Hall of Fame

LEGEND OF GOODWOOD (Over 30 Years of outstanding service)

2005 - Colin ‘Tiny’ Nelson
6/12/35 - 9/8/22

2005 Colin “Tiny” Nelson
LEGEND OF GOODWOOD

Over 30 Years of outstanding service

Colin “Tiny” Nelson was born on 6th December 1935 at Kings Park and in 1941 went to the Goodwood Primary School. Colin’s father, Laurence Nelson was an exceptionally large man, and was called “Tiny” - the nickname was passed on to Colin – and “Tiny” stuck.

Tiny was considered a good footballer when he broke his leg in 1947 playing football for Goodwood Primary School. His leg never healed properly, there was little rehabilitation in those days and a promising sporting career was curtailed.

Tiny was 12 years old at the time and the then President of the Goodwood Football Club – Mr Peter Haynes decided he needed to be involved at the local club doing something. In his first year at the club Tiny took on the A grade Team Manager role and so began his amazing involvement in administration and on field help, for the Goodwood and Goodwood Saints Football Club for the next 72 years.

In 1950 when only 15 years old Colin, attended the club’s AGM and got nominated onto the committee. He also attended the Amateur League AGM, that same year with President Corey Treloar and was elected to the committee. He formed many great friendships – in particular with Allan Statton who was the CEO of the Amateur League for many years and former President Keith Sims.

In 1952 Colin was called up to National service at Woodside but lasted only 10 days when they discover he has flat feet.

In 1975 he is heavily involved in amalgamation negotiations with Postal Institute, but nothing eventuates.

In 1978 Colin was instrumental in Goodwood leaving the Amateur League and joining the Glenelg - South competition. The decision is justified in the short term when the A Grade won the A2 flag against Norwood Union.

In 1984 the A grade end up bottom winning just 2 games in the southern Metro League, the B grade were winless, and the C grade forfeit all games after round 8. The club is at an all-time low. During this year Colin is heavily involved in a proposed amalgamation with the St Raphael’s Football Club that would ultimately be regarded as one of the most successful amalgamations of two clubs and saved both from extinction.

This was the beginning of the Colin Nelson and Hans Ellenbroek partnership that steered the club in the first decade in the history of the newly formed Goodwood Saints Football Club.

In 1986 Tiny took over as President and in 1987 the club won its first A grade premiership. The club won its next premiership playing in 1990 and is promoted to Division One.

In 1997 the A grades win the A1 Grand Final against PHOS at Adelaide Oval; this was the clubs first Division One premiership flag and the last time that Tiny watched the entire game of a grand final. Tiny nearly died due to the excitement and had to o be slapped to revive him.

Tiny filled the roles of President, Secretary, Treasurer, Football Director, Bar Manager, Trainer, Timekeeper, Team Manager, Goal Umpire, Boundary Umpire and even worked in the canteen.

The role that so many would reflect upon was his role as the club’s timekeeper. He filled this role for many years – sitting up in the grandstand with his blanket over his legs. When the games were tight many people would call out “Tiny – how long to go?” and he would normally tell them in an uncertain manner where they could go! He was also the SAAFL State timekeeper from 1983 to 1998.

Colin was the executive of the Amateur League from 1992 - 1996, he was State Team Manager, State Timekeeper from 1983 to 1998 and was the clubs delegate for many years.

He has made many friends at our headquarters but most notably the ladies: Elaine, Winnie, Kylie, and Glenda.

For 10 years Tiny drove the Saints van to every away game and unloads the medical equipment, water containers, footballs, jumpers, and water bottles. On the Fridays before the match, he collected the jumpers from the dry cleaner and sorts out the guernsey ready for match day. He filled out any paperwork required and ensures the match day footballs are pumped and clean. Every Monday he took the dirty jumpers to the dry cleaners and gets everything ready for training on Tuesday night.

Officially retiring from volunteering due to ill health, he lived in a nursing home near his sister, Barbara and sadly departed passed on the 9th of August 2022.

Colin ‘Tiny’ Nelson Awards and Recognition.

