The Benalla Saints Past Players and Officials Association officially opened its new stand at the Saints’ first home game of the year, formally declaring it the Mick Stilo Stand.
The Benalla Saints Past Players and Officials Association celebrated a special milestone a little more than a fortnight ago at the Saints’ first home game for the season, officially opening the new Past Players Stand at Benalla Showgrounds.
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Having stood since 1961, the old Chiswell Pavilion was demolished in 2021 following a condition report finding the asbestos cladding posed an increased risk to the community as it deteriorated.
The pavilion had served as the clubhouse and change rooms for the then Benalla Demons Football Club, and later Benalla Saints Sports Club, before being used by the Gymnastics Club and the Men’s Shed in later years, surviving more than 15 premiership celebrations by the Saints before they moved to their new clubhouse.
Mick Stilo, who has been president of the players’ association since its inception in 2014, was the driving force behind the building of the new structure, which officially opened on April 12 in front of a large number of past players, spectators and people who had supported the build.
Spectators enjoy the new Mick Stilo Stand at Benalla Showgrounds.
Committee member Dave Donohue spoke of Stilo’s commitment to the cause at the opening, before unveiling the structure as the Mick Stilo Stand in recognition of his devotion to the project.
“This has been a major project for over 18 months, and there aren’t too many of us who haven’t been on the end of a phone call from Mick asking us to assist, and when we do always find that Mick is here already,” Donohue said.
“This pavilion isn’t the only passion he has for the Benalla Saints Sports Club or the Benalla Showgrounds Reserve; every meeting we have, Mick seems to have ideas of what we can do to make the place better.”
The old Chiswell Pavilion was demolished in 2021, although the verandah was salvaged and incorporated into the new structure.
The announcement came as a shock to Stilo, who was not told of the proposal to name the stand after him.
“This has been a huge effort by a large number of people and local businesses and I would like to thank everyone for their contribution and support,” he said after unveiling the sign bearing his name alongside his wife Jillian.
“We hope this pavilion can be a meeting place where people can come and watch the football and netball, catch up with some old friends and tell a tale or two.”
The plaque at the Mick Stilo Stand recognising those who contributed to the build.
BSPPOA committee member Ray Guppy had suggested the naming of the stand in Stilo’s name more than 18 months prior, working quietly in the background to gain the support of all other committee members, The Benalla Showgrounds Committee of Management and Benalla Saints Sports Club, all without Stilo’s knowledge.
The new Mick Stilo Stand incorporates some elements from the old Chiswell Pavilion, including floorboards, signage and metal trim, which has been incorporated into the new structure, which also boasts a much larger Trees Tavern canteen, storage, toilets and shelter.
