UPDATE: Former Gisborne star and coach Luke Saunders has been officially announced as one of the latest inductees into the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL) Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor will be conferred later this month, recognizing Saunders’ exceptional contributions to the league.
Saunders, who enjoyed a remarkable 145-game career with Gisborne, led the team to five premierships and was a standout player throughout his tenure. His accolades include representing the league on four occasions and being a three-time representative for Vic Country, where he captained the team once. Notably, Saunders clinched the 2005 Michelsen Medal as the best player in the Bendigo league and finished as runner-up for the following two years.
“I never expected this honor,” Saunders expressed in a heartfelt statement. “It was a really nice phone call to get. I was a bit in shock. I feel like other people deserve it more.”
The announcement comes at a pivotal time as the BFNL prepares for its upcoming Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where Saunders’ legacy will be celebrated. His tenure as a player-coach for the Bulldogs in 2011 and 2012 further exemplifies his commitment to the club, which he describes as a significant part of his life over the past two decades.
Reflecting on his time at Gisborne, Saunders shared, “I was lucky to be at the Bulldogs during one of the club’s most successful periods. It was a special time for me and my family.” His connection to the club runs deep; his father played for Gisborne, and his mother’s father also donned the club colors. “I wanted to play senior footy at Gisborne,” he added.
Saunders also celebrated his relationship with his fiancée, Tiana Newman, a celebrated player in her own right, having won two Betty Thompson Medals and two premierships. “I thought it would definitely be her going in, not me,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of their shared history with the club.
As Saunders prepares for this monumental recognition, he acknowledges fellow inductee Steven Reaper, a former teammate and respected figure in the league. “He is definitely a deserving member,” Saunders stated. “We played a lot of footy next to each other in the forward line.”
The induction ceremony promises to be a memorable event for the Gisborne community, with fans and former players eager to celebrate Saunders’ remarkable journey. As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what this honor means not only for Saunders but for the legacy of the Bulldogs and the BFNL.
Stay tuned for more updates as the induction event draws near and the community rallies to honor one of its own.
