It was 1981, Trevor Chappell had just bowled his infamous under arm delivery, plans to move the South Melbourne Swans to Sydney were taking shaped and the AFL Darling Downs competition was set to introduce the Kingaroy based South Burnett Bulldogs as the league’s 9th affiliated club.
The club started with a bang and went on to win the 1981 Division 2 premiership, one of four Division 2 flags the club has won to date, and Andy Waschl was to be crowned the competitions Best and Fairest.
The South Burnett come Kingaroy Bulldogs played on and off again from 1982 through to 2006, with their junior affiliate the Kingaroy-Nanango Jets playing through until 2009.
Fast forward to 2013 and the South Burnett Saints were formed, re-establishing the Australian Football brand in the region.
On Saturday, Lyle Vidler Oval will come to life as the Saints will celebrate their annual Heritage Day, with the club marking 40 years since football in the South Burnett was born. The club will wear the traditional Bulldogs jersey to pay homage to the foundation of club.
South Burnett President Brad Pressnell says that “it’s really important to remember our history, as the Saints as well as the Kingaroy Bulldogs and Nanango Jets”
“We have a heap of people involved in the club now that were part of both the Dogs and Jets. This year is the 40th anniversary for the Dogs so it’s a big day for them to come down and watch us wear their old jersey.”
“We’ll have a junior half time match to showcase the kids involved, who are the future of the club”
Pressnell has some big plans for the future of the club, with the establishment of changerooms at Lyle Vidler at the top of the list.
“We are currently looking at getting some changerooms set up closer to the clubhouse as we currently use the Rugby League amenities across the road. This will make it easier for both teams on gamedays and at training.”
“We are also currently working on rebuilding our Juniors, starting at Superstars, 8’s and 10’s and slowly getting a Junior team in every age group”
The day will feature a Men’s and Women’s double header, with the Men taking on the undefeated Coolaroo at 2.30pm, with the Women hosting Goondiwindi at 12.45pm.
Photo: South Burnett AFC
