Can the North Mackay Saints go undefeated this AFL Mackay season?

The North Mackay Saints are in pursuit of a piece of footy history in 2023. Discover how they plan to do it and the young star central to their ambitions

Cody Filewood celebrates after kicking a goal against Aspley in the NEAFL semi-final at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Picture credit: TJ Yelds.

The North Mackay Saints are on the brink of something special this season.

With two wins from as many games in the senior men’s Allied Cup, they are currently the only undefeated team through the first two rounds of the Mackay Football season.

But it’s not just another premiership they’re chasing – they’re aiming for back-to-back undefeated seasons, something no Mackay Aussie rules team has achieved.

The North Mackay Saints 6.12-48 defeated Eastern Swans 3.2-20 in the 2020 AFL Mackay Allied Pickfords Cup grand final at Harrup Park. Photo: Callum Dick

The Saints have been in blistering form so far, with a percentage of 198% – a massive 79% higher than their nearest rival Mackay.

They’ve been winning games by an average margin of 34 points.

What’s more, the Saints’ winning streak now stands at an incredible 22 games, with the last loss coming a staggering 612 days ago.

At the heart of the Saints‘ success is their star player, 25-year-old Cody Filewood.

Despite suffering an ACL injury that sent him back to Mackay after stints with NEAFL and VFL club the Southport Sharks, Filewood has emerged as one of the league’s elite young players.

Cody Filewood pictured competing at the national under-18 championships in 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch.

He was a NEAFL rising star nominee in 2017, and since returning to Mackay last year, he’s kicked 76 goals and 11 behinds, the best return of any player in the competition in 2022.

East Mackay Saints celebrate their third premiership in as many years and will now look to make it four after a strong start to 2023. Picture: Marty Strecker

As the Saints chase history, there‘s no doubt that the rest of the competition will be looking to knock them off their perch.

But with the talent, skill, and winning mentality that this team possesses, it’s going to take a special effort to stop them. Keep an eye on the North Mackay Saints this season – they could be about to make history.