREL Baldock crossed Bass Strait and carved out his legend at the St Kilda Football Club in the 1960s. His teammates repaid the favour on Friday night, as they came from all points of Australia to reunite with the man who was their leader and who provided much of the inspiration for the Saints' premiership in 1966, the club's only one to date.

In an emotional reunion this weekend, attended by 17 of the 20 players who created history for the Saints 43 years ago, as well as their coach, Allan Jeans, 70-year-old Baldock was again the star attraction.

[OneEyedSainter77]

Did we have more players in Launceston from our most recent premiership team than Hawthorn?

[perfectionist]

Here are 15 of the team at the footy yesterday (Kevin Billing was getting the beers and John Bingley is wheelchair bound and could not get to this location). I wonder if you can identify the players (there are four players from 1966 who did not get into the 20 and three non players in the pic also):



And this was one of the items auctioned on Friday night which went for about $3000.

[No1_Saint]

Here are 15 of the team at the footy yesterday (Kevin Billing was getting the beers and John Bingley is wheelchair bound and could not get to this location). I wonder if you can identify the players (there are four players from 1966 who did not get into the 20 and three non players in the pic also):



And this was one of the items auctioned on Friday night which went for about $3000.

Sweeeeeeeeeet.

[matrix]

great work guys
and a great thread

[Saint Bev]

Any more pics from the big night?

[saintbrat]

I;m assuming that tomorrow info will begin appearing on saitnscentral/ facebook etc
ch ten's coverage was also to be used through out the finals series I believe I read somewhere

[derby Street]

"Oh What a Night" - was that a song? Anyhow it was fantastic. The members of the 66 reunion were so generous with their time - nothing was too much trouble for them - signing autographs , talking to supporters etc.
Michael Roberts did a very professional job as MC (capably assisted by the cowboy) Scott Thompson from the St Kilda football club also helped me out so a special thanks to him as well.
The Saturday afternoon result topped off a great weekend.

[Mr Magic]

"Oh What a Night" - was that a song?

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons had a hit with a song titled 'Oh What a Night'. (it's sung in 'The Jersey Boys' currently on in Melbourne)

[bozza1980]

"Oh What a Night" - was that a song? Anyhow it was fantastic. The members of the 66 reunion were so generous with their time - nothing was too much trouble for them - signing autographs , talking to supporters etc.
Michael Roberts did a very professional job as MC (capably assisted by the cowboy) Scott Thompson from the St Kilda football club also helped me out so a special thanks to him as well.
The Saturday afternoon result topped off a great weekend.

I second that

[rocksolid]

l got a jumper signed by 15 of the magnificent 20 & Yabby!

[saintly]

did the saints make any money out of the night?