• 1959 he was awarded Life Membership of the Goodwood Football Club at the age of 24 years.

• 1997 - The Unley Council awards Tiny a ‘Community Service Award’ for 50 years’ service to the Goodwood Saints Football Club.

• 2002 – 2004 - The SAAFL U/17 Best and Fairest medal is named the ‘Colin Nelson Medal’

• 2003 - Metro South Junior Football League awards Tiny the President’s Award for outstanding service to Junior Football.

• 2005- Goodwood Saints names Tiny and Hans Ellenbrook as inaugural Greats of the club for over 30 years of dedicated service to the GSFC.

• 2004 - The AFL recognises Tiny’s service to football with a certificate of thanks.

• 2014 - The City of Unley and both the Goodwood Saints Football and Goodwood Cricket club’s name the grandstand – ‘The Colin ‘Tiny’ Nelson OAM Stand’ in his honour.

• 2020 - The new club rooms terrace is named The Colin ‘Tiny’ Nelson OAM Terrace

On the 8th of June 2009, Colin Walter NELSON was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to Australian Rules football through junior player development and the Goodwood Saints Football Club. His proudest recognition.

His legacy will always live on.

TIny’s Eulogy 22nd August 2022 - prepared by President , Craig Scott

2005 - Hans Ellenbroek 

14/6/1948 – 25/12/2024

When you think of Hans Ellenbroek, you probably don’t think of just one name. It could be “Hans,” “Beefa,” or for those lucky enough to have worked with him early on, “Brooky,” thanks to Sam Parkinson. But no matter what name you called him, one thing was crystal clear—Hans made an impression. And in true Hans fashion, that impression was felt far and wide, not just in the football world, but in every life he touched.

Born on June 14, 1948, to Teresa and William Ellenbroek, Hans was one of a sizable team in his own family—boasting eight brothers and two sisters. A force to be reckoned with from the start.

Hans could play football when he was young. He didn’t just show up; he lived for the game. Whether it was a friendly Sunday YMCA match in the 60s or a competitive bout, Beefa was there—always at the heart of it. Hans didn’t just show up to play; he showed up to leave a mark.

His football legacy, however, isn’t confined to his own playing days. From 1968 to 1984, Hans served as the secretary of St Raphael’s FC, eventually earning Life Membership for his unyielding commitment. But perhaps his most defining moment came in 1985, when he was instrumental in the merger of St Raphael’s and Goodwood FCs—ushering in the club we know and love today as the Goodwood Saints FC.

And if you thought he’d slow down there, think again. Hans took on the role of secretary for the Saints for years, always in the background, orchestrating behind- the-scenes magic to keep everything ticking along like clockwork. The word “legend” gets tossed around a lot, but Hans was one of the rare few who truly earned it.

But let’s not forget, Hans wasn’t just about paperwork. The man was a people person through and through. It didn’t matter if you were a rookie or a seasoned pro; Hans made you feel like the most important person in the room. His genuine warmth and welcoming nature were unmatched. He wasn’t just there for the game—he was here for you, the person.

Now, let’s talk about his role as the club’s senior medical officer. For over 20 years, Hans was the man to fix you up, no matter what injury you’d managed to rack up. Hundreds of players went through his care, and each one of them walked away with not just better health but a greater sense of gratitude. Hans was the first to truly recognize the importance of player welfare—long before it was a buzzword or a committee agenda. In fact, he was so ahead of the curve that his personal approach to player care laid the groundwork for what we now see as standard practice.

When you think of Hans, you also think of his boundless creativity. Who could forget his Hansarisms? His ideas were always fuelled by a desire to improve the club and make everyone feel part of something bigger than themselves—even if some of those ideas didn’t always quite land. The spirit, though? Always there, always driving forward.

The one award Hans held most dear was the ‘Best Team Man’ award. It wasn’t about being the best player on the field, no, it was about making everyone around youbetter. And that’s what Hans did. Every single day. His selflessness was a shining example of what it means to be a team player.

