Saints father-son duo reflect on premiership

ST MARY’S defender Keidan Rayner has expressed his joy in being awarded the Frank Fopiani Medal, following his side’s emphatic GFL victory over St Joseph’s.

The 24-year-old gathered 13 touches at 77 per cent efficiency along with five intercept possessions and five one-percenters to win the award in the 68-55 victory.

While hearing his name called out was unexpected, Rayner said it was an honour to receive the medal, particularly given his bond with Fopiani during his time with the Geelong Falcons.

“At first, I was pretty shocked to be honest – I probably thought there was at least a couple of blokes ahead of me.

“It was a pretty proud moment. Obviously the run that we went on, and to win two premierships on the day between us and the reserves, but then also to get a small individual accolade, especially the Frank Fopiani Medal.

“I had a close relationship with Frank at the Falcons and then also consider Connor a good mate of mine.

“So I was super proud, super excited and something I definitely didn’t expect, but was pretty honoured to get up there at the end of the day. It was pretty cool.”

To make the moment even more special, Rayner enjoyed the premiership with his father, Luke, who co-coached the Saints to the premiership.

“It was hard to describe, really,” Keidan said.

“We’re both mad footy, always have been. We followed his football career growing up and he’s never missed a minute of mine.

“Obviously we had the premiership in 2022 where he was the backline coach, but to do it under him as the head coach in a premiership that was his first in a very long coaching career certainly made it special for the both of us.

“Definitely one of those ones that you’ll never forget.”

Luke said the moment was one he would cherish forever.

“It means a lot.

“We were together for about the last couple of minutes on the bench, so it was nice to have a bit of embrace and know that we had the victory and got the job done.

“It’s a very, very special feeling. Couldn’t have scripted it any better, really; so very enjoyable.”

After stepping into the co-coaching role in 2024 at St Mary’s following a stint as assistant, the victory marks Luke’s first flag as head coach.

“It’s probably a sense of relief, to be honest,” he admitted.

“I’ve been coaching a long time and haven’t been able to successfully navigate a premiership as head coach, so relief was the overwhelming feeling.”