Sport
13 March, 2026
Saints set to start season
The day will feature a combined six-quarter format involving both St Arnaud’s senior and reserves players, with play scheduled to commence at 12:30pm.
THE SAINTS will return to the field this Saturday when they host the Stawell Warriors in their first practice match of the 2026 season at Lord Nelson Park.
The day will feature a combined six-quarter format involving both St Arnaud’s senior and reserves players, with play scheduled to commence at 12:30pm.
The hit-out will give the Saints coaching group their first opportunity to assess players in match conditions following several weeks of pre-season training, while also giving supporters their first look at the club’s 2026 playing group.
A solid contingent of new players are expected to feature, including Sam Witherden, whose signing was announced by the club earlier this week.
Joining the side from Barwon Heads, president Bruce Hando said Witherden brings strong football pedigree, having spent time with the Geelong Falcons in the Talent League across 2019 and 2021.
“He also made a couple of appearances at VFL level with Sydney Swans VFL in 2021,” he said.
“Sam continued his VFL journey in 2022 and 2023 on the list with Werribee, playing his community football with North Shore in 2022 before returning to his home club Barwon Heads in 2023.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what Sam can bring to the Saints this season and can’t wait to see him running around in the red, white and blue at Lord Nelson Park.”
There will be no junior football played on Saturday, while netball fixtures were still being confirmed at the time of printing.
However, it has been confirmed there will be no senior netball played.
A bar and barbecue will be running throughout the afternoon.
Junior players will start kicking into gear this week with their Under 17s side starting their training from Tuesday night at 5pm.
All other juniors, which includes Under 14s and Under 17s, will be starting their training from Thursday night from 5pm.
This will be followed by seniors and reserves training from 6pm.
In that time, a ‘Welcome to 2026’ barbeque will be held all at Lord Nelson Park for all to enjoy.
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