Last week, the former St Kilda stars caught up for their annual reunion. Timing this event, just as the whole country was gearing up for the AFL Grand Final, was perfect. This year’s gathering featured unexpected attendees Dustin Martin and Ben Cousins, adding an intriguing twist to the event celebrated by legends of the game.
The reunion is held annually, one week prior to the VFL/AFL Grand Final. It’s an amazing, emotional, historic experience that reincarnates alumni like Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Robert Harvey, Justin Koschitzke, Nick Dal Santo and Stephen Milne. These one-time foes remain tightly linked as they routinely get back together to recall their careers and journeys together.
Leigh Montagna was happy to see a lot of old friends at this year’s reunion. Having filled the room with leaders—except perhaps Martin and Cousins, who weren’t expected or stereotypical additions to the St Kilda landscape—made for a starkly impressive room. Montagna noted, “‘Cuzzy’ was close (to coming to St Kilda), we almost had Cuzzy at the end of 2009.” This comment highlights the strong potential connection between Cousins and the team. He could have flatted with them after departing West Coast.
Dale Thomas confirmed the unexpected visitor list, stating, “It’s my understanding, and I am a sleuth these days — Benny Cousins and Dustin Martin were in attendance.” This announcement sent shockwaves of excitement through the ex St Kilda players. They were especially excited because Martin had been a massive St Kilda fan since childhood.
The reunion was about much more than reliving the past. It was a tribute to the club’s players during St Kilda’s most recent period of success. The team notably lost two Grand Finals and drew one in 2009 and 2010, making these reunions particularly poignant as they reflect on their near triumphs.
Dustin Martin proved to be the intangible inclusiveness type of impact. He made the most of his opportunity to take selfies with Robert Harvey, a legend for St Kilda. His attendance makes the visit particularly special, as his presence underscores his longtime love for the team.
Cousins would go on to win a Brownlow Medal and premiership with the West Coast. His attending brought an unexpected energy to the reunion, especially since he’d been the one sacked back in 2007. He is regularly awarded accolades for excellence on the field. His induction alongside St Kilda greats in the club’s team of the century underlines the level of respect the hardman commands across the AFL community.