Hans’ legacy isn’t just in the awards or the titles; it’s in the way he made every person feel seen, heard, and valued. His loyalty, infectious positivity, and relentless drive to make others feel special were just a few of the traits that made him the extraordinary person we all adored.

Sadly, on Christmas Day, 2024, Hans passed away at the age of 76, but his legacy is one that will never fade. He leaves behind a community that is better, stronger, and

more united because of his contributions.

To call Hans a gentleman would be an understatement. He was a legend, a true icon, and someone who will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Rest in peace, Hans. You’ve left your mark.

2008 - Mark Goodman

Mark’s involvement with the Goodwood Saints Football Club began in 1972 when, as a 10-year-old boy, he started boundary umpiring B Grade matches after being brought to the club by his father, Allan Goodman. From that moment on, Mark became part of the fabric of the Saints and has remained involved in some voluntary capacity ever since.

Across more than 50 years of service, Mark has undertaken almost every role imaginable within the club. His contributions have included working in the bar and canteen, cooking BBQs, match day set-up and pack-up, Social Director, Management Committee member and player, including representing the club in the A Grade side. However, his most significant and lasting contribution has undoubtedly been his role as Junior Football Director.

In the late 1980s, the Goodwood Saints junior program consisted of only two teams. Through Mark’s vision, determination and tireless work ethic — alongside a committed group of volunteers — the club developed a junior football program that is now the envy of many football clubs across South Australia. Today, the Saints field 16 junior teams, including five girls’ teams, creating opportunities for hundreds of young players to participate in football each season.

Mark’s influence extended well beyond Goodwood itself. He played a major role in the formation of the Metro South Junior Football League, working alongside representatives from nine other clubs to establish and grow the competition. Countless after-hours meetings and volunteer hours were invested into building the league into a thriving and successful competition. The league eventually became so large and successful that SANFL Juniors assumed responsibility for administering it due to the enormous workload previously carried by volunteers.

When Mark stepped down as Junior Football Director, his service to the Saints did not slow. He immediately took on the role of Facilities Manager at a time when the Goodwood Oval complex was ageing, outdated and desperately in need of redevelopment and long-term planning. Despite running his own business, Goodman Plumbing, and sacrificing valuable work time and income to assist the club, Mark continually made himself available day and night to support improvements to the facilities and ensure the club continued to move forward.

Mark remains a constant presence around the club. Whether helping with events, organising match day operations, assisting with maintenance, cooking on the BBQ or simply doing whatever job needs to be done, he is always there for the Saints. His commitment, reliability and willingness to help in any situation have earned the admiration and respect of everyone associated with the club.

In recognition of his remarkable service, Mark has received numerous honours from the Goodwood Saints Football Club, including Life Membership, the Harry and Lena Todd Memorial Trophy and induction into Club Legend Status in 2008.

Mark’s contribution has also been recognised far beyond the football club. In 2024, he was awarded the City of Unley Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding volunteer service and contribution to the Goodwood Saints Football Club and the broader community.

In 2025, Mark’s legendary status was celebrated on a national stage when he was officially crowned Bunnings’ “Legend of the Tongs” — a nationwide competition recognising local legends who tirelessly fire up the BBQ each weekend in support of their communities. The award perfectly reflected Mark’s character: humble, hardworking and always willing to give his time for others.

Mark Goodman’s legacy at the Goodwood Saints Football Club is immeasurable. His dedication, generosity and lifelong commitment have helped shape the club into what it is today. He represents everything that community football stands for and remains one of the most respected and admired volunteers in the history of the Goodwood Saints.

2014 - Craig Kirkbright

Craig Kirkbright is one of the most respected and recognisable figures in the history of the Goodwood Saints Football Club. A true club person in every sense of the word, Craig’s contribution spans more than four decades and reflects an unwavering love, passion and devotion to the Saints.

Craig first joined the Goodwood Football Club in 1978 as a junior player in the Under 14 competition. He went on to play 93 Senior games across the B and C Grade sides, kicking 14 goals during his playing career. Affectionately known to everyone as “Kirky”, he later transitioned into coaching, where he successfully guided the D Grade side to a Premiership in 1993.

