Hostplus is a top-performing super fund that puts members first. That’s why we’re proud to have been named the 2023 Fund of the Year by third-party ratings agency SuperRatings. Judged across three areas: strong performance, competitive fees, and an ongoing focus on members, we’re thrilled to receive this recognition.
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AT FULL STRETCH BY PETER ARGENT
Glenelg dasher Billy Stretch with dad Steven and mum Leona and as an up-and-coming Tigers footballer making his mark over his dad, a former SANFL and AFL star. Photos: Peter Argent
It’s been a big year for Glenelg’s Billy Stretch – and it’s looking like it might get bigger and better. Stretch and long-term partner Rubi Lienert this year became engaged – and in December they will be married. Billy is in his fourth year of a carpentry apprenticeship and the couple are moving house. Enjoying his hectic lifestyle, Stretch has another driving force – the aim to be part of premiership success at the Bay. He is loving the successful season Glenelg has been putting together under new coach Darren Reeves. “You love Reeva’s (Reeves) work ethic and passion – he gives our playing group the best opportunity to perform at our best,” Stretch said. “His professionalism and desire to get the best out of the players is outstanding. Darren’s people skills and communication across the entire playing group are other strengths.” Stretch played 11 games in his debut season with Glenelg as an Immanuel College student in 2014, following in his father Steven’s footsteps and goaling with his first kick in SANFL league footy. Billy, remarkably, also bagged a goal with his first kick in AFL footy with Melbourne.
Steven made his senior footy debut for West Torrens in 1982, playing 60 games in the Eagles’ blue and gold before joining Melbourne in 1986. A Demons best-and-fairest and regular SA State-of-Origin representative, the speedy, highflying wingman played 164 games with Melbourne, including the 1988 grand final, and added 25 with Fitzroy. Billy, after being part of SA’s under18 success at national level in 2014, alongside Alex Neal-Bullen, Caleb Daniel, Sam Durdin and Jack Hayes, was snared by the Dees as a fatherson selection. “Brenton Phillips got that group to play a selfless teamfirst brand of football,” Stretch said of the under-18 championship win. “We certainly went under the radar that year but there were some very talented players in our side.” Between 2015-19 Stretch played 47 games with Melbourne before being delisted. “It was a tough transition in the first six months,” Stretch said. “You’re a way behind your peers from a career perspective. I came back to Glenelg and played under Mark Stone initially in 2020. It was good to have some SANFL footy to focus on, especially in that first period after I was delisted.”
Ultra-consistent and finding his niche on a wing in the current Glenelg outfit, Stretch reached his 50 SANFL league game milestone this year, nine years after his Bays debut. He received glowing praise from his coach. “Billy is the highest-quality person and character,” Reeves said. “He is the ultimate professional in his preparation and the way he attacks his football. Billy is incredibly consistent in his performance, playing his role for the team week after week. On top of that, he is hugely respected among his peers. He is a player you love coaching.” Along with premiership success this year, Stretch, 26, said he would like to play SANFL for a couple of more years, with the 100-game milestone an achievement he would like to tick off. Eventually he’d love to play some country football, as Rubi is an accomplished netballer who played at Tanunda. Her father Kym Lienert played SANFL league football with Central District in the late 1970s. Billy has received plenty of loyal support from Dad, now a converted Bays man, and Mum, Leona, across his entire footy journey. They are regular attendees at Billy’s games. sanfl.com.au
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