By JARROD POTTER
DANDENONG Saints’ Junior Football Club is no more.
The Saints, formerly under the operations of St John’s Football Club at Box Reserve, will shift to Doveton Eagles’ home of Power Reserve from this week and don the Eagles colours.
The Saints financial position forced the club to shut its doors and look for a new place for its only team in the South East Juniors under-17 competition.
Dandenong Saints’ vice president and coach Trent Cornell said the bottom line was becoming too difficult for the club to manage, so shifting to Doveton Eagles was the best choice.
“Due to financial struggles with our club, we weren’t able to successfully run a club this year without struggling a bit more,” Cornell said.
“We were struggling a bit, being such a small club only having one team for the last few years has been challenging as well, but in the long run we did what we had to so we ensured the boys could get on the park and have a game.”
“We branched out, looking for a senior club who was looking to establish a junior team and would be keen to keep the boys on board – the under 17 team – to ensure they could finish the season off.
“Doveton Eagles offered to give us a hand and the league was happy to oblige by letting Doveton do so.”
Formerly known as St Gerard’s Football Club, the Dandenong Saints leave behind their Dandenong District Junior Football League/South East Juniors legacy, but Cornell said the spirit of the Saints will live on at Doveton Eagles.
“Most of our boys come from Doveton – they’ve basically located between our club and Power Reserve – the only difference for myself and the boys playing is that we’re wearing different jumpers, new name and new ground – everything else is exactly the same,” Cornell said.
Doveton Eagles have appointed David Morison as the Eagles’ under-17 coach for the remainder of the season.
Cornell wanted to thank the Dandenong Saints’ community and the Doveton Eagles for persevering with the club and finding it a new home.
“I’d really like to thank Doveton Eagles,” Cornell said.
“It was disheartening to see so many years of memories at Dandenong and St Gerard’s put to rest, but having Doveton Eagles get on board as quickly and eagerly as they did to ensure the playing future was very touching.”
Doveton Eagles’ president Jenny Davis said it was a great boon for the club to bring the Saints across and kickstart the Eagles’ junior program.
“The Saints disbanded and the kids didn’t have anywhere to go and we were in talks with the South East Juniors and we brought them across,” Davis said.
“It’s quite exciting we haven’t had juniors at our club… the Under 17s fell into our lap as they had nowhere to go and we wanted them.
“With netball coming in this year – and they’re undefeated… and to get under 17s it’s a great asset to the club… it’s very exciting.”
