Driving Change: Road Safety Round 2025

This week we’re participating in TAC Victoria and AFL Victoria’s Road Safety Round.

Our football and netball teams will proudly wear blue armbands as part of the TAC’s ‘Band Together’ campaign — a powerful reminder that we’re all on the same team when it comes to saving lives on our roads.

This year, the focus is on speeding – a factor in nearly 1 in 3 fatal crashes in Victoria. Even a small amount over the speed limit can increase your crash risk by 44%.

From 2025, it’s not just about playing your role – it’s about leading. Your actions can protect more than just yourself – they protect your teammates, your club, and your community.

Club President, Mark Stanley, shared the importance of Road Safety Round.

“As a club, we have a responsibility to drive change – on and off the field. Road safety is everyone’s issue, and every action you take on the road matters.”

“We’re calling on every player, coach and volunteer to help build a culture of road safety in our community. It’s time to not just show up – but step up.”

One death on our roads is too many – and our club can BE THE DIFFERENCE.

Photo by Yvette Fitz

Another great $5k Draw!

What a fantastic day for our annual $5K Draw — a great turnout, plenty of laughs, and an overall fun day!

We all enjoyed a delicious spit roast cooked up by long-time club supporter Mick Costanzo from Chef in a Box. Big thanks to Liz Mace, Robyn Irvine, and Jodi Stanley for serving on the day and keeping the food topped up!

Our regular bartender Livio Basile was missed, but Graeme & Shelley Daisley and Zeke Butterworth jumped behind the bar to keep the drinks flowing.

Adding to the atmosphere, we had fantastic live music from Nick McColl and Sarah Catania, which had the crowd up and dancing well into the afternoon.

A huge shout-out to our host Matt Patti, organisers Lauren & James Ind, and everyone who helped with the numbers on the day, including Noah Stanley, Daniel Watkinson, and even Tommy Bianchin, who jumped in to lend a hand.

As for the draw — the final five decided to split the prize, each walking away with $1,000. Although our major sponsor AES held the winning number.

Thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable event — already looking forward to the next one!

Bianchin Family
Lauren Ind & Tommy Bianchin
Liz Mace, Robyn Irvine, Jodi Stanley
Senior Women’s team
Lauren & James Ind
Nick McColl & Sarah Catania
Greg Hanlon, Kym Irvine, Jake Halewood & Darren Hocking

Honoured to Receive the Paul Hopper Cup

We were very proud to receive the Paul Hopper Cup this year — a special tribute to a man who made a lasting impact on both St Mary’s and Thomastown.

Paul’s legacy continues to inspire our community, and it was an honour to be recognised with this meaningful award.

A heartfelt thank you to Paul’s wife, Donna Hopper, for presenting the cup to our Club President, Mark Stanley.

Music Trivia Night 2025

It’s time to test your music knowledge and relive the best hits of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Gather your smartest friends for a night of live music, throwback fashion, and non-stop fun.

Silverwater will be rocking the stage, bringing your favourite classics to life. Come dressed in your grooviest retro outfits for your chance to win prizes throughout the night.

Bring your own snacks, enjoy drinks from the bar, and settle in at a table of 10 — just $25 per person.

Spots are limited, so round up your crew and book your tickets.

Book now

Paul Hopper Cup 2025

This weekend we celebrate the Paul Hopper Cup for the 12th year.

Paul Hopper was a much-loved senior football player and committee member for Thomastown, and a driving force behind the formation and success of the St Mary’s Senior Football Club.

The Paul Hopper Cup commenced in 2013 and stands as a tribute to his legacy and the deep connection he shared with both clubs.

Paul’s journey with St Mary’s began alongside his wife Donna, when their sons, Nathan and Marc, joined the junior club. Both boys would go on to play in St Mary’s inaugural senior team in 2009 — a season Paul helped bring to life as a founding member and inaugural committee member of the Senior Club.

Across his time our club, Paul held several key roles — Social & Merchandising Manager (2009), Club Secretary (2010–2011), and Vice President in 2012, a position he held until his passing.

Paul’s passion, leadership and commitment were instrumental in building the strong, community-driven senior club we have today. In 2023, he was posthumously awarded Life Membership as recognition of his impact.

Former Club President and Paul’s friend Tom Chapman shared:

“Paul was the kind of bloke who never asked for credit — he just got things done, and always with a smile. He loved this club and the people in it. You felt that every time you saw him.”

