Media

We rank the top 30 NFNL Division 2 players of 2025
10 September 2025 – News Corp Sports room

8. Ty Kitchell – Just 19 but a stunning first full season of senior football from the Northern Knights graduate.
11. Jack Cicitta – Has always been dangerous around goals but stepped up several levels in 2025. Booted 24 goals in 13 senior matches last year but exploded this year with a magnificent return
15. Huon MacGibbon – Still only young but already one of the best ruckman in the competition, often taking on bigger and older opponents and beating them.
21. Tane Cotter – Still missed a couple of games, making 15 appearances, but was consistently among the Burras’ best and a major factor in the club’s return to finals.

We name the Northern league’s top young players for 2025
13 August 2025 – News Corp Sports room

Hayden Bickerton (St Mary’s) – Played primarily reserves last season but a big pre-season has seen him grab a senior chance with both hands at the Burras.
Nick Brennan (St Mary’s) – Mixed his time between senior and under-19s football last season, helping the Burras claim the Division 2 Under-19s premiership.
Joshua Carelli (St Mary’s) – Played eight senior games last season, while also juggling Northern Knights duties.
Will Dean (St Mary’s) – Burst onto the scene in 2023, playing 17 senior matches – as well as a couple at Northern Knights.
Ty Kitchell (St Mary’s) – Stepped out of Northern Knights last year and straight into the starting midfield at St Mary’s.
Lachlan Read (St Mary’s) – Was tracking well before injury saw him miss the last three games.

Burra retain second spot after comeback victory
12 August 2025 – NFNL

After winning their game last week, St Mary’s 1 took home another win in a hard fought and close game against the saints winning 29-24

St Mary’s knocks off Macleod in early taste of NFNL Division 2 finals
10 August 2025 – News Corp Sports room

The Burras thumped NFNL Division 2 joint ladder-leader Macleod by 41 points at Whatmough Park, their first win over a top-three side this season.

Jack Bianchin takes coaching reins at St Mary’s
2 October 2024 – News Corp Sports room

After a second straight club best-and-fairest, Jack Bianchin will hang up the boots to concentrate on coaching St Mary’s and he believes the club is ready for a big 2025.

Bianchin becomes Burra coach
25 September 2024 – NFNL

Jack Bianchin has been appointed as senior men’s coach of the St Mary’s Football Netball Club for the 2025 season.

Burra complete flawless Under 19.5’s season
16 September 2024 – NFNL

It was the perfect season for St Mary’s, culminating their undefeated 2024 campaign with the Marbuilt Division 2 Under 19.5’s premiership after defeating South Morang by 31 points in the Grand Final at Preston City Oval.

We rank the top 30 players in NFNL Division 2
11 September 2024 – News Corp Sports room

15. Rory Hanlon (St Mary’s): Arguably the Burras most consistent player this season, in a year of constant interruption. Hanlon, himself, missed three games but was in the best nine times in those 15 appearances, including the final three of the season as he tried to keep his club in finals. Earned Team of the Year honours last year and is a chance to make it back-to-back nods.

30. Jeremiah Antypas (St Mary’s): One of only three Burras to play all 18 games this season, following on from an impressive 2023 that saw him earn Team of the Year honours. After 47 majors last year, managed another 32 this season from 18 appearances, kicking four goals three times. His influence extended more than goals through, named in the best seven times.

We name the top 50 women’s players in the Northern Football Netball League
29 August 2024 – News Corp Sports room

Meg Girolami – Girolami booted 30 goals in her 17 games, including two in the Burras’ grand final triumph. Named at centre half-forward in the Team of the Year.
Georgia Kitchell – Kitchell took her game to a new level as the club stepped up from Division 2 last year.
Brigid McEntee – Having returned from serious injury to play a key role in St Mary’s Division 2 premiership last year, McEntee was in full flight this season.
Elyssa Rees – The Burras skipper played her 50th game earlier this season and finished the year holding the premiership cup aloft for the second time in a row – this time in Division 1.
Emmison Zealley – The star defender played a key role in the Burras’ amazing run to the Division 1 premiership, playing 13 games and being named in the best in 10 of them.

