Joeys enjoy Grand Final function

THE St Joseph’s Football and Netball Club community gathered in force last week at the annual AFL Grand Final Eve luncheon.

Held at the Presidents’ Room at GMHBA Stadium, the four-and-a-half hour event had a lineup including former Geelong premiership player and Indigenous All Stars member Mathew Stokes, former Sydney and St Kilda player Paddy McCartin and comedian Des Dowling, with MC Tom King overseeing proceedings.

The lunch has raised money for the two arms of the sporting club for more than two decades.

St Joseph’s Football Netball Club fundraising committee member John Watts said the 2024 event was another success and drew a crowd of about 380 people.

“Everyone was rapt with the day.

“It was great to hear from Matty Stokes – he had a good chat about his Grand Final experiences and what he’s up to now.

“It was interesting to hear from Paddy McCartin about how he was dealt the news about how he wasn’t allowed to play contact sports any more [McCartin retired due to concussion issues in 2023] but he’s taken it in his stride.”

Several items were also auctioned off to raise funds throughout the day, including the “Regional Guerney” worn by Geelong Cats midfielder (and former Joeys player) Tom Atkins during Geelong’s “Country Game” against Essendon in June this year.