The Saints Bequest Society has been a pathway for dedicated St Kilda fans who wish to leave a lasting legacy to the club.

The Bequest Society has been in operation since 2014 and at the time, four members had formally confirmed a gift in their will to the Saints. The Society remained dormant for several years before being relaunched in 2024 with a morning tea at RSEA Park.

Since then, confirmed gifts in wills have grown significantly, with more than 50 supporters now choosing to leave a legacy to the club, including several who prefer to remain anonymous. Every gift in a will regardless of size, helps strengthen St Kilda’s long-term financial security.

The morning tea held on August 12 was a memorable event for the 75 people who gathered at RSEA Park.

Guests during this year's Saints Bequest Society gathering at RSEA Park. (Photo: St Kilda FC)

The Brownlow-themed event featured the unveiling of the refurbished museum foyer display concentrating on the eight Saints who have won a total of 10 medals between them. The central item is the guernsey worn by Colin Watson - St Kilda's first Brownlow winner back in the medal’s second year in 1925.

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Greats gather for annual Saints Bequest Society event

See Channel 9's coverage from the annual Saints Bequest Society gathering at RSEA Park.

The guernsey had added historical significance as it was worn by Colin when he returned to the club in 1933 after an eight-year absence coaching in the country. That 1933 jumper included the club’s famous crest for the first time. Other items are Verdun Howell’s Brownlow, a Football Record with Tony Lockett’s goals marked in on the day 'Plugger' reached 100 goals for the first time, and the original photo posted outside the Herald-Sun building the day after Brian Gleeson won his medal in 1957.

Master of Ceremonies Michael Roberts told the attendees that unfortunately his Brownlow winning father (and Bequest Society Patron) Neil was unable to attend because of illness, but he was recovering well.

In the lead-up to the event Michael recorded an excellent interview with dual medallist Ian Stewart (below) which had the room in genuine and silent awe.

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An interview with triple Brownlow medallist Ian Stewart

Saints great Ian Stewart catches up with Michael Roberts in a pre-recorded interview for this year's Saints Bequest Society gathering.

The 1967 Brownlow winner Ross Smith gave great insights, and CEO Carl Dilena provided a modern-day update as did current Saint Mason Wood.

For further information on being part of the Saints Bequest Society contact jackie.emmerton@saints.com.au

Thanks to our partnership with Every Will, supporters can write their will online for free here, with updates for life.