St Mary’s goes back-to-back, winning maiden NFNL Division 1 Women’s premiership
26 August 2024 – News Corp Sports room

Back-to-back Burras … it has a nice ring to it. Having taken out the NFNL Division 2 title last year, St Mary’s is celebrating a second straight premiership – this time in Division 1. The Burras kicked seven of the last nine goals of the game to claim a commanding 25-point victory over Diamond Creek Women’s at Preston City Oval.

[Troy] Bickerton said the foundations of the team’s strong second half was built in pre-season.

Burra complete historic rise to win back-to-back flags
26 August 2024 – NFNL

The Burra were able to put together four consistent quarters of football on the biggest stage of them all, putting their foot to the pedal in an elongated final quarter, to turn a six-point three quarter time advantage into a 9.6 (60) to 5.5 (35) victory on Grand Final day.

Winning the best on ground medallion was Team of the Year winger Brigid McEntee, who had a stellar performance right throughout the afternoon.

The 95 young guns lighting up the Northern league
7 August 2024 – News Corp Sports Newsroom

Jack Cicitta (St Mary’s): Booted 38 goals in 17 appearances last season and while he only has 28 in 16 this year, his impact as a whole has been bigger. The 22-year-old was in the Burras’ best just once last year but has been named six times in 2024, highlighting his improvement.

Lachlan Read (St Mary’s): Been limited to 13 games this season but the 21-year-old has still had a strong impact on the Burras season. Been named in the best five times, saving his best for the big guns Whittlesea, Diamond Creek, South Morang, Lower Plenty and Thomastown.

Burra storm home to defeat Roosters
6 August 2024 – NFNL

Matilda Blakey and Caitlin Hocking were superb in the midcourt, creating some important defensive plays while eager to get to the ball first at each contest. Meanwhile, Clare Nicholls and Georgina O’Sullivan were also an important duo in the defensive end and had a big say in the final result with their work during the last quarter.

The 19 guns set to shape Northern league finals
1 August 2024 – News Corp Sports Newsroom

Alex Chiocci (St Mary’s): A mid-season addition after starting the season at Montmorency. Has played in plenty of big games during his time at the Magpies and adds some much-needed experience and leadership to the Burras line-up.

Local Legends: Livio’s legacy at St Mary’s
22 July 2024 – AFL Victoria

Livio Basile has been involved with the St Mary’s football community for over three decades and is a true legend of the Northern Football Netball League club.

Livio began volunteering at St Mary’s in 1992, when out of the blue his son Damien decided to take up under 10’s football mid-season. Livio took him down to training on Wednesday and by Sunday, Damien was out on the field.

Local Legends: Liz keeps her footy family fed
18 June 2024 – AFL Victoria

Elizabeth Mace is one of those people who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make her local footy club a special place in the community.

Initially helping with the cleaning, Liz has now been organising and preparing delicious dinners for the last four years and shows no signs of stopping even though her sons have long since retired from footy! You can also find her husband Wayne manning the Blue Oyster Can Bar at every home game, demonstrating the true passion the Mace family feel for the St Mary’s football community.

National Volunteer Week – Share your story
21 May 2024 – Volunteering Australia

During National Volunteer Week, Volunteering Australia spotlighted four of our outstanding volunteers: Liz Mace, Wayne Mace, Terry Derham and Livio Basile.

Burra fly to the top after win over Magpies
20 May 2024 – NFNL

In a battle between the Division 1 and Division 2 premiers from last year, it was a two goal to nil opening half that set the tone and paved the way for the Burra to prevail 4.4 (28) to 1.1 (7). They now occupy top spot on the ladder ahead of Diamond Creek Women’s 1 and Heidelberg

Named: Northern League surprise packets of 2024
15 May 2024 – News Corp Sports Newsroom

Joseph Maggio – One of the club’s most experienced players but has taken another step up in 2024. After just six match he has been named in the Burras’ best five times, almost equalling his tally from 18 outings last season.

Burra record astonishing comeback over Bears
12 May 2024 – NFNL

St Mary’s produced an extraordinary final term comeback in their MC Labour Division 2 clash with South Morang, prevailing by just one-point in an entertaining contest at Mill Park Lakes Recreation Reserve.

