It was a special tribute match to past player and life member Brett Cooper, who recently passed away.
And the Saints’ senior win against the Lions was the cherry on top.
‘‘It really is an important day for the club and his family. To get that result for him is fantastic,’’ Benalla coach James Martiniello said post-match.
Cooper’s parents Geoff and Robyn flew from Brisbane for the tribute match, where Saints players wore black arm bands.
‘‘Brett played for us 10 to 11 years ago, but we’re big here on ‘once you’re a Saint, you’re always a Saint’,’’ Martiniello said.
‘‘He was a big part of this club for 10 to 15 years. Played nearly 200 games, best-and-fairest winner.
‘‘His father was club president for eight or nine years. (The family) made a big contribution to this sports club.
‘‘It was important to let the family know we were thinking of them and it’s important that we honour our past champions.’’
Before the senior match, the entire playing group along with other members of the club formed a guard of honour for Cooper’s parents to walk through.
And after Seymour’s strong third quarter put the Saints’ lead in jeopardy, Martiniello’s third term address also drew upon Cooper’s legacy to inspire his side to lift in the final quarter.
‘‘Brett was one of the boys who would dig deep. He was all heart — it was the style of player he was,’’ Martiniello said.
‘‘He bled for this footy club.’’
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