Round one: Former St Kilda footballer Stephen Milne will be playing for Mathoura in round one. Photo: AAP/David Crosling
Mathoura has snagged a high profile guest appearance for its season-opening home clash with Picola United on Easter Saturday.
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St Kilda’s four-time leading goal-kicker Stephen Milne will don Mathoura colours in a special one-off appearance in the Picola District Football League.
The Timbercutters are establishing a trend of high profile gets for their Easter match-ups, having last year had 2011 Brownlow medallist Dane Swan join the squad.
“Well, we had Dane Swan last year, so we just got in contact,” club president Melyssa Banks said.
“Aaron Burns who plays for us is a good friend of Dane Swan and their conversations happened and we ended up getting Stephen Milne.
“He’s going to play and then afterwards probably hang around and have a drink and meet and greet.”
Big get: Dane Swan took the field for Mathoura in 2023.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Milne played 275 games over 13 seasons for the Saints, booting 574 goals.
His inclusion will be sure to boost Mathoura in round one as it looks to build on last year’s 4-11 season.
Banks thanked Picola United for enabling the clubs to continue the Easter weekend clash despite Easter coming before the start of the season, necessitating a shortened opening round where only two matches will be played.
Banks is optimistic for the club as it heads into a new season.
“We've got a full squad and we've got a good list and we've been lucky enough that we've got really good numbers in under-14s,” she said.
“We're struggling still in under-17s, but I think we've got about 11, so we’re always advertising for under-17s but we're pretty hopeful given we've got a week and a bit that we'll get under-17s up and running as well.
“(That) will be nice because we haven't had that for a few years, so the club’s in a very good, strong position.”
The club will also be holding its ladies’ day, a cause which is especially meaningful for Banks, on May 11, when the Timbercutters take on Deni Rovers.
“I'd really like to put a big focus on that this year because I'm having treatment for breast cancer,” Banks said.
“So I'm going through a bit of a journey and I don't actually know how many games I'll get to this year.”
Mathoura’s season opens with the Easter Saturday match-up against Picola United at Mathoura Recreation Reserve with gates opening at 8am and entry $12.
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