St Mary’s preparing for a season defining fortnight
30 April 2024 – News Corp Sports Newsroom

The Burra’s tackle NFNL Division 2 premiership rivals Diamond Creek and South Morang in a test of each club’s title credentials. St Mary’s has started the season strongly, winning three of its opening four games.

Just in time, reigning league medallist Tane Cotter returned to top form in Saturday’s 45-point win over Lower Plenty. The star midfielder was named best-on-ground in the win as he works back to full fitness after a broken ankle suffered in last year’s preliminary final.

“We’ve got a good midfield group, I think Desmond is going to be a gun for us – he’s gone a bit unnoticed – and Rory Hanlon is really under-rated, he’s a superstar.”

Local Legends: Driving women’s football success at St Mary’s
30 April 2024 – AFL Victoria

Jessie Bickerton is the type of person that makes football clubs thrive and brings communities together. A true local legend!

Jessie is the current Senior Women’s Premiership-winning Team Manager and Women’s Football Manager, Committee Member, former player and unofficial photographer for St Mary’s Senior Football and Netball Club in the Northern Football Netball League (NFNL). Jessie has been instrumental in the growth and development of women’s football at St Mary’s, creating an environment that is more than just a place for women to play footy; it’s a supportive community that welcomes and celebrates everyone.

St Mary’s aiming to go further after NFNL Division 2 preliminary final experience
11 March 2024 – News Corp Sports Newsroom

The Burra’s played NFNL Division 2 finals for the first time in club history last season, reaching the preliminary final. The experience of winning a semi-final over South Morang and, while disappointing, losses to Eltham and Diamond Creek has given the club all the motivation it needs over summer. St Mary’s will once again trust in the natural progression of its list having built arguably the most stable squad in the entire Northern league.

Premiership experience to drive Burra
8 March 2024 – NFNL

St Mary’s senior women’s premiership forward Sarah Johnston believes the experience of playing in the last two Division 2 Grand Finals will be great preparation for Division 1 football in 2024. Reflecting on the celebratory afternoon, Johnston was pleased that the work done by her side throughout the year was rewarded with silverware.

“I think last year everything just fell into place, the year before that obviously, we fell short against Eltham in the Grand Final, and then Heidelberg last year, I think they were our strongest team to play against, so there’s always a bit of tension between us,” she said.

Leader’s top 75 local football clubs
10 November 2023 – News Corp Sports Newsroom

Missed finals in heart-breaking fashion last season and responded strongly in 2023. Finished third in the home-and-away season, the club’s first NFNL Division 2 finals appearance in club history. While it was no match for Eltham and Diamond Creek in the finals, the Burras are on a steep upward trajectory. Star midfielder Tane Cotter capped the season with the league best-and-fairest.

Nam ed: Top 30 guns NFNL Division 2 2023
13 September 2023 – News Corp Sports Newsroom

Jeremiah Antypas has been one of the recruits of the year having come across from Marcellin.

Huon MacGibbon had played key back for much of his career but was thrown into the No.1 ruck role this season and blossomed.

Dangerous anywhere on the group, [Tane Cotter] can run through the midfield and hit the scoreboard.

Senior Women’s Premiership team on Smash FM
8 September 2023 – Smash FM

Madi Bickerton, Meg Girolami, Georgia Girolami, Jess Hardy, Natalie Cora, Charlotte Evans, and Elyssa Rees, shared their experiences from the season, the intense buildup to the Grand Final, and the feeling of winning the coveted trophy.

Relentless St Mary’s claim historic finals win
4 September 2023 – News Corp Sports Newsroom

St Mary’s broke new ground on Sunday, claiming its first NFNL Division 2 finals win.

The Burras outlasted South Morang by 21 points in a high-scoring, sudden-death semi-final at Epping Reserve.

Huon Macgibbon continued his outstanding form with a best-on-ground performance in the ruck, while Jeremiah Antypas booted four goals.

[Rory] Hanlon, Joe Maggio, Kieran Abbott, Jack Bianchin and Tane Cotter also impressed.

Elyssa Rees joins NFNL Podcast
22 August 2023 – NFNL

Senior Women’s Co-Captain Elyssa Rees chats to the NFNL about the women’s upcoming Grand Final.