While his playing and coaching achievements are significant, it is Craig’s contribution off the field that has cemented his legacy as one of the great servants of the club. For over 20 years he has been the heart and soul of the A Grade football program in his role as Team Manager, becoming far more than just an organiser behind the scenes. Kirky has been mentor, confidant, counsellor, organiser, motivator and friend to generations of players who have worn the Saints jumper.

Long before football clubs formally introduced player welfare roles, Craig was already fulfilling that responsibility naturally. He has always been the person players turned to during difficult times, someone who would listen without judgement and provide guidance, support and care. His ability to connect with people, build trust and create lifelong relationships has made him an integral part of the club culture.

Kirky’s remarkable ability to network and maintain strong relationships with past and present players is legendary within the club. The respect and admiration players have for him extends well beyond football. He has been invited to countless weddings over the years and has proudly served as Master of Ceremonies at many of them — a testament to the genuine impact he has had on the lives of so many players and their families. For many Saints players, Kirky is not just part of their football journey; he is part of their life journey.

In addition to his Team Manager duties, Craig has played a significant role on the club’s selection panel, contributing his football knowledge, honesty and deep understanding of players and team culture. His insight and care for the wellbeing of individuals has helped shape not only successful football teams, but also a strong and connected club environment.

Craig has also contributed countless volunteer hours through his involvement on Social Committees and Management Committees and is widely known for running the bar on Friday nights and at countless special club functions and events throughout the year. No task has ever been too big or too small if it meant helping the Saints.

Loved by players, coaches, supporters and officials alike, Kirky is widely regarded as the glue that binds the Goodwood Saints Football Club together. His loyalty, humour, generosity and genuine care for people embody everything the club stands for.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution and lifelong commitment to the Goodwood Saints Football Club, Craig was awarded Legend Status in 2014 — an honour richly deserved by one of the club’s greatest ever volunteers and most beloved figures.

2016 - Craig Scott

Craig began his journey playing junior football with the Goodwood Football Club. He then went on to play senior football for the Goodwood Football Club and the Goodwood Saints Football Club. Craig played 58 games for Goodwood Saints and represented A , B , C and D Grade. He was a handy centre half forward and full forward and kicked four goals in a B Grade premiership in 1986 . He also held the club record of 15 goals 6 for some time. Whist these are pretty impressive stats , Craig soon worked out that he could be of more value to the club as an administrator rather than a player. He first joined the committee as a 22 year old and since then has filled various roles for the club .

Some of these include;

• Social committee president 1986 , 87 , 88 , 89

• Club President 1990 , 91 , 92 , 94 , 96 , 97, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202, 2022

• Peter Haines recipient 1986 , 87 , 90

• Lena Todd recipient 1989 , 96 , 97

• Life Member 1994

• Club Great 2016

Over more recent years he has been;

• Council Liaison

• Metro South JFL Deputy Delegate

• SAAFL Delegate 2014 , 15 , 16

• Auskick Coordinator 2005 - 2022

• Junior Coach 2006 - 2009

• Management Committee 15+ years

Goodwood Football Club and St Raephels Football Club merged in 1985 to form the Goodwood Saints Football Club. The club began in Division 4 and quickly rose through the divisions winning A Grade premierships in Div 3 in 1987 Div 2 in 1990 and Div 1 in 1997 .

Craig held a management position in all of these premiership years and was pivotal in the growth of the club during this period .

As we progressed through the grades we needed to become more professional both on and off the field , it was Craig Scott who drove us forward in this area providing the foundations of professionalism to allow us to reach our goal of not only reaching Div 1 but to stay there and win premierships

In the mid nineties the club had some serious financial challenges and it was Craig and Marty Hill who went to the council and convinced the councilors that supporting the football club by writing off our debt and reducing the lease fee was the correct thing to do . By succeeding in these dealings they in essence saved the club .

We know that Peter Haynes had a profound influence on Tiny becoming an administrator and that Lena and Harry Todd had a major influence on Hans .

I am sure that Hans and Tiny have had an influence on Craig which has then inspired many others to help out at the club .

