GFL - RIVALS RALLY AROUND KEAST:
THE local football community has rallied behind GFL great Glenn Keast as the St Mary’s co-coach continues his recovery from a cardiac arrest.
Keast remains in a stable condition following Saturday morning’s health scare, which sent a shock around the competition. GFL clubs have since sent messages of support to St Mary’s, wishing the best for the North Shore great and St Mary’s premiership coach.
Newtown & Chilwell coach Damien McMahon said Keast, who turned 50 on Saturday, was well respected across the competition for his achievements.
Keast won two Mathieson Medals as the GFL’s best and fairest player in 1991 and 1995 and was a member of North Shore’s golden run of six consecutive flags between 1995 and 2000, coaching four.
“If you were having a hall of fame in the GFL, he’d probably be in there from a player and a coach,” McMahon said.
“You probably won’t find someone that’s achieved as much as he has in the Geelong Football League.
“To win the amount of premierships he has as a player and obviously the ones he has as a coach, although some of them were playing coach, it’s a massive achievement and he’s certainly well respected.”
Keast collapsed at training about 9.30am as sons Tom and Matt rushed to perform CPR.
St Joseph’s president Todd Devine wished Keast a speedy recovery.
“He was a great player, I played against him … and he was obviously a very good coach with North Shore,” Devine said.
“Our thoughts are with him and his family. Everyone in local footy is behind him.”
St Albans co-coach Ben Patrick said Keast had the support of the community in his recovery.
“It was just horrible news and our thoughts and wishes go out to not only himself and a full recovery but his family and everyone connected through St Mary’s and football around Geelong,” Patrick said.
AFL Barwon extended a message of support on its online channels. “We pass on our heartfelt best to Glenn, the Keast family and the wider St Mary’s Sporting Club,” AFL Barwon’s post read.
Geelong West president Paul Eastman said the Giants hoped for the best outcome for Keast “and know we’re thinking of him and his family”.
Leopold coach Jason Tom contacted St Mary’s co-coach Travis Robertson on Saturday night to offer his club’s thoughts.
“It sent a shock through us,” Tom said.
“I said to ‘Robbo’ that we’re hoping he comes back to full health soon and we get to battle it out this year.”
Bell Park coach Shane Jack hopes Keast will soon be able to return to the football field.
“I’ve heard hopefully he might be on the mend of late,” Jack said.
“I’m hoping he’s on the mend and hoping to get better.”