Top 50 young guns in Northern Football Netball League
16 August 2023 – News Corp Sports Newsroom

Huon Macgibbon: Played all 17 games last year on his way to becoming arguably the Burras 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.

Burra ease past Redbacks
30 July 2023 – NFNL

Rory Hanlon was superb around the middle, with his tackling pressure a particular highlight. He managed to also find two goals but in the forward half at least, was outdone by Jeremiah Antypas and Tane Cotter, who slotted five majors each in a terrific display.

Brilliant Burra continue winning ways
16 July 2023 – NFNL

It again gave St Mary’s the lead and this time; they wouldn’t lose it again despite the Cougars best efforts. A second goal from Antypas, which was set up by Carelli, sealed the Burra’s eighth triumph of the 2023 campaign.

Burra prove too strong for Saints
9 July 2023 – NFNL

St Mary’s flexed their muscles in an impressive 46-point victory over Watsonia at Whatmough Park, keeping their spot in the top five on the MC Labour Division 2 ladder intact.

Burra defender Mitchell Green proved to be St Mary’s’ best as he dominated in their defensive half, taking numerous intercept marks and providing great vision to deliver efficient passes to his teammates.

Burra victors in convincing display
25 June 2023 – NFNL

The Burra led from start to finish after a scintillating four goal to nil first term, holding their form throughout most of the afternoon to finish 13.17 (95) to 7.10 (52) victors.

The Burra’s ball movement through the middle was a lot more efficient, with a particular play started by Rory Hanlon, and with assistance from Tane Cotter, leading to another brilliant goal by Antypas.

Burra get last laugh with win over Bears
4 June 2023 – NFNL

Lachlan Read led an outstanding defensive unit for the home side and was a key catalyst in the victory, with Connor Kissane, in just his second senior game of the year, played a complete four-quarter match and was particularly pivotal in the final term.

Zak Goodwin produced an exciting three-goal game, with all his majors coming in the first half, while Jack Cicitta also finished with three, which included the last two goals of the game that sealed his side’s fourth win of the season.

Fab Carelli joins the NFNL Podcast
2 May 2023 – NFNL

The NFNL chat to St Mary’s senior men’s coach Fabian Carelli following his side’s impressive victory over Watsonia on Saturday.

St Mary’s finds attacking mojo in dominant win over Watsonia
30 April 2023 – Diamond Valley Leader

“The second quarter was as good a footy as I’ve seen a St Mary’s team play since I’ve been at the club. We got on top in the stoppages and clearances and used the ball really well and Nick Dean was on fire, he was marking everything. It helps when you’ve got Jack Bianchin and Tane Cotter in there winning clearances and Rory Hanlon, after not playing the first two rounds, made a big difference too,” said coach Fabian Carelli.

Every NFNL Division 2 club’s in and outs, key players, and 2023 predictions
5 April 2023 – Diamond Valley Leader

The club has improved every season, going from six wins in 2019 to seven in a 12-game 2021 season to eight last year. Can they make the jump into the top-five this season? If they do it will be even more impressive with the level of competition.

St Mary’s to draw motivation from dramatic end to 2022 season
12 March, 2023 – Diamond Valley Leader

Fab Carelli is confident the natural improvement in his young squad, combined with some quality recruits, will see the club back in the hunt for a maiden Division 2 finals berth.

The Burra has secured Jack Bianchin from Division 1 club Macleod as well as Jeremiah Antypas and Adrian Bonato from VAFA Premier C club Marcellin.

Northern League signings ramp up
Friday 25 November 2022 – Whittlesea Leader

St Mary’s has confirmed former junior Jeremiah Antypas is returning to the club next season. Antypas will play for the Burra once again after a stint with Marcellin Old Collegians in the VAFA.

“He is a skilled midfielder and known for his kick which has seen him score 217 goals across 126 senior games, and made VAFA team of the year twice,” St Mary’s said in a social media post.

Players find new homes across the competition
Wednesday 2 November 2022 – Heidelberg Leader

St Mary’s has started its pursuit of finals footy early with the signing of Jack Bianchin for the 2023 season. Bianchin is a former St Mary’s junior who is set to return to the club after a stint with Division 1 outfit Macleod.

