Club History
Narre South Saints: Embracing a Bright Future After Turbulent Times
The Narre South Saints Junior Football Netball Club was founded in 2005 as the Narre South Lions Junior Football Club.
From humble beginnings operating from a shipping container at Strathaird Reserve in Narre Warren South, the club was established to provide local children and families with the opportunity to participate in community football close to home.
Over the years, the club steadily grew, expanding its teams, volunteer base and community presence. Hundreds of local boys and girls pulled on the Lions jumper, forming friendships, developing their football skills and creating lifelong memories along the way.
The club became recognised for providing a family-friendly environment where participation, sportsmanship and community spirit were valued just as highly as success on the field. During this time, the club also helped develop several talented footballers who progressed to elite pathways, including AFL and AFLW football.
Like many community sporting clubs, the Narre South Lions faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interrupted seasons, restrictions and reduced participation created difficult circumstances across grassroots sport. Through the dedication of volunteers, players, coaches and families, the club persevered and emerged stronger.
As the club entered its next chapter, the decision was made to rebrand as the Narre South Saints. While the name and colours evolved, the club's commitment to its community remained unchanged.
Today, the Narre South Saints proudly provide a complete football pathway for local families, from Auskick and Superkick through to junior football and the transition into senior football. The club welcomes players of all abilities and backgrounds, offering mixed, boys-only and girls-only teams in a supportive and inclusive environment.
More than two decades after being founded, the club continues to build on the foundations established in 2005 — creating opportunities for young people to develop confidence, friendships and a lifelong love of football.
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2005 – Narre South Lions founded
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2010s – Club growth and expansion
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2020–2021 – COVID disruption
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2024 – Best Conducted Club recognition
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2025 – 20-year milestone
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2025/26 – Transition to Narre South Saints
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2026+ – Full pathway from Auskick to senior football
Superstars that started at the
Narre South Lions/Saints
Every champion starts somewhere, and for these three players, it all began at the Narre South Lions/Saints.
They chased their dreams, worked hard, and never gave up. Their journey shows that if you have the passion and dedication, anything is possible.
So, lace up your boots, dream big, and follow in their footsteps – the field is yours to conquer!
Yes, i started my foot career as a junior at the Narre South Lions/Saints
Josh Battle
At Narre South, Josh achieved:
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2012 Leading Goal Kicker (63 goals).
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2013 Leading Goal Kicker (59 goals).
2026 Stats
Still at the Hawks.
Stats to be updated at the end of the season.
2025 Stats
Moved to Hawthorn Football Club
Key Defender
Number 24
Disposals 18.5
Kicks 11.4
Handballs 7.1
Tackles 1.9
Spoils 2.8
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Earned his first All-Australian blazer.
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Won Hawthorn's Most Courageous Player award.
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Finished in the top 10 of the Peter Crimmins Medal count.
2024 Stats
Key Defender
Number 26
17.8 Disposals - Above Average
11.0 Kicks - Above Average
6.8 Handballs - Elite
1.3 Tackles - Average
3.8 Spoils - Below Average
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2018 Rising Star Nomination
2024 Trevor Barker Award 3rd Place.
Pick 39 in the 2016 national draft.​
2024 Josh Battle has moved to Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent.
Yes, i started my foot career as a junior at the Narre South Lions/Saints
Connor MacDonald
At Narre South, Connor achieved:
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2011, U9, Best & Fairest
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2012, U10, Best & Fairest
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2013, U11, Best & Fairest
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2014, U12, Best & Fairest
2025 Stats
Forward
Number 31
Disposals 14.9
Kicks 9
Handballs 5.8
Tackles 3
Spoils 0.2
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16th overall in Hawthorns 2025 Peter Crimmins Medal, Best & Fairest Count, with 81 votes.
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Clubs round 11 super hero of the week for best-afield performance, 20 disposals, 10 marks & 3 goals.
2024 Stats
Medium Forward
Number 21
1748 Disposals - Elite
10.0 Kicks - Elite
7.5 Handballs - Elite
5.3 Marks - Elite
2.8 Tackles - Above Average
1.1 Goals - Above Average
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2022 - 9 Goals
2023 - 12 Goals
2024 - 28 Goals
Pick 26 in the 2021 national draft.​
2024 - Hawthorn Football Club
Yes, i started my foot career as a junior at the Narre South Lions/Saints
Tahlia Fellows
Won the VFLW Debbie Lee Rising Star award and earned Team of the Year selection during her time at Casey.
2026 Stats
Collingwood VFLW
Key Forward
Number 73
Disposals 11.3
Kicks 4.3
Handballs 7.0
Tackles 4
2025 Stats
Collingwood VFLW
Key Forward
Number 73
Disposals 7.7
Kicks 3.4
Handballs 4.2
Tackles 2.9
2025 Highlights:
• Joined Collingwood VFLW
• Selected in the inaugural VFLW State Team
• Kicked the first goal in VFLW State Team history
• Best on Ground in the 2025 State Game
• VFLW Grand Finalist with Collingwood
2024 Stats
Medium Forward
Number 24
1.5 Disposals
1.0 Kicks
0.5 Handballs
0.0 Marks
2.0 Tackles
0.5 Goals
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2022 - 6 Goals
2023 - 3 Goals
2024 -1 Goal
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Hawthorn FC Most Improved Player Award, & known as the Casey Demons goal sneak.
2024 - Hawthorn Football Club