Recognised for a tireless career that spans three decades, Beveridge’s commitment and devotion to the game of Australian Rules is unquestionable.
With a humble nature, it’s impossible not to have the utmost respect for the long-time recruiter who has been part of the Saints network for almost 30 years. Having travelled thousands of kilometres identifying Australian talent playing football, his involvement across a range of areas has made significant contributions to the development and promotion of the game.
Beveridge’s modesty and relentless work ethic are traits that make this award that more deserving. He credits those who have provided him with the opportunity to continue the role he loves and also acknowledges how fortunate he is to be involved with the Saints’ recruiting team.
“I appreciate the fact that the Club has given me the opportunity to be here for so long and I would like to thank the Club Administration for nominating me. I’d like to particularly thank Ian Drake, Ian Stewart and Gerry Ryan who were the people who gave me the opportunity in the first place, back in 1983” Beveridge said.
While Beveridge acknowledges significant changes have occurred over the past 30 years, his overriding enjoyment in the role is as evident today as it was the day he first started recruiting, when Trevor Barker was the Club’s Promotion Officer. “I think it’s just about the enjoyment factor. Yes it’s demanding, it’s time consuming, but it has never not been enjoyable.”
The indisputable passion to follow players’ AFL development is something ‘JB' finds most rewarding. “You certainly get enjoyment out of young players making the grade and seeing those fellas grow into elite athletes, such as Nick Riewoldt or Justin Koschitzke. More importantly though, a lot of these lads have become outstanding people. And I think that’s been the strength of the group that’s got us into a couple of grand finals recently; just the mental strength” he said.
Those whom have had significant influence on Beveridge’s career include Allan Jeans, Ian Drake, Ian Stewart, Stuart Trott and Gary Colling. “I don’t want to single out individuals but Allan Jeans had quite an influence on me, as he has on most people. In respect to the coaches particularly, it would be wrong to single them out because they have all had an influence in their own ways. I respect and totally appreciate what they’ve done and the advice they’ve given me over time.”
Having previously been involved in the Saints’ development squad in the early 1980s, Beveridge supported Wayne Hughes from 1989 to 1994, when he transferred to Fremantle Football Club as their Melbourne Manager.
When the opportunity arose to venture into recruiting, Beveridge grabbed it with both hands. “Ian Stewart and Ian Drake offered it to me and I said to my wife, “Look, it will be full time footy and I’d like to give it a crack. It might only last three or four years” Beveridge said.
30 years later, Beveridge is now still heavily involved in recruiting, although on a part time basis, after deciding in 2006 to scale back his role. “John Peake became Recruiting Manager in 2007 and Tony Elshaug took over from him in 2011 when John went back to Geelong.”
Working closely with current recruiters Tony Elshaug, Ameet Bains (List Manager), Chris Liberatore and Paul Collins, Beveridge shares a high respect for the current recruiting team, including excellent part-time staff Australia wide. “The staff in Football departments has dramatically increased over time and our present team of Tony Elshaug, Ameet Bains, Chris Liberatore and Paul Collins work very well as a team. I’d like to thank them for their continued support. It’s great that we’re all able to bounce things off each other.”
Staying true to his humble nature, Beveridge is reluctant to draw on individuals who have stood out as memorable recruits. However, there are a couple of Saint stars that are impossible not to mention. “Over three decades you don’t like to single out one person, but there is a lot of love for Lenny Hayes. At pick number 11 in the 1998 Draft, he has proven to be a piece of gold” Beveridge said.
Another jewel Beveridge highlights is Club champion Robert Harvey. A dual Brownlow medallist, not many Saints fans would believe the former Club captain had doubts over his playing abilities early on in his career.
“Obviously he has become a legend of the AFL, but as a 15/16 year old he didn’t have a lot of belief that he would have been a very good player. And it probably wasn’t until 1988 when he was chosen in the Victorian Teal Cup team and made the All-Australian team that he would have thought, ‘gee I’m not bad at this’ ”.
When Darrel Baldock played Harvey in the last four senior games in 1988, the young Saint had played his first senior game before he was 17. “Harves was in our zone back then, so while I don’t claim to have recruited him, I think he needed a bit of encouragement to be convinced, ‘you’re a chance young fella’ “ Beveridge said.
While there have been many changes at the Saints over the past 30 years, the one constant that has been prevalent is Beveridge’s commitment and devotion and the Club is most proud to congratulate him on this worthy award.