“Jack will bring lots of skills to support our younger players, and play a big role in helping them develop,” the club said.

TAC and AFL Victoria Road Safety Round
15 July 2022 – TAC Victoria

This weekend for the TAC and AFL Victoria Road Safety Round thousands of Victorians are wearing their support for road safety. Everyone has someone to drive safely for. So, who are you wearing your blue armband for? Hear why some of the St Mary’s players are wearing their armbands.

Clubs make their mark ahead of Sir Douglas Nicholls Round
8 July 2022 – NFNL

These jumpers have been designed by Alicia Arden in collaboration with her sister Julie and players Cheryle Arden and Judhil Canendo. They’ll be worn by the St Mary’s senior women’s side.

Troy Bickerton joins NFNL podcast
21 June 2022 – NFNL

Hosts Nicholas Sacco and Josh Ward speak to St Mary’s senior women’s coach Troy Bickerton as his side push for a top two spot in Division 2.

Burra bank crucial win
19 June 2022 – NFNL

St Mary’s have asserted themselves as a genuine MC Labour Division 2 finals contender after producing a 15-point win over Watsonia at Whatmough Park.

Rory Hanlon was superb in midfield, combining well with ruckman Bailey Leonard to create plenty of clearances for the home side. They also impressed inside 50, kicking three majors between them.

Fab Carelli joins NFNL podcast
17 May 2022 – NFNL

Nicholas Sacco and Josh Ward chat to Fabian Carelli as the Burra prepare for a big month of football which sees them play three of last year’s top five sides in Division 2.

High-flying Burras plot historic season
3 May 2022 – Diamond Valley Leader

St Mary’s coach Fabian Carelli hoped the early-season form would give his team the platform to challenge the established hierarchy.

Bailey Leonard, Daniel Castagnini and Riley O’Sullivan have stood up. Castagnini was best-on-ground in the win over Panton Hill, while O’Sullivan has booted five goals in his past two games. St Mary’s have also recruited strongly, bringing in Vincent Loccisano from Montmorency, Simon and Tom Carafa (Eltham) and O’Sullivan (Macleod).

“Vinny has fitted into the group really well, the Carafa brothers from Eltham have been exceptional and we picked up Riley O’Sullivan from Macleod juniors,” Carelli said.

“Riley’s been playing predominantly on the wing but we send him deep forward occasionally because he can take a strong mark.

“We’ve still pushed up some 19s this year, Cooper Bruce, Lachie Read and Bailey Leonard has returned as well to boost our ruck stocks.

Burra hold on in tight contest
2 May 2022 – NFNL

St Mary’s 1 have opened their NFNL winter netball season in thrilling style, clinging on to a three-goal victory over Hazel Glen 1 at RMIT University.

The defensive work of St Mary’s duo of Bridget Pilatti and Josie Desmond was impressive, keeping Hazel Glen to just three goals while Caicha converting five shots at the other end gave St Mary’s a handy three goal lead at the main break.

Who’s Coaching who in 2022? We look at the Northern League’s new faces 9 November 2021 – Preston Leader

Fabian Carelli – The Burra finished sixth but were only outside the top five on percentage after a seven-win campaign. St Mary’s had a good early-season win over Thomastown but were able to challenge a top-five team for the rest of the season. Entering his third season in charge, Carelli has the young talent – most notably Tane Cotter and Rory Hanlon – at his disposal to turn his team into a finals contender.

We name 2021’s top 25 players in Northern Football League Division 2 21 September 2021 – Diamond Valley Leader

Tane Cotter – A breakout campaign for the Burras forward, who was still playing predominantly under-19s in 2019. Cotter booted 28 majors – joint third in the competition – in 11 appearances. He wasn’t held goalless once this season and had at least two goals in eight matches with a season-high five in the last-start win over Fitzroy Stars.

Nick Dean – The Burras’ reigning best-and-fairest picked up where he left off from 2019. Earnt six mentions in the best in 10 games and showcased his ability to his the scoreboard from midfield with 15 goals.

We name the Victorian Metro Leagues best under 21 football players 12 August 2021 – The Leader

Rory Hanlon – Made his debut back in 2017 and is now one of St Mary’s coach Fabian Carelli’s first picked. Mixing his time between centre half-forward and the ruck, Hanlon is one of the best young talents in NFL Division 2 having kicked 13 goals in 12 games and earned a nod in the best on five occasions.

