St Mary’s produces second straight upset win, knocking off NFL Division 2 finals contender Thomastown

After ending Banyule’s undefeated start to the season the previous week, St Mary’s was determined not to be known as one-hit wonders and continued its hot streak by outclassing Thomastown.

Nick Daisley in action for St Mary’s. Picture: Hamish Blair

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.

Chris Petroro in action for St Mary's. Picture: Hamish Blair

“The challenge for us is to make sure we continue our good form and then the competition will sit up and take notice.”

Rivals are sure to do just that after the 11.9 (75) to 8.14 (62) win at Main Street Recreation Reserve.

Myles Guldon sparked the victory with a virtuoso performance in the first quarter as the Burra kicked out to a 26-point lead.

Thomastown hit back in the second term, levelling the scores at half-time.

DIV 2: BURRA BOILOVER ENDS BANYULE’S STREAK

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

BRIDGES: SHAW’S MENTAL, PHYSICAL BATTLE AFTER KO

However, inaccuracy plagued the Bears on their home deck and St Mary’s took full advantage.

“We’ve been on the other end of it a few times this year, they missed a couple, and we were able to capitalise,” Carelli said.

“We were a little bit erratic in the third quarter but in the end luck favoured us for once.”

Tom Cantwell was superb in the ruck and pushed forward to kick two goals, while Jack Dean provided plenty of attack off half-back.

St Mary’s coach Fabian Carelli.

The win moves the Burra up to seventh, ahead of Watsonia by 0.01 per cent, with a clash against the Saints this weekend at Whatmough Park.

Carelli said the club hadn’t given up on finals with seven games remaining.

“Our chances took a fair hit with those loses early in the year, but it’s up to us if we want to aim for finals,” he said.

“They are (believing). The boys are playing some good footy, so it’s good to watch.”

Elsewhere in Division 2, Eltham were too good for Epping, while Diamond Creek fell to Whittlesea.

In Division 1, Hurstbridge are back on the winners’ list with a convincing 75-point win over Lower Plenty but Montmorency were pipped by three points by North Heidelberg.

In Division 3, Panton Hill returned from the bye in excellent form, taking care of Mernda to the tune of 68 points.

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.