COACHES often search for unique ways to motivate their players. Likewise, players regularly use music and real life examples of sporting prowess to inspire them.

So when St Kilda’s number one ticket holder and Hollywood actor Eric Bana comes along with a film for the playing group, everyone watches, listens and learns. 

Last week the entire list, coaches and staff members were treated to an advanced screening of Bana’s yet to be released movie Lone Survivor. 

What transpired afterwards speaks volumes about the actor’s role within the club as well as his obvious talent in front of the camera.  

“It was a bit more than just a movie,” senior coach Alan Richardson told SAINTS.com.au after viewing the film.

“Certainly its potential, that Eric mentioned, was that it has the potential to resonate with the guys. If they aren’t outstanding at what they do then either they die or someone that trusts them dies.”

Sean Dempster was equally gripped by a movie which is expected to fetch hundreds of millions of dollars at the Box Office. 

“It was very well done and kind of opens our eyes to the outside world. We are pretty footy-focused at the club and there is other stuff going on around the world. The fact it was a true story was pretty harsh.”

Midfielder Tom Curren echoed Dempster’s sentiment.

“It is obviously based on a true story which made it pretty gripping. It was very good, quite scary and intense. It puts things into perspective,” Curren said. 

As for the production itself, Bana said it was a great experience filming it and he was happy to show it to the players.

“I thought it would be a really appropriate story to share with the playing group,” he said. 

“I’d read the book… it’s really inspiring and it makes you realise how the power of the mind can get you through a lot of physical adversity.”

“It’s a true story about Marcus Luttrell and a bunch of Navy Seals who went on a mission to Afghanistan and things didn’t go too well unfortunately.”

“I know Pete the Director and he called me up and asked if I’d get involved and I was happy to play any part. In this case it was the role of Commander Erik Kristensen who was one of the men tragically killed that day.”

The theme continues St Kilda’s link with the club’s national charity partner Soldier On which began in 2013 and continues this year. 

For more information head to www.soldieron.org.au