Senior player Jake Dambrauskas joined St Mary’s 15 years ago, and has never looked back!
Starting initially with the St Mary’s Junior Club in 2007, he had a fantastic junior career, marked with memories of fun and friendship, and even won his first Premiership in Colts in 2012! Unfortunately in 2013, he just missed out on a second premiership in Colts.
Luckily, the Senior Club provided a pathway for him to continue playing with his mates at a club he loved, and Jake was a key part of the U19s team that won the Senior Club’s first ever premiership in 2014!
Being identified as a strong and skilful player, Jake quickly moved into the Senior team. His hard work and dedication off the field translated into outstanding performances on the field, and the NFNL named him in their 2016 Team of the Year.
By 2018, he had clearly made his mark at the Club, being part of the Club’s first Senior premiership, placing 3rd in the Club Best & Fairest, and was even named in the NFNL Team of the Year again – all in one year!
His contribution to the Club on and off the field was also recognised when he was named part of the St Mary’s Team of the Decade.
8 years later, he has now played over 100 games at the St Mary’s Senior Club, and is still going strong heading into 2022!
Despite moving into Senior football, Jake is still passionate about the Junior Club and helping young players develop and transition to the Senior Club, having previously coached the St Mary’s Junior Club Under 15 2’s in an undefeated regular season.
Senior Assistant Coach Ben Joyce shared how Jake has been vital to the Club’s successes.
“Jake is another great example of the pathway working well from the Junior to the Senior Club.
“Having known and coached him since 2013 it has been fantastic to watch his development both as a footballer and person.”
“On the field he has as many tricks as anybody (and he’ll tell you all about it) with his speed and ability to break the lines a standout.”
“His key highlights include significant contributions to premierships at both the Under 19 and Senior level. I can confirm though despite these successes the ‘Party Shirt Showdown’ was not one of these highlights.”
“No doubt he’s one of the stranger ‘cats’ at the Club but I think that’s why I’ve always got on with him so well. He’s also an underrated team man that will play any role as required.”
“Jake is a crucial part of the future as one of our most experienced players and we look forward to watching him in 2022 and beyond.”
SMFNC 