Celebrating another incredible year

As we wrap up 2024, we can’t help but reflect on all the amazing things we’ve achieved together—on and off the field. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, both for our club and for the community we operate in.

Here are just a few highlights from an unforgettable year:

  • Thanks to our ongoing commitment to road safety, we’ve hit a major milestone—raising $20,000 in funds over the last three year.
  • We’ve saved 60 lives through our Lifeblood team’s blood and plasma donations, making a real difference in the lives of people in need.
  • Three premierships were won, with our women’s team achieving an incredible back-to-back Premiership win!
  • Our Under 19s made history by finishing the season undefeated!
  • We actively participated in eight cultural and awareness events including NAIDOC Week and the inaugural Harmony Round to foster inclusivity and diversity both within our club and the broader community.
  • Brigid McEntee received the Senior Women’s Division 1 Coaches Award, and Terry Derham was honoured with a Jaga Jaga Community Award for his 30 years of volunteer service.

It’s clear that this has been a year of tremendous growth and achievement for our club. From our on-field successes to our community impact. We’ve proven that we do more than just play sport. We’re a community that works together to create a positive impact within our teams and clubs and our community.

A massive thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. We couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to an incredible 2025!

Watch the highlights video below.

International Volunteer Day

Happy International Volunteer Day!

Today, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make St Mary’s community what it is. Volunteers are the backbone of our club. From keeping things running to driving us forward, they truly are the heart of everything we do.

But here’s the thing—it’s the same group of dedicated volunteers who consistently step up. While they love helping out, sometimes they’d love to just sit back and enjoy the game too! That’s where you can make a difference.

Whether you have an hour to spare in the canteen or are interested in a more ongoing role, every bit makes a huge impact.

More than a game

In netball and football, the season may end, but the friendships never do. Whether it’s casual dinners, fun days out at the races, or simply catching up over coffee, we love how our players make time to stay connected outside of sport. It’s this commitment to each other that sets our club apart.

It’s these friendships that make the team and the club stronger, both on and off the field.

Boost your brand with St Mary’s

As we gear up for the 2025 season, we’re offering local businesses a unique opportunity to get their logo on our training singlets.

By partnering with us, your business can take advantage of a range of benefits while supporting grassroots sport in our community.

  1. Increased brand exposure: Your logo will be prominently displayed on our training singlets, seen by players, coaches, and supporters at every session.
  2. Build brand good will: Support a not-for-profit, grassroots community club and strengthen your reputation as a business that cares about giving back to the community.
  3. Targeted marketing: Reach a dedicated and engaged audience of players, families, and local supporters, creating direct connections with your potential customers.

Spots are limited so get in touch today!

U15s shine with senior support

It was fantastic to have our senior netball players and coaches come along to support our U15 team tonight! There’s something truly special about seeing teams come together and cheer each other on.

The U15s are now heading into their summer break after a great start to their inaugural season. We’re excited to see what’s ahead for this talented group of young players!

Pancakes for a cause

Time’s running out to help our club earn up to $6,000 through The Pancake Parlour Club Rewards—and it’s as simple as enjoying some delicious pancakes!

We need to secure a spot in the top 5 on the overall leaderboard, so every pancake counts. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat like Biscoff crepes or something savoury like a Pancake Parma or even a protein hit, The Pancake Parlour has you covered.

This is your chance to eat 100% guilt-free – you’re just doing your bit to help the club!

To help us win, complete the following steps:

1. Sign up: Join the Lovely Rewards program and select ‘St Mary’s Senior Football Netball Club’ under the ‘Club’ dropdown via the app or online.

2. Eat pancakes: Every time you dine in, scan/add your member card. Forgot? Just let the staff know at the counter, and they’ll ensure your points are attributed to St Mary’s.

Club Rewards ends on 31 December 2024.

International Men’s Day 2024

Today marks International Men’s Day, a chance to take part in a global conversation about manhood, masculinity and men’s issues.

Australia is one of the healthiest and wealthiest countries in the world and yet suicide is the leading cause of death for males under the age of 55.

This year’s theme is ‘Men’s Health Champions.’ It aims to celebrate the people around the country, who are working to improve the lives and health of men and boys, and encourage more people to become a Men’s Health Champion.

One way you can be a champion is to ‘look out for your mates.’ Whether it’s a phone call, a check-in, or simply making space to talk, small actions can make a big difference.

We all have a role to play in supporting the boys and men in our lives, particularly when they’re doing it tough.

Empowering girls through netball

In the spirit of This Girl Can Week, we had some of our senior players out training with the juniors tonight!

Vichealth’s This Girl Can campaign is all about breaking down barriers and empowering women and girls to stay active.

Thanks to Clare Nicholls, Georgie O’Sullivan and Micaela and Ciara Hanlon for volunteering your time.

With nearly 300 games between them (just for St Mary’s alone), they shared some great tips and advice with the U15s and showed them the benefits of always staying active.

Driving change: Over $20,000 raised

We’re thrilled to announce that we have received funding from the TAC Club Rewards program for the fourth consecutive year!

This brings our total raised to $20,800 raised, all thanks to our commitment to key road safety issues and promoting safe behaviours within our community.

Club President Mark Stanley shared how grateful the Club is for the additional $1,500 in funding.

“The impact of road trauma is significant, and it is our priority to ensure the safety of our players, supporters, and the wider community on the roads.”

“Our continued funding is a testament to our strong commitment and passion for creating creating a culture that prioritises road safety.”

“We’re also grateful to the TAC and AFL Victoria for their ongoing efforts in promoting road safety and for providing essential support to grassroots sports.”