The News Corp Sports Newsroom annually spotlights the Northern Football and Netball League’s (NFNL) most promising under-23 talents, casting a spotlight on those set to shape the league’s landscape for years to come.
This year we were please to see that, our very own, Huon ‘Sauce’ MacGibbon has been named in the Herald Sun Leader’s “Top 50 young guns to watch in the NFNL.”
“Played all 17 games last year on his way to becoming arguably the Burra’s (sic) No.1 key defender and has featured in every game so far this season too. However, importantly, has upped his influence, going from just two mentions in the best in 2022 to seven this year.” – Ben Higgins, News Corp
Huon’s inclusion in this list is a testament to his unwavering dedication, skill, and the significant impact he has made within our Club and the league as a key defender.
Join us to celebrate another fantastic year and award our 2023 Best & Fairest players.
We’ll be back at The Grande Reception Centre this year, for a 3 course-meal with beer, wine, sparkling and soft drink included.
There’ll also be a DJ on hand so you can let loose on the dance floor!
Please organise a table of 10 in advance and ensure all people on the table book under the same table number online. If you have issues finding a table, please reach out.
Adam Lucci has re-committed for 2024! With an incredible record of over 150 games at the Club, he’s he’s known as a Club legend and we’re pleased that he’ll be taking on a bigger role in 2024. In addition to playing, Lucci will be our Player Liaison Officer! In this crucial role, Adam will be the key link between the players and the Football Department and Committee. He’ll always be on hand to listen and make sure player concerns and addressed and our players feel supported. Further, he’ll be helping ensure seamless transitions for our junior stars stepping into the senior league, support injured players to return to footy, and continue creating a culture of care and genuine support. Adam’s experience, leadership, and passion are what make him respected by players and supporters alike. We can’t wait to see him make a further impact both on and off the field in 2024!
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Congratulations Troy Bickerton on an amazing footy journey with St Mary’s! Bicko first came to the Club in 2013 and immediately made an impact being named in the best 7 times that season, with his ruck craft matching the best in the league.
Bicko’s tap work and willingness to do whatever the team needed made him a critical part of the Club. Despite a few near misses, Bicko’s hard work and dedication paid off in 2017 and 2018 when the team finally achieved premiership success. Furthermore, Bicko accomplished the remarkable feat of playing alongside his son, Hayden, in a heartwarming display of family legacy within the Club. Now retired from playing, Troy has continued to make his mark by building our women’s football team from the ground up alongside his wife Jessie, daughter Maddie and son Hayden. Under Bicko and his son Hayden’s coaching, the women’s team achieved a significant milestone last year by making it to their first-ever grand final, an incredible achievement and a history-making one for our Club. Now, in the current season, the team’s success has only continued to grow. As minor premiers for the second consecutive year, they’re strong contenders for another Grand Final appearance, providing the players with an opportunity to make history once again. In 2021, Troy and his wife Jessie were recognised for their dedication to the Club and particularly the women’s football team with the ‘Livio Basile Award’ that recognises the best Club people. And when he’s not coaching the women, you can find him at U19s games at 9:40am running water or doing whatever needs to be done. Troy and his family have undoubtedly created an enduring legacy at the Club both on and off the field. Their influence, particularly on women’s football, will remain ingrained in our Club’s history.
Congratulations Matt Patti on an amazing footy journey with St Mary’s.
Matt ‘Lenko’ Patti’s arrived at St. Mary’s in 2011 and made an impact from day one, leading the Club’s Senior goal kicking with 35 goals in his debut season. He went on to lead it again in 2014 and was always crafty around a goal.
Lenko was a mainstay of the senior side for many year. He became a reliable and essential member of the senior team, often shouldering the load as the key forward and putting in hard work and on and off the field.
2018 was arguably his greatest year. As a playing coach he led the Reserves to an undefeated season concluding with a premiership victory!
Beyond his on-field contributions, Lenko also proved to be a true clubman. Even though he is now coaching elsewhere, he can still often be found at the Club and even hosted our $5k draw this year.
Since his departure, Matt ‘Lenko’ Patti has been missed, but his impact remains and he will always be a big part of the Club’s history.
Congratulations Ryan ‘Pieps’ Pieper on an amazing footy journey with St Mary’s. Pieps arrived arrived in 2012 alongside his close friend Fig and seamlessly integrated into the Club. Despite being a defender often facing bigger opponents, he consistently got the job done. Pieps’ finest moments came during the Reserves premiership three-peat from 2016 to 2018, during which he served as the Captain for all three wins. It’s no suprise we had a three-peat given Pieps’ leadership skills were second to none, with a remarkable ability to unite and inspire the team. The impact he had on the success of the team throughout this period cannot be understated. Since he retired at the end of 2021 he has been sorely missed, but his legacy continues to have a profound impact on our players. Overall, Pieps will be remembered as a skilled player, a fantastic leader, and someone who left a lasting impression on the Club.
Congratulations to Meg Girolami and Sarah Johnston for being the two highest goal scorers in Division 2 this year!
In what can only be described as a meteoric rise, Meg Girolami has stormed onto the senior footy scene and claimed the top spot among goal scorers in Division 2 with an impressive tally of 32 goals.
Before her senior debut, Meg honed her skills in the Northern Knights representative team, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. Even as a junior, she was called up to play for the senior team, contributing significantly to crucial victories, including the memorable one that brought an end to Eltham’s long-standing winning streak in 2022.
Taking the top spot last year, Sarah Johnston is a well-known scoring sensation and comes in second with 28 goals. Sarah has been a consistent force on the field and has continued to prove she’s a steady performer year after year. Her skills on the field and innate ability to find the middle two posts have made her a force to be reckoned with.
Congratulations to both players on a phenomenal season!
Congratulations Dillan Ronalds on an amazing footy journey with St Mary’s so far…
Dillan ‘Dilron’ Ronalds had an exceptional playing career and his achievements in the teal, white and black are unrivalled, with a total of seven Club B&F awards – 5 in Seniors and 2 in U19s.
It comes as no surprise that he was the Captain of the first Senior Men’s Premiership in 2018, triumphing over Panton Hill – a huge moment for the Club. That very season Dillan showcased his skills and leadership, featuring in the best players’ list 12 times out of 18 matches. Additionally, his outstanding performance earned him a spot in the Division 3 Team of the Year, his 6th time being featured.
Throughout his time with the Club, Dillan has made many sacrifices and achieved great success – as much as anybody in our history. His contributions continue to leave lasting impact on our teams and the Club as a whole.
This year marks a new chapter in his life as Dillan his partner Samantha recently welcomed their first child, a little girl named Aurora. We can’t wait to see her in the teal, white and black soon, maybe cheering on her dad!
Whether he plays again or not, Dillan will be always remembered as a Club legend for his achievements, dedication, and leadership on and off the field, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations within the Club.
Join us at the Club rooms on Saturday 12 August from 7:30pm for the Burra Boiler Room.
We’ve got an exciting lineup of DJs ready to keep the beats pumping all night long, a fully stocked bar and a dance floor for you to let loose and show off your best dance moves.
Festival or Weird kits encouraged! Unleash your creativity and wear the most outlandish outfit you can imagine.
SMFNC 