First, Andy Maher. Now, Francis Leach.
The renowned Australian broadcaster and St Kilda tragic has linked up with his beloved Saints ahead of the club's inaugural VFL campaign in the red, white and black.
Leach's foray into footy's support crew comes after Maher, another well-known media type, was famously appointed runner for Carlton's AFLW side.
Taking on the role as Team Manager, Leach - formerly of Triple J, SEN and 774 ABC - will look to support senior coach Brendon Goddard across the course of the upcoming season.
Speaking to Zero Hanger, the veteran journalist opened up on his volunteer position, with "a sense of optimism" meeting Moorabbin given the youthful profile of St Kilda's VFL list.
"I'm usually just moving cones and catching footys," Leach laughed. "I'll help to just get the team on the park each week.
"For me, while they're doing the coaching stuff, I'm basically ensuring that everything else gets done in terms of all of the administrative and logistical stuff that's associated with getting a team on the ground on matchday.
"There's a sense of optimism and a sense of fun at training, as it should be in pre-season. It's a lot of hard work. At this level, the boys are expected to prepare like professional athletes, but they have to also live life beyond footy, study or have a part-time job. It's a bit more old-fashioned in that sense.
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"The demands are pretty hectic on young blokes. They had to get themselves ready in the off-season... in between them trying to live a normal life as a young person, but also expected to prepare and conduct themselves as professional athletes.
"They've got to find fun in it somehow, and I think they're enjoying each other's company doing the work."
Leach jumped at the chance to further support the club he loves, hoping to enhance the strong ties St Kilda has to his community.
That connection is one aspect Leach has long been fond of, with the Saints-mad fan looking forward to playing his part.
"Every AFL club has a very strong cohort of long-term and committed volunteers, as well as professional staff. That's one of the great things about AFL football as a professional sport, that it still has that community feel about it," Leach added.
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"St Kilda is definitely one of those clubs, and particularly the clubs that are more resource-challenged. You've got to draw on the people that are available to you who can bring something in terms of their skill set and are willing to do it.
"I've always wanted to help this club get better. I threw my hat in the ring and made myself available on weekends and training nights to make a contribution of some sort."






