NFL 2019: St Mary’s confident of successful jump to Division 2 after historic premiership win
St Mary’s has resisted the temptation to bolster its list with recruits as it prepares for the jump in class to Northern Football League Division 2.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North . Followed categories will be added to My News.
St Mary’s has resisted the temptation to bolster its list with recruits as it prepares for the jump in class to Northern Football League Division 2.
The Burra were the standout club in the NFL third tier last season, claiming seniors and reserves premierships to underline their superiority.
NFL 2018: ST MARY’S CLAIMS MAIDEN SENIOR PREMIERSHIP
NFL 2019: SHERMAN KNOWS LAURIMAR WON’T FLY UNDER RADAR
NFL 2019: ONLY WAY IS UP FOR REBUILDING RESERVOIR
PREMIERSHIP BULLDOG SIGNS WITH NORTH HEIDELBERG
Coach Fab Carelli has pledged to give the players involved in that success an opportunity to prove themselves and consolidate the club in Division 2 next year.
“With the list we have got and the upcoming juniors, as well as the new under-19s coming through, we have got a bit of depth there that will enable us to at least be competitive in our first year up,” Carelli said.
While no high-profile recruits have been added, only defender Leigh Sullivan and Adam Lucci (both retired) have departed.
“I think that (natural improvement) is the way we have got to go at the moment. We’re not ready to be a big-spending footy club,” Carelli said.
“This is one of the best crop of kids I have been around in my coaching time.
“I think we are going to get a lot of improvement from a lot of those guys. While their bodies might not be able to stand up to a full season of Division 2, we have got some older experienced heads around the place that know how to get it done when it counts.”
Skipper Dillan Ronalds, Jake Dambrauskas, Jordan Galea, Lachlan Potter and Ben Mossuto were regular contributors for St Mary’s in its charge to a maiden senior premiership.
The Burra triumphed in 17 of their 18 games this season, giving Carelli confidence his side will be more than capable of making a successful transition to the second tier.
“I think there’s a little bit of a jump, but our blokes will be more than capable of handling it,” he said.
“I think we have got the depth to be able to combat the difference in standard and we are a pretty young group.
“That’s going to hold us in good stead for a few years.”
MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS
PLENTY VALLEY LEGEND SEAN AYRES REACHES 300 GAMES
Imports to bolster Kew’s premiership defence
After a against-the-odds premiership last season, Kew will be the hunted in VSDCA North-East this time around and has welcomed a trio of overseas recruits.
Ex-AFL gun takes Fitzroy Stars coaching reins
Following the disappointment of grand final defeat, Fitzroy Stars have received a massive boost with the appointment of Neville Jetta as coach for 2025.