St Mary’s impressive debut NFL Division 2 season claims Diamond Creek scalp
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.
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St Mary’s giant-killing season claimed another scalp on Saturday as the NFL Division 2 outfit ended Diamond Creek’s year with a stunning four-point upset.
Nick Dean and Mitch Green were the heroes for the Burra in a thrilling final-quarter shootout at Whatmough Park.
Dean put St Mary’s in front with a minute to play after a strong pack mark and goal from 50m before Green saved a goal at the other end with a diving rushed behind.
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With a final-round bye, the Creekers needed a win to keep their season alive and will rue a wasteful 4.6 in the fourth quarter.
“We got in front at three-quarter-time and had all the momentum but as good teams do they came back at us and got in front with two or three minutes to go,” Burra coach Fabian Carelli said.
“They had plenty to play for and our boys responded, so I personally think it’s our best win of the season.
“Beating Banyule and Thomastown and this one, especially knowing Diamond Creek had so much to play for, it was our best win.”
After winning promotion last year, St Mary’s impressive NFL Division 2 season has seen Carelli rewarded with a two-year contract.
“I’m really enjoying what we’re trying to build down there and there’s plenty of young players at our disposal, so there’s some exciting times going forward,” he said.
St Mary’s had a horror first quarter, kicking 0.6 to trail by 14 points at quarter-time and were 13 points down at half-time.
However, the home team responded in the second half, kicking 9.8 to overrun the Creekers, who will finish fifth for the second straight season.
Dean was the Burra’s best in the 12.16 (88) to 12.12 (84) victory, with a coaching masterstroke from Carelli proving critical.
“We moved Nick from centre half-forward to centre half-back to play on Jai Norman and did a tremendous job,” Carelli said.
“We rushed him forward with three minutes to go and he kicked the goal to put us in front. It was a lucky move that paid off.”
With six wins under its belt this season, St Mary’s will look to finish on a high when it travels to face Fitzroy Stars this weekend.
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