International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate and recognise the social, global, economic, and political achievements of women globally.⁠

It is also a call to action to accelerate gender parity.⁠

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias

Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.⁠

Everyone in our community has a role to play in forging a more gender-balanced world, and together we can all work to #BreakTheBias

Let’s use the opportunity of International Women’s Day to truly forge the gender agenda further and to make positive gains for women and girls worldwide.⁠

Women’s History Month

Today is the start of Women’s History month, a time to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture and society.

At SMFNC, the continued running and success of our club would not be possible without the many women behind it. From the mums who make Thursday night dinner, the sisters who volunteer in the canteen, to the girlfriends who have helped out as trainers, and of course our women on the footy field and netball court.

In Australia, women are still under-represented in organised sport—as participants, coaches, officials, administrators, and board members.

We hope that we can be part of the continued and increased involvement of women in sport through our women’s football team and women’s netball teams.

To mark this celebration, we decided to reflect on the history of women in sports, and celebrate some of the world’s most remarkable, history-making moments for women!

MF Freight and Cold Concepts join as 2022 sponsors!

We are pleased to welcome on board MF Freight and Cold Concepts as sponsors for 2022!⁠

MF Freight
If you need assistance with transport management, reach out to the team who have a full suite of transport solutions to match your freight and distribution needs!⁠

Cold Concepts Refrigeration
Cold Concepts specialise in the supply, installation and maintenance of commercial refrigeration, air-conditioning and freezers. ⁠With more than 25 years in the industry and a proven track record, you can count on them for all your refrigeration needs

Thanks for your support!⁠

We are seeking Sport Trainers

St Mary’s Senior Football and Netball Club is seeking 1 head trainer and 2 sports trainers to assist our Medical Support Team.⁠

We are looking for trainers with experience, or happy to train you on the job!⁠

We are located in Greensborough and form part of the Northern Football and Netball League.

These positions will work across all of our teams including Under 19’s, Reserves, Seniors, and Senior Women’s.⁠

Requirements: ⁠
– Attend one training session per week (Tuesday or Thursday night).⁠
– Attend match day on Saturday⁠
– Attend some Sunday matches⁠

Key tasks: ⁠
– Massage, strapping and other injury prevention duties.⁠
– Assisting with injuries and other first aid requirements throughout the game.⁠
– Assist with pre-game, on field, and post-game duties.⁠
– Liaise with other trainers and coaches regarding player medical issues.⁠


Qualifications:⁠
If you have completed all or most of these that is great, if not we are happy to help you get all the qualifications you need. ⁠

– Ideally studying in the sports or health field.⁠
– Minimum Level 1 Sports Trainer⁠
– Current First Aid and CPR qualifications⁠
– Taping course⁠

Please send applications to fihocking07@gmail.com

SMFNC join St Mary’s Junior Club at their Open Day!

Today, players and members from our Club were thrilled to be involved in St Mary’s Junior Football Club Open Day, and assist with their combine activities!⁠

Mark Stanley, Club President, shared⁠ how great it was to be part of this day!

“We were all excited to be part of this day, and can’t wait to work with the Junior Club more throughout the year.”⁠

“Most of our senior players have come through the Junior Club, so they are passionate about having a strong connection to the Junior Club, and helping young players transition to senior football with us.”⁠

“We hope that all the junior players had a fantastic day, and that we see many of these kids as part of the Senior Club one day!”⁠

Thank you to all the Senior players and members that helped out:⁠

– Mark Stanley, Club President⁠
– Jessie Bickerton, Senior Women’s Team Manager⁠
– Ebony Clayton, Senior Women’s Captain⁠
– Nick Gedge, Senior Men’s Captain⁠
– Patrick Carbis⁠
– Joe Bergman⁠
– Jack Dean⁠
– Connor Kissan⁠e⁠
– Noah Stanley⁠

We’re looking for U19 players!

Looking to play Under 19’s football in a welcoming and fun environment?

Well you’re in luck as we are looking for U19 recruits – and we’re offering a discounted registration fee!

If you’re still not convinced, just hear what our current U19’s players has to say about why they love playing at St Mary’s by watching this video on our Instagram or Facebook!

If you are interested in joining, contact our U19’s coach Ben Shelton on 0403 746 798.

Closing the cancer care gap

Today marks World Cancer Day.⁠

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and with many people part of our St Mary’s community being affected by cancer in some way, it is important to take stock and recognise the importance of this day.⁠

This year, the theme is ‘Close the care gap’, and is s all about understanding and recognising the inequities in cancer care around the globe. ⁠

It’s about having an open mind, challenging assumptions and looking at the hard facts.Only when we learn and understand, can we take action and make progress. It’s time to close the care gap.⁠

Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer for yourself, the people you love and for the world.⁠

“Jake is a crucial part of the future” – Jake Dambrauskas’ St Mary’s Story

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.”