NFL 2018: Myles Guldon named best afield as St Mary’s claims Division 3 premiership

STUCK in bed due to illness on Friday, St Mary’s forward Myles Guldon had a premiership medallion and best on ground medal around his neck less than 24 hours later.

WHOEVER said sleep is the best medicine was clearly onto something.

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.

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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.

The key forward put on a marking clinic and kicked a crucial goal in the last quarter as the Burra clinched a historic 11.7 (73) to 8.12 (60) victory against Panton Hill at Whittlesea Showgrounds.

“I left work early (on Friday) at about 1pm to go home and go to sleep,” Guldon said.

“I was struggling, just making sure I was doing everything to be right.”

Guldon, who works in sales for a lighting company, said he was fortunate to have an understanding boss.

Myles Guldon holds on to a mark during Saturday’s Division 3 grand final. Picture: Hamish Blair

A foundation member of St Mary’s senior team, Guldon experienced the heartbreak of three elimination final losses before the club produced a breakthrough finals victory against the Redbacks in this year’s major semi-final.

“Every year you look at it, and watching a few mates from Banyule last year win it, it just stings,” he said.

“You’re watching our boys in the twos win it and you’re just waiting for your time.

“We have waited and waited and finally it has come. It means so much.”

Myles Guldon BOG as @StMarysSFC defeat @PantonHillFC 11.7.73 to 8.12.60 in @northernfnl Div 3 GF.

— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) September 8, 2018

Burra coach Fabian Carelli praised Guldon’s impact on the decider.

“He was sensational,” Carelli said.

“He caught the footy every time it went near him. He’s one of the original boys that started this footy club from under-19s.

“It’s a credit for him to be able to stand up on a big stage.”

Guldon helped his side negate the influence of Redbacks defender Mitch Anderson, who thwarted several forward forays from St Mary’s in the first half.

“I thought if I could break even with him and Brent Ryan, the boys would be able to do the rest,” he said.