Saints Go Marching On 

Football Club Marks Centenary with Gala Dinner

The St Virgil’s Old Scholars Football Club proudly celebrated its centenary with a memorable evening at Wrest Point Casino on the 30 May. The event brought together 287 Sainters to honour this remarkable milestone, reconnect with old friends, and reflect on the many great memories and achievements that have shaped our club over the past century.

A highlight of the evening was the 'On the Couch' segment, which featured representatives from different eras of the club sharing stories and insights from their time in the green, gold and blue. 

The night also saw the induction of the inaugural members of the Saints Hall of Fame.

We were delighted to recognise Roger Smart, Brett Hall, and Robert Hope, who were inducted for their outstanding service and exceptional contribution to the football club over many years. Their dedication has played a significant role in shaping the proud culture and success of the Saints.

Special thanks must go to Joel Berry, Phil Ogle, and Frank Ogle for their hard work in organising such a successful event. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Andrew Colrain, who did a magnificent job as MC and helped make the evening both entertaining and memorable.

Looking ahead, the Saints have home games scheduled for 11 July, 25 July, and 1 August. We would love to see as many supporters as possible at the ground as we continue our centenary celebrations throughout the season.

Go Saints!

Jed Morgan

President

St Virgil’s Old Scholars Football Club

THREE MEN WHO LIVE 'BY DEEDS NOT WORDS'

To celebrate the Centenary, the board decided to mark the auspicious occasion by inducting three fine servants of our great club. It was unanimously agreed that without the hard work of these fine gentlemen, the club would simply not have survived 100 years. Hence the establishment of the SVOSFC Hall of Fame.

ROGER SMART

Roger’s stellar TFL football career was cut short by a serious injury at North Hobart. That turned out to be SVOSFC’s huge gain. A stalwart of the club in the ‘50s, ‘60 & ‘70s, you name it he did it for the club — Capt/Coach/President/ Football Manager. 

A strong role model, dependable and steadying influence, guiding boys into respectful adult males. For many of those players, he represented the culture to which any club would love to aspire.

Roger always went above and beyond. He gave his time and leadership across three decades, shaping the club with his humility and loyalty. He was the cornerstone of the club’s success both on the field and off. 

His contribution to the running of the club and people’s development is legendary, a blueprint and legacy which has been passed on through the years and the reason why SVOSFC has such a good name in the community.  

BRETT HALL

Hally has been the Rock of SVOSFC for over 40 years, as well as a valuable part of the whole Old Scholars Football Association community, having been the president of the OSFA 2003-2014. 

His contributions have resulted in many accolades, including club & Association Life membership. Hally joined the Saints straight from school in 1984, playing nearly 100 games, whilst having 50 injuries. 

He was part of the drought-breaking premiership in 1989, but like Roger, it was his business acumen and administrative skills which were his greatest attribute. He first joined the committee in 1993, having served as Secretary 1995-98, then Treasurer 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006 then 2017-2023. 

His due diligence and guarding of the purse strings made our club the envy of the association, despite our lack of on-field success. It was Brett’s behind the scenes work which guaranteed our survival.  

ROBERT HOPE

Despite Bobby never playing a game for the Saints, no other individual has contributed to the number of games others have played. For over 25 years, he has tirelessly been the mainstay of our medical staff. From pre-season to every Tuesday and Thursday training nights and, of course, game day Saturdays, Bobby’s cheerful demeanour and expertise have been a godsend. 

Bobby first came along in 1996 to assist his son, Richard, become a “chip of the old block”, but he quickly became our good luck charm with us winning premierships in ‘96, ‘98 & 2001. 

In 1999, after the demise of Sandy Bay footy club, Bobby officially became our head trainer. Over the years many other clubs tried to poach him, but despite some extremely lucrative offers, he remained loyal to SVOSFC. This just shows the integrity of this man, who has been a great father figure for so many of our players throughout the years. His authenticity and willingness to help others to become the best version of themselves has inspired us to continue his great work. 

Bobby has a heart of GOLD (& Blue & Green).  

How you can be part of it

The Club has launched a Centenary Halo Club — a revitalised supporter membership offering with both local & Interstate options. It’s the perfect way to stay connected, receive some great perks and help sustain the Club heading into the next 100 years. 

There are also Centenary Jumper Sponsorship packages — giving individuals and businesses the opportunity to support a Sainter, but also receive some great perks and again help sustain the Club. Both membership and sponsorship options can be viewed here https://app.joinit.com/o/st-virgils-old-scholars-football-club/

Let’s fill New Town Oval with familiar faces

Ultimately, the Club says its greatest hope for the Centenary isn’t just strong numbers, it’s strong connection. "We want to see the Can Bar full, the energy high, and Saints young and old coming together to celebrate the community that shaped us.

"So if you’ve been thinking about reconnecting… Now's the time. We’d love to see you back at the footy."

Jed Morgan (SVC 2011-2014) SVOSFC President

svosfc@gmail.com