National Volunteer Week: The Change Makers

Today is the start of National Volunteer Week, a chance to recognise the the vital work of all the volunteers that contribute to our club and say thank you.⁠
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This year’s theme is ‘The Change Makers,’ which aims to highlight the vital role volunteers play in creating positive change in their communities and beyond. ⁠
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Club President Mark Stanley expressed his gratitude for the incredible people that create positive change at St Mary’s.⁠
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“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our club. They are our unsung heroes, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Without their contributions, our club simply would not be able to function.”⁠
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“On behalf of the club I’d like to pass on a big thank you to our volunteers. Your hard work, passion, and commitment have made a real difference at St Mary’s, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.”⁠

Every drop counts. Can we count on you?

We’re calling on our community to give blood or plasma until 31 July for the Lifeblood Football and Netball Club Blood Drive for the second year running.
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This year, our club has already saved 27 lives – let’s keep it going!⁠
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To give blood or plasma call 13 14 95 or book online. Our nearest donor centre is in Bundoora.⁠
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Read the instructions below to make sure your donation counts toward our Lifeblood team. If you have any issues, please contact us via social media.
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P.s Don’t forget you can make a team booking and donate with your mates!⁠

Standing in Solidarity: Supporting the Pat Cronin Foundation

It was great to see our players supporting the Pat Cronin Foundation Round on the weekend by wearing a yellow armband.

Our decision to wear yellow arm bands during the game was a tribute to Pat and a powerful symbol of solidarity with the Foundation and our community.

The Pat Cronin Round is an annual event that honors the life of Pat Cronin, a young man in the local community who tragically lost his life to a one-punch attack in 2016. Pat was a keen sportsman and a beloved member of the community and Lower Plenty Football Club, and his passing had a profound impact on everyone who knew him.

The Pat Cronin Foundation was established in his memory to raise awareness about the dangers of one-punch attacks and to promote a culture of respect and responsibility among young people. The Pat Cronin Round is one of the Foundation’s major initiatives, and it aims to bring together local football clubs and communities to celebrate Pat’s life and legacy.

We are proud to be a Club that values respect, and good sportsmanship and we will strive to continue to spread the Foundation’s message within our community.

Netball team
Women’s Football Team

James marks a milestone: 100 Games at St Mary’s

Congratulations to James Ind on 100 games at St Mary’s!⁠ ⁠

This milestone has been a long time coming for ‘Jimma,’ and playing his 100th game today is a true testament to his dedication and passion for the club and the sport. ⁠ ⁠

James, and his wife Lauren, have been incredible long-time supporters of our club and their commitment is truly inspiring.⁠ ⁠

We’re proud to have James, Lauren, and now their son Asher, as part of our club and look forward to many more successes together in the future!⁠ ⁠ Head on over to Facebook to hear what James’ mates had to say about his time at St Mary’s so far.

James’ 100th Game

Sherrin making a difference for our women’s team

We want to send a huge thank you to Jackie Read from Sherrin for donating new football’s to our women’s team.

Last week, 6 of our footballs were stolen – right from the coaches car. Luckily, when Jackie heard, she generously arranged for all the football’s to be replaced at no cost to the club.

It’s always heartwarming to see individuals and companies go out of their way to make a positive difference. Our women’s team are absolutely wrapt with the donation, and as a club we are incredibly grateful for Sherrin’s generosity.⁠

Supporting the Pat Cronin Foundation

We are proud to again support the Pat Cronin Foundation and their mission to raise awareness about the coward punch and prevent such tragedies occurring in our community.⁠
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The loss of Pat was devastating for his family, friends and the wider community. However, the way his family have responded to this tragedy by creating a foundation that has a positive impact on our community is inspiring.⁠
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Football Director, Greg Hanlon, shared why it’s important for St Mary’s to support the Pat Cronin Foundation.⁠
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“At St Mary’s, we recognise that that we have a responsibility to promote positive values on and off the field.”⁠
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“Violence has no place in sport and goes against our club’s core values of respect and sportsmanship.”⁠
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“As a club, we are committed to playing our part in ending the coward punch and ask everyone in our community to join us in this effort. Together, we can make a real difference and build a stronger and more resilient community and club.”⁠
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This weekend, our players will be wearing yellow armbands to honour Pat’s memory and show our support for the Pat Cronin Foundation. ⁠
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We also encourage our supporters to wear a yellow armband and actively take part in spreading the Foundation’s message.⁠
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Be wise. Think carefully. Act kindly.⁠

Vale Tony Giles

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Tony Giles early yesterday morning following a short illness.⁠
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Adored by many and a friend to all, Tony was without doubt one of the greatest stalwarts to pass through both the St Mary’s Junior and Senior Football Clubs. ⁠
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Collectively, Tony was involved with both clubs for approximately 25 years, and along with his late wife Marie, was the face of the canteen and many a social event. They both went on to be awarded Life Membership at the Junior Club and became founding members of our Senior Club.⁠
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“Big Tone,” as he was affectionally known, loved to make people laugh and was always cracking a joke. His big beaming smile was his calling card just before he’d say “G’day Mate” or “G’day Cobber.”⁠
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Born with the biggest of hearts, Tony always did the jobs around the clubrooms that no one else liked doing, and he simply set about doing them on his own without any fuss or seeking of recognition.⁠
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Outside of St Mary’s, he was only too happy to help anyone who needed it, such was his warm nature. ⁠
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Tony’s long-standing commitment to St Mary’s and his passion for the club will forever be remembered. He was the epitome of what it means to be a great clubman and his shoes will be hard to fill.⁠

We pass on our deepest condolences to his daughters Candice and Hayley and their families and send our love and thoughts during this difficult time.⁠
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Farewell mate⁠
Vale Tony Giles

Introducing our 2023 Footy Leaders

We’re pleased to introduce the leadership groups across our men’s and women’s football teams this year!

Senior Men
Captains: Nick Gedge and Nick Dean
Leadership group: Huon Macgibbon, Adam Lucci and Tane Cotter

Senior Women
Captains: Tomeeka Neil and Elyssa Rees
Leadership group: Charlotte Evans, Georgia Girolami, Jess Hary & Caitlin Kreuzberge

Reserves
Captain: Pat Waldron
Vice Captains: Nathan Winchcombe and Daniel Watkinson

U19s
Captain: Bede Collis

U19s Captain
Senior Women’s Leadership Group
Reserves Leadership Group
Senior Men’s Leadership Group

Volunteers needed

Are you a true St Mary’s supporter? Prove it by volunteering for the club this season!

As a not-for-profit club we rely on our incredible community to keep the club running. Without volunteers, it would simply not be possible. That’s why we’re asking more people to get involved this year.

Details are below on current volunteer vacancies. Contact Greg Hanlon or Terry Derham if you can assist.

Umpire Escort
Number required: 3 per week (one for each men’s game)
Dates required: Saturday 15 April to Saturday 19 August
Commitment: Can volunteer to do just one or two weeks etc.
Job description: Walk umpires between the ground and club rooms at the start and end of each quarter.

Temporary Team Managers
Number required: 1 x Senior Men and 1 x Reserves
Dates Required: 22 April, 29 April, 6 May and 20 May
Commitment: Preferred if you can commit to all dates
Job description: Preparing and submitting team sheets to the umpire, preparing drinks and lollies each week, distributing officials clothing (coach armband, runner tops, umpire escort) and liaising with the water boy.