September 24th, 2025Saints’s president Nick Shearer – a few big days
Last Monday, two days after the Trentham Football Club’s fantastic Grand Final win, president Nick Shearer was still celebrating in the Trentham Hotel – with many other supporters. He chatted to Donna Kelly.
Donna: So, understandably, you’re still celebrating.
Nick: Yes, it’s been a big day or a big few days. And we’re still enjoying the win. It’s 31 years since we won one and I think for a lot of people, like those who have their kids playing here and others who have been supporting this club for years, everyone in the town really, we’re all rapt.
Donna: Did you always think you were in with a chance?
Nick: Well, we finished top at the end of the year, we finished the year off really well after some close semi-finals and we got the match up. I think we were quietly confident but the past few years we’ve always had someone beat us that’s that little bit better on the day. We just needed to get it done.
Donna: How was the game on the day?
Nick: It was probably a typical country final. It’s pretty dour, pretty tough, but we kicked a couple of goals in the third quarter. The captain kicked a couple of crucial goals and that put us three in front. And then our back line just held strong all day. By half-time we were just in front, three quarter time we’d extended it. We just had to hang on in that last quarter, which we did.
Donna: So any moves for next year, or just keep celebrating for now?
Nick: We’re already looking at recruiting. We’ve spoken to a couple, which I obviously can’t say who because we haven’t said yes or no. We haven’t got them yet, but hopefully we do. Our coach has re-signed and now we can look at where we need to improve a little bit. We’re looking more at recruiting certain types rather than just sort of anybody.
Donna: What have the celebrations looked like?
Nick: We went back to the rooms on Saturday night and that was big. And then back down the ground yesterday and then the girls went on a netball bus to different pubs and we’re all back here in the Trentham pub and the night just went on. And now (Monday) we’re all in the Trentham pub again.
Donna: Trentham has been kicking some big goals lately, now literally.
Nick: Yes. We won the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town and then the Australian award. It’s just a really good place.
The Local’s front page:
Nine-year-old Mason Thompson must be one of the Saints’ most passionate players – and fans.
With the grand final won, his club ‘buddy’ and senior player, Ed Fanning hoisted him into his shoulders, where Mason got the crowd roaring.
Mason, a Trentham Primary student, plays for the under 11s and his two brothers Harley and Darcy also play for the club in the under 14s. Dad (Alistair) and Brent Holmes co-coach the under 14s, who made the grand final but lost after a close game.
Mother Mez said the club had a buddy program where under 11 players were matched with senior players. “Mason and Ed idolise each other.”
Image: Peter McBride