Take a look through some photos of Paul’s time at St Mary’s and previous Paul Hopper Cup matches 👇

NAIDOC WEEK 2025

Today marks the start of NAIDOC Week – in its 50th year of celebration.

Each NAIDOC Week reinforces our vision for an Australia where Indigenous voices are not only heard but lead the way.

The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of First Nations communities, and the legacy of their ancestors.

As this year’s theme looks to a bright future, senior women’s players Judhil Canendo a proud Kuku-Djungan and Kerri woman and Jaydah Hope a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunai Kurnai share what Eldership means to them and the lasting impact it has across communities in the video below.

As a club, we recognise that sport plays a powerful role in community and culture. From a local level and beyond, First Nations athletes have helped shape the story of football and netball with their talent, resilience, and leadership. We honour the trailblazers who paved the way, and commit to empowering the next generation of First Nations players, coaches, and leaders within our club.

We encourage everyone to play a role in uplifting First Nations people with the following small actions:

  • Follow, share, and comment on NAIDOC media
  • Subscribe to the NAIDOC newsletter for updates and stories
  • Read a book, watch a show, or listen to a podcast by a First Nations person
  • Use your platform to amplify First Nations voices
  • Download the National NAIDOC Week educational resources and share what you learn
  • Support a Blak business – buy local, buy proudly

Jack Bianchin re-signs for 2026

Please welcome back Jack Bianchin as our Senior Men’s Head Coach for the 2026 season!

After a successful year on and off the field so far, and with plenty of positive feedback from the playing group, we’ve extended Jack’s contract for another season.

We’re excited to build on the momentum and can’t wait to see what 2026 brings for the team and the club.

Burra 45 Lotto Winners

Here’s your latest update from the Burra 45 $200 weekly lottery! Congrats to our recent winners:

  • 28 Jun – #39 Wayne Mace
  • 21 Jun – #6 Shelly Daisley & Glen Costello
  • 14 Jun – #1 Tom Chapman & Lou Patti
  • 7 Jun – #30 Joe Maggio
  • 31 May – #5 Heather Stewart
  • 24 May – #13 Jon Benson & Jess Bickerton
  • 17 May – #31 Tracy Yuill
  • 10 May – #1 Tom Chapman & Lou Patti
  • 3 May – #30 Joe Maggio

Thinking of joining Burra 45? It’s $500 per number, per year (only $10 a week), with instalment plans available. The draw runs every week—yes, all 52 weeks—not just during the footy season. That means 52 chances to win $200, and you could even win back your full investment!

Stay tuned to our socials for more winners and reach out if you want to sign up.

Find out more

Rising star: Lilyana Condon talent identified

Congratulations to Lilyana Condon from our 15&Under Netball team for being talent identified at this year’s Netball Victoria Association Championships!

Lilyana is one of just six NFNL representatives selected and has now been invited to trial for the 2026 Netball Victoria Talent Academy — an incredible achievement and opportunity!

It’s exciting to see our junior program fulfilling its purpose by providing clear pathways for young girls to develop their skills and pursue sport at higher levels. This marks a significant step forward for our club and is a fantastic reflection of the talent emerging from our junior ranks.

Lilyana Condon

Busted: Our 2025 Road Safety Campaign

Today marks the launch of our 2025 TAC Club Rewards road safety social media campaign.

Get ready as we “brake down” (pun intended!) road safety myths throughout the season.

Let’s start with a big one we all face today due to leading such busy lives: driving tired.

Fatigue doesn’t just come from lack of sleep — physical exhaustion and driving during your usual sleep hours (overnight or early morning) count too.

Many people think, “I’m fine to drive after just a few hours’ sleep if I’m used to it.”

That’s a myth. Driving on less than 5 hours of sleep makes you four times more likely to crash than if you had a full 8 hours. In Victoria, this tired driving contributes to 16–20% of all crashes.

If you’re feeling tired, pull over for a rest and a coffee to stay on the ball. Your life and others’ depend on it.

We’ll also be supporting the 2025 key TAC initiative “SLO-MO.” Every Sunday, we’ll share a slow-motion clip of one of our favourite sporting moments from the season! Watch the first one on Instagram.

Stay tuned to our socials for the rest of the campaign as we continue to break down more road safety myths!

Find out more about driving tired