A message from Matt

I have always been proud to lead the St Kilda Football Club but I can’t remember ever feeling such sense of pride and gratitude as I have in recent days.

On top of the thousands of messages of support that have been received over the past two months, a significant number of our members have now pledged to keep their 2020 membership with the club.

Given we anticipate AFL matches will resume with no spectator access for a significant part of the 2020 season, the decision of members to forgo a refund, or any form of compensation they are entitled to, demonstrates the incredible loyalty of St Kilda people and their care for the Club.

The club has also received more than $100,000 in donations, which combined with membership pledges, will play a pivotal part in the Saints being able to withstand the huge financial impact of COVID-19.

Every membership pledged, and every dollar raised in the coming months, will allow the club to not only survive but emerge as a competitive force in the AFL.

If you missed Friday’s email, the Pledge website remains open and we ask: if you can, please make your commitment here. If you have already pledged or donated, thank you.

We know that the principal reason for making your pledge is to support our club and ensure its ongoing strength, but we are intent on recognising and thanking everyone in the following ways:

• Your name and message will be added to our Pledge Wall and Honour Board so we can publicly recognise you for your contribution as soon as you make your Pledge.
• Your name will be proudly featured on our banner at our first home game back with crowds to thank you for your commitment.
• You will be invited to a number of Saints Pledge events including the Saints Pledge season launch as well as signing sessions and digital seminars.
• Your 2021 membership will be accompanied by a Saints Pledge lanyard that gives you access to special offers and merchandise discounts throughout the year.

As one of many loyal members on a payment plan, you do have the option to opt-out of making the next, and remaining payments of your 2020 membership fee. This is as a result of the impact spectator restrictions at games will have on your membership entitlements. Our next monthly payment run is scheduled for this Friday so if you wish to do this click on the link here and complete the form by 3pm, Thursday 14 May. If you miss this week’s deadline but wanted to suspend the payment, contact the club and we will help to put in place the desired arrangement including by refunding the May instalment.

Should the AFL season re-commence without fans as is expected, you may also be entitled to compensation options for membership instalment payments previously made by you. Our priority is always to ensure we find a solution that works for you and allows you to continue to support your club. If you’d like to discuss these options, please click here. We ask for your patience and understanding while we work through these requests with a significantly reduced team of staff and phone operating hours of 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

We understand that members have already displayed their loyalty over many years, if not decades, but your continued support through this period will directly shape our future

It means the next chapter in our proud 147-year history can be a successful one.

Thank you again.

Matt Finnis