Tane Cotter – Has been banging in the goals for St Mary’s this season, sitting equal third in NFL Division 2 with 28 majors despite missing one game. That includes a haul of four against premiership favourite Banyule. The Burras’ production line continues to develop impressive young talent.

St Mary’s stun Thomastown in NFL Division 2 upset of the year contender
20 April 2021 – Diamond Valley Leader

St Mary’s produced an early contender for upset of the Northern Football League season on Saturday, thumping Thomastown by 41 points.

“A couple of us spoke after the game and we thought if we’re talking about consistency, a good brand of four-quarter footy, that would have to be our best win in Division 2 by far,” Carelli said.

Fab Carelli joins the NFNL Podcast
20 April 2021 – NFNL

Samuel Zito and Nicholas Sacco chat to Fabian Carelli about his side’s big win over MC Labour Division 2 ladder-leader Thomastown.

St Mary’s impressive debut NFL Division 2 season claims Diamond Creek scalp
19 August 2019 – Diamond Valley Leader

St Mary’s impressive debut NFL Division 2 season claimed continued as the Burra’s stunning upset put an end to Diamond Creek’s season and earned coach Fabian Carelli a new contract.

St Mary’s produces second straight upset win, knocking off NFL Division 2 finals contender Thomastown
7 July 2019 – Diamond Valley Leader

St Mary’s backed up its upset win over Banyule with another sensational performance on Saturday. The Burra knocked off Thomastown by 13 points, giving them the scalps of two NFL Division 2 premiership contenders in consecutive weeks.

After ending Banyule’s unbeaten start to the season, St Mary’s coach Fabian Carelli challenged his players not to rest on their laurels. “The message we got back from outsiders looking in, it was the loss Banyule had to have and we were a one-hit wonder,” he said.“I said to the boys it’s an indictment on people thinking that and we don’t want to be known as a one-hit wonder and then lose the next game.

NFNL Podcast
3 July 2019

St Mary’s coach Fab Carelli joins the podcast following his side’s upset win over Division 2 ladder-leader Banyule.

St Mary’s claims biggest upset of the Northern Football League season by defeating Banyule
30 June 2019 – Diamond Valley Leader

Coach Fabian Carelli praised his players’ bravery and attack on the ball in slippery conditions.

St Mary’s avenged an 111-point loss and ended Banyule’s undefeated start to the NFL Division 2 season with a dominant performance in difficult conditions at Whatmough Park.

NFNL representative women’s team selected
15 May 2019 – NFNL

St Mary’s player Stephanie Trkulja was selected in the NFNL’s women’s football representative team to take on AFL Barwon at the 2019 Worksafe AFL Victoria Community Championships.

St Mary’s claims its inaugural NFL Division 2 victory after overpowering Epping on Saturday 13 May 2019 – Diamond Valley Leader

Newly promoted St Mary’s is on the board in 2019 after claiming its maiden NFL Division 2 victory on Saturday, overpowering Epping at Whatmough Park to move off the bottom of the ladder.

Burra coach Fabian Carelli said his team had improved each week and the win gave the players confidence they belonged at the higher level.

Netball Reviews – St Mary’s 1 v Laurimar 1
13 May 2019 – NFNL

GS Ciara Hanlon timed her jump for a rebound well and put the Burra on the board with the first goal.

St Mary’s defence kept the Power at the top of the third, however the sides were both able to pick good passes into their attack and were level at 6-6 at quarter time.

GS Hanlon would wait for the drop of her defender before she went up for the goal, giving herself a clear view of her shot.

Burra on the Board
12 May 2019 – NFNL

A dominant third quarter helped St Mary’s breakthrough for its inaugural win in A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2, with a 31-point triumph over Epping.

St Mary’s got the jump early in the game between the competition’s two winless sides, with Myles Guldon nailing a set shot inside the first minute to get his side off to the best possible start.

