Starting with St Mary’s Junior Club back in 2004, Daniel Castagnini spent his whole junior career at the club and eventually made the move up to the Senior Club in 2014 where he could continue playing with the friends he had made over the last 10 years.
While he saw lots of great success in the Junior Club and even made Colts Team of the Year, his first ever Premiership was with the U19s in 2014 – his very first year at the Senior Club. In fact this Premiership team was made up of 37 players from the Junior Club. Showing himself as a promising player, he also made his senior team debut in 2014.
Fast forward a few years and he was a standout player in the Senior team! In 2017, he placed 2nd in the club Best & Fairest, and was recognised by the league as a strong halfback in their annual Team of the Year. In 2018, he was a key part of the Senior team winning their very first Premiership!
When the Senior team moved up to Division 2 in 2019, he was praised by the Herald Sun as being a “prolific off half-back” and by the NFNL as “instrumental” to the team’s first win the Division. His success and achievements saw him be recognised as part of the Club’s Team of the Decade in 2019.
Having now played over 100 games with the Senior Club, Daniel remains an important part of the Club and the Senior team each week.
Senior Head Coach Fabian Carelli shared just how much Daniel contributes to the Club.
“Casta, as he’s affectionately known to the playing group, has been an integral part of the backline since my arrival at the Club.”
“As a half-back, he has a great ability to defend the 1-1’s, often showing no fear when putting his body on the line for his teammates, while still creating great drive off half-back as running defender.”
“Having watched him over the last few years, I am proud that he has stayed true to the Club throughout his senior career, and become a key contributor in driving future success for St Mary’s.”
SMFNC 