MEMBERS of St Kilda’s father-son academy got an up close look at life as a professional footballer recently with an all-access pass to the Saints’ win over Fremantle.

Jack and James Coghlan (sons of Frank), Tom Grant (son of David) and Tyson Milne (son of Stephen) visited the St Kilda change rooms before the team’s fourth win of the season.

The potential father-son recruits watched on studiously as players warmed up and were also able to take the field and visit the coaches box before the game.

The four young players have been a part of the father-son academy since its inception last year and were offered the inner sanctum experience as part of the program.

St Kilda Player Welfare Manager Tony Brown guided the budding young players through their match-day experience.

“Sitting in the coaches box they all said they couldn’t believe how small it was. Being down in the rooms they were in awe of the Saints players warming up,” Brown said.

“It is something we thought would really add to the program. We’ve had a couple of training sessions and we’ve had a day at the club for all the families and this is something we thought would add to the program.”

David Grant said it was a thrill for both he and his son to be closely involved with the Saints again.

Grant played 191 games for the Saints from 1984-95, making All-Australian selection in 1991.

“I enjoy getting that feeling back through watching Tom. Especially on a day like today, it brings back a lot of memories. It is a long time gone and I am enjoying life after football,” Grant said.

“I know it’s a long shot for that sort of thing but it’s great for him to experience this sort of involvement especially on game day and for me, catching up with former players and familiar faces is fantastic because I don’t do a lot of it and it’s a great experience for me too.”