St Mary’s to use two-year window to establish itself as Division 2 contender
20 February 2019 – Diamond Valley Leader

St Mary’s could not have timed its promotion any better. The Burra will have two years to consolidate themselves in Northern Football League Division 2 after claiming their maiden senior premiership last year. St Mary’s coach Fabian Carelli said the two-year window would give the club a perfect opportunity to consolidate itself in the higher division.

St Mary’s confident of successful jump to Division 2 after historic premiership win
4 December 2018 – Diamond Valley Leader

St Mary’s has resisted the temptation to bolster its list with recruits as it prepares for the jump in class to Northern Football League Division 2.

The Burra were the standout club in the NFL third tier last season, claiming seniors and reserves premierships to underline their superiority.

Coach Fab Carelli has pledged to give the players involved in that success an opportunity to prove themselves and consolidate the club in Division 2 next year.

St Mary’s skipper Dillan Ronalds enjoys spoils of success
13 September 2018 – Diamond Valley Leader

Skipper Dillan Ronalds says leading St Mary’s to a historic Northern Football League premiership “means absolutely everything”.

Ronalds has long been considered one of the prime movers in the NFL’s third tier, featuring for the Burra in five of the past seven seasons.

Burra win first flag
9 September 2018 – NFNL

St Mary’s won its first senior premiership with a 13-point win over a determined Panton Hill in the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Grand Final. The win was sealed late in the game when Nic Daisley stuck a great tackle, won the free and duly converted from 25 metres out.

Myles Guldon named best afield as St Mary’s claims Division 3 premiership
8 September 2018 – Diamond Valley Leader

St Mary’s grand final hero Myles Guldon was in doubt on Friday, forced to leave work early and spend the afternoon in bed as he battled an illness which has plagued him throughout the week.

Less than 24 hours after he was struggling to take the field, Guldon was adjudged best on ground in St Mary’s maiden senior premiership victory

St Mary’s earns breakthrough finals win ove r Panton Hill to progress to grand final
27 August 2018 – Diamond Valley Leader

St Mary’s has declared it is primed to make the leap to Northern Football League Division 2 after progressing to the third tier grand final with a convincing semi-final win over Panton Hill. The Burra were the dominant team throughout the home-and-away season, finishing four matches clear at the top of the ladder.

St Mary’s out to prime itself for breakthrough Division 3 finals win under coach Fabian Carelli
31 July 2018 – Diamond Valley Leader

Flag favourite St Mary’s will spend the run home preparing itself for the added pressure of finals as it looks to claim a breakthrough victory on the big stage.

The Burra have established an unassailable buffer at the top of the Northern Football League Division 3 ladder after winning their past nine matches.

St Mary’s puts footy first in pre-season as Fabian Carelli makes his mark as coach
15 February 2018 – Diamond Valley Leader

New St Mary’s coach Fabian Carelli hopes a “footy-centric” pre-season will have the club primed to build on consecutive finals appearances.

“I think there’s a good crop of under-17 kids coming through that will join the senior ranks this year as well as the recruits that we have picked up,” Carelli said.

Youth appeals to new St Mary’s NFL Coach Fabian Carelli
18 October 2017 – Diamond Valley Leader

Carelli has signed on as senior coach of the Northern Football League Division 3 club for two seasons after a two-year stint at the helm of St Albans in the Western Region league. The former Collingwood under-19s captain said the timing was right to move a little closer to his home in Reservoir.

“You’ve got a really young club here that’s making its way with a really young list so that was part of the attraction,” Carelli said. “I feel I’ve got a real affinity with coaching young players and developing young lists so hopefully I can help take this club to the next level.”

Burra defend title
20 September 2017 – NFNL

St Mary’s became the first back-to-back Division 3 reserves premiers, overhauling a three-goal deficit to edge Banyule by seven points in the decider.

James Girolami was the man for the occasion in the last quarter, kicking two more goals to single-handedly bring the Burra right back into the game. His work lifted his Burra teammates, who pushed for a winning goal.

Lachlan Potter put through a behind to give them the lead with minutes to go, before a big mark and goal to Patrick Waldron gave the Burra a seven-point lead which they would not relinquish.

On the right track 19 January 2015 – NFNL

The highlight was the Burra’s under-19s taking out the Division 2 premiership, giving the club its first football premiership since joining the Northern Football League six years ago.