Archive for category: News

We are so thrilled to celebrate one of our own, with junior standout Maddie Quinn drafted to the Sydney Swans AFLW in late 2025.

Maddie’s journey through the club has been a special one, and one that many in our community have had the privilege to witness. Former coach Pep Moles, who worked with Maddie from the age of 11 through to 17, reflected on her development with great pride.

“I had the privilege of coaching Maddie on and off during those years, and watching her development was incredibly rewarding,” she said.

“Maddie started out very green, but from the outset she possessed outstanding athletic ability. Her speed, ability to pick the ball up cleanly off the ground, and her high football IQ were evident very early in her junior career.  While her kicking and handball skills initially needed refinement, her natural game sense and competitiveness always stood out,” Pep said.

As Maddie grew, so did her technical skill. Her selection into the Sydney Swans Academy proved to be a pivotal moment in her development, with the combination of elite academy training and regular Saints sessions accelerating her improvement.

“Every time Maddie stepped onto the field, her commitment and team-first mindset were unmistakable,” Pep said.

Maddie was highly respected by her peers throughout her entire time at the Saints and was a delight to coach.

“She was kind, supportive, always willing to listen, and, most importantly, able to put feedback into action,” Pep said. “She encouraged those around her, set standards through her actions, and was the type of player others naturally looked up to.”

Maddie’s reliability was second to none, never missing a training session or a game during her time at the club.

She was also a real community person, always happy to help in the canteen, assist with ground management, and support the club behind the scenes. A leader on and off the field, Maddie often played multiple games across a weekend, lining up for her own age group and then playing up whenever she was needed to support others.

Within the academy system, Maddie continued to go from strength to strength, consistently performing as one of the best players on the field. Her love for the game became more evident with each passing year.

“Many of us at Maroubra often said that she would one day reach AFLW level,” Pep said. “Her drafting came as no surprise to anyone who had watched her journey.”

Maddie’s success has also been underpinned by the unwavering support of her family, who were always present at games and became an important part of the Saints community.

As Maddie takes this next exciting step, everyone at Maroubra couldn’t be prouder.

We wish Maddie all the very best as she continues her football career at the elite level.

We can’t wait to see what’s ahead for her in the AFLW. If her junior years are anything to go by, there’s plenty more to come.

We’re excited to share this catch-up with Liam Burns, who stepped into the role of Club President at the start of the season.

With big shoes to fill after Renee’s five-year term, Liam brings fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm for the club’s future. In this interview, he shares a little about his background, how he got involved with the club, and his hopes for the seasons ahead.

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Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself—where you grew up and the sports you played as a kid?

I grew up in Newcastle, playing soccer in winter, sailing skiffs in summer and swimming and surfing nearly all year round. When I was 18 or 19, I was playing grade soccer for a small club that was very exclusive around who played first grade. I’d had enough of the politics and so my stepfather (a Victorian) suggested giving AFL a go. I went down to Newcastle City and joined up, falling in love with our game instantly.

Newcastle City was a great club, warm, inviting and welcoming of all people and abilities. I played nearly 100 games there before I moved to Sydney for work, where I played 2 seasons with Sydney University before my Achilles (both of them) decided it was time to hang up the boots.

Q: How did you first get involved with The Saints?

When my eldest son was 4, I was keen to us both involved. We came down to the first training in 2019 and I became one of the coaches in the Under 5s in Auskick. To this day I am still coaching him, and it is one of the most joyous things to see all the kids grow and develop their skills and approach to footy. I’ve developed strong friendships with parents too.

Q: What would you say to parents who might be thinking about getting more involved in the club? Where’s the best place to start?

Anyone can get involved, play and most importantly be part of a great club that is welcoming, fun and community focussed. Whether as a player or volunteer, it’s just getting in there and having a go. I came to football ‘late’ and played for nearly 10 years and during that time formed great friendships, had wonderful experiences and kept in ‘relative’ shape.

Q: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for our club to grow over the next three years?

Our club has amazing traditions and is inclusive and community oriented. We have some great opportunities to continue to grow. Our committee has been working hard in many areas for example, a focus is on increasing girls’ participation and skills; we’re working with the AFL on establishing an Indigenous program; creating pathways to senior football; and improving our grounds and facilities (including contingencies for wet weather). During the year and into 2026 we intend on making announcements on these and other great opportunities.

Q: Why do you think being part of a local sports club is so important for kids?

Kids need sport and social activities to grow and develop, and a local sports club allows children foster relationships with others beyond their immediate circle and the school they attend. Sport allows children to develop discipline, teamwork and resilience.

Q: And what about your own family—are they involved in sports too?

My boys have tried may sports and the only one that sticks is AFL.  They’ve done nippers and soccer and are now exploring mountain bike riding. Hopefully they stick with AFL, they have some cousins who play for Glebe so there is a bit of healthy competitive tension there.

Q: Now, the big question—who’s your footy team, and why?

I cheer cheered when I read this question! I’ve supported the Swannies since I took up footy and I became a member when I moved to Sydney. My whole family are now members too and although they’re not as passionate as I am, we love going to the footy (except Grand Finals).

Q: Quickfire round!

 Flat White, Long Black, Latte, Skinny Cap, or Beer? Got to start the day with a flat white, but nothing like a refreshing Sydney craft brewed Pale Ale to wind down.

 Bacon & Egg Roll, Sausage Roll, Salad Roll, or Meat Pie? Oh I cannot go past a bacon and egg roll, no sauce!

Q: How do you keep yourself fit these days?

Coaching two teams gets my steps up and out of season it is regular gym and jogging – a great way to clear the mind.

Q: Any final thoughts or words of encouragement for The Saints community to round out 2025 and getting ready for 2026?

For the kids and players, always have a footy. Regular kicking is a great way to improve your skills.

For parents and volunteers, keep involved, come to the amazing functions we put on and help where you can – look out for the Women in Sport lunch, end of season party, and the golf day. There are many ways to get involved and support our amazing club.

Go Saints!