People come and go from footy clubs all of the time . Some do great things and leave their mark on the club and others are happy just to enjoy the environment. Legends of the club help shape the culture of the club and never deviate from their loyalty and commitment to making the club what it is today .

Over thirty consecutive years Craig has been an inspiration to many people at the club and through his leadership , guidance , support and encouragement has made a difference to many of our lives and ensured that Goodwood Saints remain the bench mark of the Amateur league.

GREAT OF GOODWOOD (Over 20 Years of outstanding service)

2010 - Martin Hill

Martin Hill has been a very influential, dedicated and respected contributor for the Goodwood Saints Football Club. Across more than four decades, Martin’s involvement with the Saints has touched almost every area of the club and has helped shape the strong, progressive and community-focused organisation that exists today.

Martin first became involved with the club in 1984 as a member of the Goodwood Tigers Under 16 side. From those early days it quickly became apparent that his contribution to the club would extend far beyond simply pulling on the boots each weekend. In 1986, Martin was a member of the Under 18 Premiership side before progressing into senior football, where he would go on to play 115 senior games for the Saints.

While Martin’s playing career was highly respected, it has been his remarkable contribution off the field that has cemented his place as one of the true Greats of the club. Across decades of service, Martin has filled countless roles — and if there was a vacant position at the club, there was a very good chance Marty either volunteered for it or had already fixed the problem before anyone realised it existed.

Martin served as Treasurer from 1994 to 1997, again from 2000 to 2002, and later from 2016 to 2017 — an extraordinary nine years in one of the most important and often thankless roles in community football. In between balancing spreadsheets, budgets and financial survival, he also served as Club President from 1998 to 1999 and Chairman from 2008 to 2010. In total, Martin spent 14 years in senior executive positions helping guide the club through periods of growth, challenge and transformation.

During these years, Martin became widely recognised as one of the driving forces behind the modernisation and long-term sustainability of the club. His ability to combine strategic thinking, financial discipline and genuine passion for the club played a major role in ensuring the Saints became not only successful on the field, but also stable and progressive off it.

Among Martin’s many lasting contributions was the establishment of the Patron Saints program along with Mick Waite — an initiative that remains an integral part of the club today. He also introduced proper financial reporting systems, formalised Presentation Night Best & Fairest vote counts and helped elevate the recognition structure within the club through the introduction of the Legend and Great categories for Life Membership.

Always thinking ahead of his time, Martin was also instrumental in introducing sponsorship logos on playing guernseys, making the Saints one of the first clubs in the Adelaide Footy League to embrace what has since become standard practice across community football. Alongside Mick Waite, Martin also helped establish the Foundation Club in 1996 during a financially difficult period for the Saints, helping provide much-needed support and stability for the club’s future.

One of Martin’s most extraordinary contributions — and perhaps one of the least glamorous — came during preparations for the club’s 20-year anniversary celebrations. Faced with incomplete records spread across old books, team sheets and handwritten notes, Martin painstakingly reconciled and documented the club’s player statistics into spreadsheets that are still used by the club today. Fortunately, his efforts preserved an enormous amount of club history, as many of the original records were later destroyed in a fire. It was classic Marty — meticulous, committed and quietly ensuring the club would be better off for future generations.

Martin has also contributed extensively to football operations and club culture over the years. He served jointly with Craig Kirkbright as A Grade Team Manager from 2003 to 2004 and later as A Grade Runner from 2012 to 2014. In 2005 he somehow found time to become Bar Manager as well — proving once again that no role was too big, too small or too chaotic for Marty to tackle.

His contribution has extended into junior football, coaching his son Riley’s Under 13 and Under 14 teams in 2018 and 2019, continuing his passion for developing young players and maintaining strong family and community connections within the Saints.

Martin’s impact has also been felt through his long-standing support of the club via William Buck, which has proudly sponsored the Saints for 18 years. The relationship has become one of the club’s most important partnerships and reflects Martin’s enduring commitment to ensuring the Saints continue to thrive both on and off the field.

