North Mackay Saints regroup for 2022 after close grand final win

After three straight premierships for the North Mackay Saints, it’s any wonder how the club has avoided complacency. But two rounds into season 2022, the Saints are again atop the Senior Men’s ladder.

Anyone thinking the North Mackay Saints’ reign over senior men’s football was coming to an end has been hit with a major reality check in the season’s opening rounds.

The perennial juggernaut sits clear at the top of the ladder with a percentage of 258.82 following a 30 point win against last year’s runners up, the Mackay Magpies in Round One.

They followed up with a 78 point victory against the Eastern Swans in Round Two.

In pursuit of an elusive fourth straight premiership, coach Craig Jenkins says last year’s narrow grand final victory has evoked a new mindset within the Saints playing group.

“We look hard to beat on paper when at our best, but after only sneaking across the line last season with a one-point win,” Jenkins said.

“We want to continue to improve everything footy over the next few months and are aiming for another big showing in September.”

Jenkins believes this year’s team has a “different feel”.

Key player absences have given the club the ability to blood new young talent like 15-year-old Cohen Frith and new key position players Jacob Wilson and Jacob Aherne.

Midfielder Steven Pugh made his return for the Saints at the weekend with 33 disposals, while Cory Filewood bagged a seven-goal haul.

AFL Mackay now has a three-week break.

Upon the competition’s return on April 30, the Saints will face off against the Mackay Magpies for the third time in their last four Allied Cup encounters.

The Saints will host the Magpies at Zeolla Park, with the game kicking off at 1.45pm Saturday.