A three-time recipient of the Peter Haynes Memorial Award, Martin has consistently been recognised by his peers for his outstanding contribution, leadership and dedication. He also chaired the selection panel for the “Team of the 20 Years” following the amalgamation — another example of the trust and respect he commands within the club.

Above all else, Martin Hill has always cared deeply about the Goodwood Saints Football Club and its people. His contribution has never been about recognition or personal accolades, but about ensuring the club remains strong, welcoming and successful for future generations. Through hard work, leadership, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the Saints, Martin has become one of the defining figures in the club’s history.

Quite simply, the Goodwood Saints Football Club would not be what it is today without the enormous contribution of Martin Hill — a true club Great in every sense of the word.

2012 - Matthew Kerin

Matthew Kerin is a very respected and influential figure in the modern history of the Goodwood Saints Football Club. Whether as a player, leader, administrator or volunteer, Matthew’s contribution to the Saints has been exceptional and his impact on the club both on and off the field has left a lasting legacy.

Matthew joined the Goodwood Saints Football Club in 1993 after several seasons playing junior and reserve grade football at the South Adelaide Football Club. Recruited by then Club Captain David “Bomber” Whelan, Matthew arrived at the Saints as a disciplined, highly skilled and dependable centre half back — qualities that would become hallmarks of his career.

Over the next 11 seasons, Matthew would establish himself as one of the club’s most respected and versatile players. Playing under six senior coaches, he amassed 206 senior games and kicked 337 goals in a remarkable playing career that evolved significantly over time. While he began as a composed and reliable key defender, Matthew reinvented himself into a powerful, strong-bodied leading forward who was equally capable of dominating games in attack.

His football intelligence, competitiveness and ability to adapt made him an invaluable player to the Saints across more than a decade of senior football. In 2001, Matthew topped the Division 1 Reserves goal kicking with 62 goals, cementing his reputation as one of the premier forwards in the competition.

Matthew’s career also coincided with one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Between 1998 and 2002 he played in five Division 1 Reserves Premiership sides — an extraordinary achievement reflecting both his consistency and team-first approach. Unfortunately, one of the few disappointments of his career came in 1997 when a late-season injury cruelly ruled him out of the club’s historic A Grade Premiership victory.

A natural leader, Matthew was highly respected by teammates, coaches and opponents alike. His leadership qualities were formally recognised through his appointment as Vice-Captain of the A Grade side from 1995 to 1997 and later as Co-Captain of the B Grade side between 2002 and 2004. He led through professionalism, preparation and actions rather than noise — although those who played with him would probably argue he still had plenty to say when standards slipped.

Matthew’s contribution to the Goodwood Saints Football Club did not end when he hung up the boots. In many ways, his greatest impact came away from the playing arena through his tireless volunteer service and commitment to strengthening the club administratively and financially.

Following his retirement as a player, Matthew remained heavily involved in football operations, serving as Assistant Coach of the Division 1 Reserves in 2005 alongside then B Grade Coach Trent Mills. However, it was through his extraordinary service in administrative and leadership roles that Matthew truly became one of the club’s most important contributors.

Over a period spanning more than 15 years, Matthew dedicated countless hours to the management and administration of the Saints. Beginning as a Social Committee representative, he quickly became a central figure within the club’s leadership structure. Matthew first served as Treasurer in 2000, a role he would undertake across three separate terms. In 2001, while still Treasurer, he also accepted the responsibility of Club President — demonstrating both his leadership capability and unwavering commitment to the Saints.

Matthew later continued his service in a general committee role between 2002 and 2004 before returning for a second term as Treasurer from 2005 to 2009. After a brief period away from official duties — which many around the club suspect was probably the closest thing he ever had to a holiday — he returned again in 2011 and 2012 as Club Secretary before serving a third term as Treasurer in 2014.

Throughout these years, Matthew became renowned for his professionalism, attention to detail, financial discipline and calm leadership. He consistently placed the interests of the club ahead of his own and played a major role in ensuring the Saints remained stable, organised and well-positioned for continued success.

Matthew’s outstanding contribution has been recognised through numerous club honours. He was awarded Life Membership of the Goodwood Saints Football Club in 2001, a fitting acknowledgement of his service both on and off the field. He was also a three-time recipient of the prestigious Peter Haynes Memorial Trophy in 2001, 2003 and 2004 — an award recognising exceptional contribution, dedication and commitment to the club.

Few people have contributed to the Goodwood Saints Football Club across as many areas as Matthew Kerin. Player, premiership contributor, leader, coach, president, treasurer, secretary and tireless volunteer — Matthew has given an enormous amount to the Saints over many years and has helped shape the club into the strong and successful organisation it is today.

His loyalty, humility, leadership and unwavering commitment embody everything that the Goodwood Saints Football Club stands for, making him a richly deserving Great of the club.

2020 - Michael Waite

Michael “Mick” Waite, or “Monsta” as he is affectionately known by his long-time mates around the club, has been one of the most respected, loyal and influential figures in the history of the Goodwood Saints Football Club.

Mick jokingly claims the nickname came from an abbreviation of “MONumental STAr” — tongue firmly in cheek — but there is no doubt his contribution to the club across nearly five decades has been truly monumental.

Mick first arrived at the Goodwood Football Club in 1979 as a 27-year-old and immediately became an important and highly respected member of the playing group. Over a playing career that extended through to 1991, he played more than 200 games for the club — including 20 A Grade matches — across the A, B and C grades. He became widely respected for his toughness, leadership, consistency and unwavering team-first attitude.

Throughout his playing career, Mick earned enormous respect from teammates and coaches alike. He captained the B Grade side from 1980 to 1983 and later captained the C Grade side from 1986 to 1988. His leadership qualities also saw him take on coaching responsibilities, coaching the B Grade side in 1983 and the C Grade side in 1987, while later serving as Assistant Coach of the C Grade during 1990 and 1991. Mick was also recognised repeatedly for the selfless way he played the game and supported those around him, winning numerous Best Team Man awards across both the B and C Grades throughout his career.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Mick played a pivotal role during one of the most important periods in the club’s history. As a member of the inaugural Goodwood Saints Football Club committee following amalgamation, he played a significant role in helping unite and blend two proud football clubs into one successful and connected organisation. Mick became an important conduit between players and management, helping build trust, relationships and a united culture both on and off the field during what was at times a challenging and emotional transition period.

Following his retirement as a player, Mick’s contribution to the Saints only continued to grow. He became heavily involved as a volunteer through numerous social committees, fundraising groups, working parties, coaching and selection panels and management committees. In 1997 and 1998, alongside Marty Hill, Mick helped establish the club’s first jumper sponsorship program — an initiative that became an important financial and community-building platform for the club moving forward.

Mick’s volunteer work continued tirelessly for more than another decade before he took on what has become one of his most significant and enduring contributions — the role of Patron Saints Co-ordinator. For the past 16 years, Mick has led the Patron Saints program with extraordinary enthusiasm, dedication and warmth. Under his guidance, the Patron Saints membership has become an integral and highly valued part of the club’s fabric, helping maintain the strong connection between past and present players, supporters and volunteers.

One of Mick’s greatest strengths has always been his ability to make people feel welcome. Whether speaking to a past player returning to the club after many years away, a new sponsor, a first-year player or a lifelong supporter, Mick has an incredible ability to engage with people and make them feel part of the Saints family. His genuine care for the club and its people has helped strengthen the culture and spirit that makes Goodwood Saints such a special place.

Mick often says the thing he has enjoyed most about the club is the mateship amongst its members, and throughout his 48 years of involvement he has done more than most to create and foster that mateship for others. His contribution has been built not only on service and hard work, but on friendship, humour, loyalty and an unwavering commitment to making the Goodwood Saints Football Club stronger both on and off the field.

As a foundation member of the Goodwood Saints Football Club and one of its most dedicated servants, Mick Waite’s impact on the club is impossible to measure. His contribution over nearly half a century has helped shape the culture, success and community spirit of the Saints, and he remains one of the club’s most admired and valued Greats.

GOODWOOD SAINTS FOOTBALL CLUB FOUNDATION CLUB